New members

Thinking about giving rowing a try?
This page gives information about the club. We know it can be daunting to come down to somewhere new where you perhaps don’t know anyone, so our  Membership Co-ordinator, Lesley, would be happy to speak you about arranging your first visit. You can attend several sessions before you commit to joining.

Contact Lesley Jones: membership@queensferryrowing.org or 07970 721298. Membership is £45 a year for an individual; £55 for families, £20 for youth members (unless part of a family membership); £20 for associate – non-rowing.

Why coastal rowing?
Coastal rowing is one of the fastest growing sports in Scotland. It keeps you fit and active outdoors all year round, no matter what age you are. Coastal rowing provides opportunities for social rowing and competitive rowing, and both are equally valid.

You might want to get involved in boat maintenance, or learn these skills. Most of all, coastal rowing keeps you in good company and it’s great fun!

Our shed at Port Edgar
Our shed at Port Edgar – and a crew heading out for a row

Queensferry Rowing Club
QRC is a friendly, welcoming club, with members from all walks of life mainly from South Queensferry, but also from Edinburgh, Fife and West Lothian. We row our two St Ayles skiffs, Ferry Maid and Ferry Lass, in the shadow of the three iconic bridges on the Firth of Forth, and enjoy the huge variety of internationally important birds and animals that we share the river with. Each row is different and there is always something new to see and learn.

QRC is affiliated to the Scottish Coastal Rowing Association (SCRA). You find further information on their website at www.scottishcoastalrowing.org.uk and by browsing through this website.

When you don’t know the ‘blunt end’ of the boat from the ‘sharp end’…
While many members come to coastal rowing having had some sort of background on the water, someone will always been around to give advice, instruction, encouragement and show you what to do. We’ve all had to start at the beginning at some point! You can progress to more challenging roles in the sport, first by qualifying as “competent crew” by ticking off a list of basic skills, then by taking a coxing course. From there you can go on to learn the skills needed to become a Skipper (see below).

Club Activities
There is a variety of rowing and land based activities to take part in through the year, including picnic rows, Shed events and regattas. You are always guaranteed a warm welcome!

Tea and coffee are always available, and on a Saturday morning you will find us by following the smell of delicious bacon rolls wafting from the Shed! There is also usually a supply of biscuits to reward hungry rowers. We ask for a small contribution, which goes towards Club funds.

Rowing times
Social rowing takes place at the times shown below, subject to weather and tides. These sessions are for everyone and are very relaxed. It’s where you’ll learn most about rowing, meet other members of the club and start to explore the local area.

Social rowing sessions:
Summer only: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6pm to 8pm
Summer and winter: Saturdays from 9am, Sundays from 1pm

Training rows
Once you’ve been out a few times and feel more confident, you might like to join one of our training rows. These rows involve fitness and practising technical aspects of rowing and racing. We ask everyone taking part to pay £1 for each row, which goes towards general club funds.

Queensferry’s 2018 regatta

Regattas
The Club attends a number of regattas around the country in the summer. Regattas are highly competitive, but very enjoyable. Racing generally takes place in age categories, but there are often fun races too.

Youth Rowing
We have an active medal winning youth rowing section and we’re always looking for new keen beans! Youth rowers have their own training sessions, where they can learn to row as part of a similarly aged crew, but are also welcome at all other sessions. For more information on getting involved, contact our Youth Co-ordinator: Peter Locke at peterclocke@aol.com

What to wear
Layering is the name of the game! It can be cold and windy out on the river, but you will warm up very quickly. Clothing should be light, and non-restrictive. Leggings, fleeces, tops, light windproof jackets are all suitable, and man-made fibres that dry quickly will be most comfortable. Hats and buffs are useful, and are easily removed when you warm up. Many rowers use gloves: sailing or cycling gloves are suitable.

What the well-dressed rower is wearing… layering in evidence for a March row

Most people end up rowing in wellies – otherwise your feet get wet when launching and recovering the boat. However, in warmer weather trainers and boat shoes are fine, so long as you don’t mind them getting wet.

The most important piece of clothing is a life jacket. You can borrow one from the club, but they MUST be worn on every row.

Club Kit
Club polo shirts, hoodies, zoodies and t-shirts and more are available to buy from our online shop. Click here for more information.

Safety
As well as compulsory life jackets, QRC operates a system of designated Skippers or ‘Responsible Persons’ (RPs) and these are the only members of the Club authorised to launch boats. This ensures members always go out with a person who is trained to take decisions on the water.

How to find us at Port Edgar
The boat house, affectionately known as ‘The Shed’ faces the harbour. From the main car park, walk with Scott’s restaurant on your left and the river on your right, to the second set of buildings. The Shed doors are white and are usually open during rowing times. Come on in!

Other Information

Membership application form
Rules and Conditions of Membership
Child protection policy
Privacy policy