On the back of Team GB’s successful showing on the water at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Itchen Imperial Rowing Club is throwing open its doors to the public for the Great British Rowing Weekend.
From 7-8 September, clubs around the country will be welcoming their local communities, giving them the chance to give rowing a try, with British Rowing looking to grow visibility and participation in the sport.
Southampton-based Itchen Imperial have around 60 members and run three club nights, two junior sessions and one race day a week, while they also work in partnership with Portsmouth University.
During the Great British Rowing Weekend, the club will be hosting on-water and indoor taster sessions to introduce people to the sport.
Club captain Steve Taylor said: “We’ve had quite a few enquiries from different people, so we’ve put them on the backburner and just invited them all down for that weekend.
“We’re just going to have a big open day and see how it goes and get them on the water.
“We’ve had a few enquiries come through following the Olympics – I’d say definitely up on normal times.
“We’ve had people approach the club and email the club about trial sessions, about eight people over the last few weeks, which is quite good.”
After a disappointing Games in Tokyo, the British rowing team enjoyed a spectacular return to form during the Paris Olympics, winning nine medals including three golds, and have more success in their sights at the ongoing Paralympics.
Among Itchen Imperial’s alumni is James Foad, who was part of the men’s eight crew who won bronze in the 2012 London Olympics at Eton Dorney.
Taylor said: “James has still got his boat down here and he raced last year for us in local stuff, which is quite cool for the juniors here, having an Olympian race with us.
“He’s had a year off this year because he’s rowed for quite a while, so he’s having a year off with his family.
“He’s been part of a crew that race together and hopefully he’s back next year to have another go with us, that would be quite good.”
A celebration of rowing! The Great British Rowing Weekend launches in 2024. From 7-8 September 2024, clubs around the country will be opening their doors to their local communities, giving everyone in the UK a chance to try rowing – for more information visit britishrowing.org
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