Paignton Amateur Rowing Club
New members are always welcome - no experience necessary, no upper age limit...!
Just starting rowing?
You are welcome to come down any Monday night to have a go. We encourage prospective new members to attend for a month before applying to join the club, just to make sure that they enjoy it.
Over the first few sessions we teach the basics on the rowing machine and in our training boats, and if you are keen and able, integrate you into one of our rowing squads
The best time to turn up is 5.30ish
We run open sessions especially for those looking to try the Sport.
CoxingIf you don't fancy all of the effort of rowing but still want to be involved in the thrill of the sport you might want to consider the role of coxswain (thermals and a hat are vital in the winter!), you'll made more than welcome and will soon find that you are playing a vital role in one of the most demanding sports. Who knows you may walk away from races with medals or pots to show off without taking a single stroke.
What should you wear?
Multiple layers are important so that if you get warm you can peel a layer off or conversely add a layer on. You will need to come ready to row, we recommend that you wear, or have with you a vest, ‘t’ shirt, sweat shirt, lightweight shower proof top, tracksuit bottoms and preferably plimsolls or trainers and two pairs of thick socks. Basically, you need warm, light, loose, wind/shower proof clothing. Also bring with you a complete change of clothes; including shoes because we shall go on the water even if it is raining, there is nothing worse than having to drive home in wet clothing. We do no expect you to fall in the water, not on the first week, at any rate.
Hot weather
Clothing to keep you cool, and protect you from exposure to the sun. Layers of light clothing e.g. t-shirts, allowing their removal as you warm-up. Head gear for sun protection, clothing to prevent sunburn. Sunglasses to reduce glare from the water, Sun cream/sun block.
A water bottle is a must for both winter and summer training and racing. Dehydration will impair your performance and can lead to heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Please contact the Club Captain: Karen Gidley Tel: 01803 558551 Or E-mail
Please contact the Gig Captain: Shelley Pereira E-mail
or alternatively use the "Mail Form" facility on this web site to send an email which will be answered and/or forwarded as appropriate.
Health and Safety
Safety is paramount, PARC operate under the auspices of the ARA whose Water Safety Code is the basis for safe rowing. (Handbook in the Boathouse)
You should be capable of swimming 50m in light clothing (we won’t ask you to demonstrate this, not at first anyway, but we shall arrange a swim test and capsize drill for you to participate in once you have joined the club). If you are not able to swim this distance you must bring this to the attention of the instructor on the first day.
We shall enlighten you on the safety issues that will concern you whilst you are training.
You will be shown around the boathouses, boat racks and changing facilities for men and women hot shows in both. Launching area and Harbour slip. The various safety hazards will be pointed out to you. We shall explain the river navigation, water codes and Rowing on the Sea navigation.
Rowing is an all weather sport so you should come be prepared to go on the water even if it is raining.
Water Safety
Danger from Water-Borne Diseases
Members should be aware that there is a small risk of contracting Weill’s Disease (Leptospirosis) and other disorders because of micro-organisms in the river. The risk is higher in the summer months when the river flow is reduced.
Recommended precautions are:
• Minimise contact with the water
• Cuts and abrasions should be covered with waterproof dressings
• Shower after contact with water
• Wash hands thoroughly before eating and drinking
If ‘flu like symptoms develop shortly after contact with the water (1-3 weeks) then your doctor should be contacted and advised of the circumstances of exposure.
Hypothermia
The following are the most usual symptoms and signs, but not all may be present.
(a) Unexpected and unreasonable behaviour possibly accompanied by complaints of coldness and tiredness.
(b) Physical and mental lethargy with failure to understand a question or orders.
(c) Slurring of speech.
(d) Violent outburst of unexpected energy and violent language, becoming uncooperative.
(e) Failure of, or abnormality in, vision.
(f) Twitching.
(g) Lack of control of limbs, unsteadiness and complaining of numbness and cramp.
(h) General shock with pallor and blueness of lips and nails.
(i) Slow weak pulse, wheezing and coughing.
Try to reduce the chances of hypothermia by dressing to beat the cold. Wear layers of clothing and the outer layer should be wind and waterproof. A major source of heat loss is the head, wearing some sort of heat can help to reduce this loss.
When hypothermia is suspected the aim must be to prevent the casualty losing more body heat and to rewarm the casualty.
(Recommendations from ARA Water Safety Code)