The Novice Squad generally takes those passing out from the Learn to Row courses one summer, develops them over the winter months and then passes them on to either our Intermediate Squad or the senior men's or women's sqauds the next summer. Others who may not have been on the courses but find the ability level about right can join in too. The exact make-up will vary from year to year, but it is usually about 12-15 people, of varying ages but a shared enthusiasm.
Although the Novice Squad and above them the Intermediate Squad are the least experienced teams at the club, there is still a great deal of dedication and commitment, with the option of training up to 6 days a week doing a mixture of water, ergo and flexibility & core strength sessions.
For every novice or intermediate at Tyne, each session is an opportunity to learn and develop as a rower, picking up new skills and knowledge from the more experienced crews and coaches. Whether it be technique, fitness or looking after the equipment there is a wealth of knowledge at Tyne and a friendly supportive atmosphere in which to learn.
The sessions involve trying out both rowing (eights and fours) and sculling (quads, doubles and singles) to gain wider experience and find out what people are most suited to. There are also opportunities to join in with more experienced crews to benefit from their knowledge and to further develop technique, stamina and confidence.
The majority of the Novice Squad members will have raced competitively by the end of their first year, representing the club at events across the country. Intermediates will do the same events, but at a higher level. The first event for new rowers is usually our own Tyne Head in February and then possibly races at York in March and Strathclyde Park in April. Local regattas at Chester-le-Street, Cambois, Tees, Durham and Hexham (to name but a few) follow. Some novices choose to row with less emphasis on competition and more on the recreational side - something we hope to expand in 2010-11.
New coordinator for the Novice and Intermediate Squads is Keith Gray - contact him via enquiries@tynerowingclub.org. Watch this space for news of new coaches for the autumn.
