The Novice Squad generally takes those passing out from the Learn to Row (L2R) courses one summer, develops them over the winter months and then passes them on to either the Intermediate Squad or the Senior Men's or Women's Squads the next summer.

Others who have rowed a bit before elsewhere but have been not been on one of our L2R courses can also join this squad if it suits their ability level. 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 members are the least experienced teams at the club, there is still a great deal of dedication and commitment, with two 'compulsory' sessions and the option of two or three more, doing a mixture of water, ergo, flexibility, fitness and core strength work.

The water 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.

Intermediates

In 2010 we had so many experienced novices (or ex-novices) from the previous two years that we formed this group, so that the rowers can move on and develop appropriately. They work closely with and help out the Novice Squad, but will generally be rowing at a higher level and entering competitions throughout the year. New members with a reasonable amount of rowing experience can join ths sqaud without going thorugh the Novice Squad.

Competition

The majority of the Novice Squad members generally start entering competitions within six months of finishing the L2R course. Intermediates will be competing right through the year. There are a series of head races (time trials over 3-5 km) during the autumn and winter. The first event for new rowers might be 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.

Recreational rowing

Some novices and intermediates (and indeed members at all levels) may want to row with less emphasis on competition and more on the recreational side. As a club we hope to expand this side of our activities and are now accredited to the national Explore Rowing initiative. We have also bought some boats which are wider and more stable than our other 'fine' boats, allowing the less experienced to get out on their own much sooner.

Coaches and coordinators

Squad coordinators for the Intermediates are:
* Claire Rowley for the women: cclrowley@aol.com
* Ben Shorey for the men: ben.shorey@gmail.com
Ben, Laura Croisdale, Colin Percy and hopefully others will be coaching the squad in 2011-12. Colin Percy is happy to answer any gernal questions about rowing at this level - contact him at secretary@tynerowingclub.org or via the Contact us page.

This page last updated on 10 September 2011.