As a club we are very keen to ensure young people growing up in Bristol have the opportunity to try gig rowing. Gig rowing demands strength, stamina and being a team player, and is therefore a great form of exercise as well as a bonding social activity. It would also be of great benefit to those studying Sports Science or completing the Duke of Edinburgh award. Its also a way of involving young people in harbour life, which is so central to Bristol and it’s maritime history.
Rowing in our junior crews is a great opportunity for improving fitness, developing team skills, and making friends. We row in the harbour on Saturday mornings and on Wednesday evenings. In the Summer we attend regattas across the Southwest, getting the chance to compete with other junior teams from all over.
Young people are able to take part in rowing once they are in Year 7 and upwards. However, a key requirement is that they can lift one of our oars safely. Being able to swim 50 yards is desirable, but life jackets have to be worn by all under 16s. Juniors can compete in under 14s and under 16s races. There are some under 18s races too, and over 16s can go for selection in our adult crews.
We have a great junior coordination team, and many of them are experienced rowers. Our DBS checked junior coxes give encouragement and motivation, as well as advice on technical rowing skills.
We’re always looking for new recruits. Young people can try gig rowing by attending a taster day which are held through out the year.
To get your child’s name on our waiting list please contact the Junior coordination team on – youth.bristolgigclub@gmail.com
We look forward to meeting you.
Hear from our Junior Captain….
Just after COVID, I signed up to a set of taster rows at Bristol Gig Club. I had never rowed before, or done anything similar, and didn’t know anyone at the club. I just wanted to try something a bit different. In these rows, I learnt the basic techniques but was also made to feel very welcome and had a great time. 3 1⁄2 years on and I’m still really good friends with some of the other newbies who were in my boat, as well as other juniors who are newer to the club.
Throughout my time at the club, I have massively developed my rowing techniques – from how to hold the oar, to learning the best posture for me to get the most power through each stroke. This improvement has led me to row in regattas as part of the Junior crew, and in some of the Women’s crews.
One of my favourite regattas was the first Weymouth Regatta I attended. It was as part of a strong Junior crew and we came second. There was a large number of other crews attending, so there were quite a lot of gigs for us to race against. It was also a beautiful day which isn’t always the case! I can remember us all rowing together so well, with the motivation from Lucy (our cox) shouting us on.
I am now Junior Captain for the club, meaning that I attend committee meetings and put forward any ideas the Juniors may have. With the number of Juniors at the club growing, I hope that crews can attend many more regattas in future.
Isabel
Bristol Gig Club 