Junior Squad
Excellence without pressure
Excellence without pressure
GRC Junior Squad
Welcome to our junior squad!
We are >100 young rowers aged 11 to 18 across three friendly and dynamic junior squads: Novice (school years 7 &8); Junior Development & Performance (school years 9 & 10); and Junior 16+ (year 11+).
We also run a thriving Adaptive Junior Squad across all ages and abilities.
HOW TO JOIN
For 2026-7 our team is full, please complete the form linked below to join the waiting list. At this time we are not taking new novice rowers until September 2027.
Join the Wait List here
If you are an experienced rower (1+ year of rowing) we may be able to add you to our team sooner if we have a vacancy in the coming months.
If you are a new rower (never rowed before, or completed a summer Learn To Row program elsewhere) we welcome you to the program at the start of September 2027.
Outside September’s entry point we operate a waiting list in preparation for the next year. Due to the nature of the sport, we do not offer “trial sessions” or “Taster sessions”, all new rowers join together in September.
WHO CAN ROW AT GUIDFORD?
We accept rowers from Year 7 up, and our usual points of entry for new-to-rowing athletes is Year 7 & Year 8. Occasionally we will also offer places to new rowers at Year 9 and 11. Please click join the waiting list.
WHAT IS YOUR ETHOS?
The emphasis is firmly on fun and fitness – and building excellent rowing technique.
Our aim is:
“Excellence Without Pressure”
We get outstanding instruction from our large, highly experienced and dedicated coaching team, all of whom are volunteers.
WHEN DO YOU TRAIN?
In addition to weekend training sessions on the River Wey, there’s a weekday fitness building programme off the water for all ages.
J12-J15 groups all train on Sunday mornings. J16+ train on Saturday afternoons. All squads train across weekday evenings as well, in a rotation.
If you’re interested in racing, we punch well above our weight…
Crews regularly bring home medals and silverware from national competitions (including the prestigious National Schools Regatta) as well as a wide range of local events.
In 2025 & 26 we qualified three crews for the Junior Inter Regional Regatta; in 2026 we were the only club in the country to achieve A finals a National Schools with both a boys & a girls crew at J14. We also won medals at Maidenhead, Walton, Molesey, Kingston and other regattas across all ages!
If you’ve rowed before (c. 1 year at another club or school) we may be able to incorporate you into the program year round. Please fill in the form linked below and above and be sure to add your correct year at school and birth date, and your rowing experience to the form.
It’s our mission to help young people discover and enjoy this exhilarating and rewarding sport, so we strive to make membership as accessible and affordable as possible.
FREQUENTY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the junior programme?
We’re a 100% volunteer-led junior rowing programme for young people, and one of the most active in the region. Our juniors learn to row and scull, train together, and compete at regattas across the country. Just as importantly, they become part of a supportive, fun community on and off the water.
What ages can join?
We welcome juniors from year 7 until they leave school, and they train in year groups.
Does my child need any rowing experience?
None at all. Most of our juniors start as complete beginners. Our coaches will teach everything from the ground up.
Does my child need to be sporty or a particular build?
No. Rowing suits a huge range of young people. What matters most is a willingness to turn up, try, and be part of a team.
Can they still do their other sports and activities?
Yes. Plenty of our juniors play other sports and balance rowing alongside school and hobbies. We’ll talk you through the level of commitment for each group so you can find the right fit.
How do we join?
Outside of September’s intake we operate a waiting list. Fill in the form linked by the button above.
Do you offer taster sessions?
No, we do not offer taster sessions. All novices and new rowers start together in September. If you find its not right for you after a few sessions that’s absolutely fine. However, you will find it take a couple of go’s to get a feel for rowing, so we encourage you to stick with it for at least 6 weeks.
How much does it cost?
Our junior membership is £93 per term (£279 per year).
What does the fee include?
The termly fee covers regular coached training sessions, use of the club’s boats and equipment, and coaching from our volunteer team. Racing, kit, and away training is in addition.
Is financial help available?
We never want cost to be the reason a young person can’t row. If affordability is a concern, please have a confidential word with us and we’ll do our best to help.
When and where do sessions take place?
We train on the River Wey at the Guildford Rowing Club boathouse, findable on google maps. Junior sessions are:
Year 7 & 8: Sunday 9-11am
Year 9 & 10: Sunday 11am-2:30pm
Year 11+: Saturday 1-4pm
Additional sessions during weekdays depending on your child’s level of ability.
What should my child wear and bring?
Close-fitting sports clothing works best (leggings or shorts rather than baggy trackies, which catch in the boat). They should bring a water bottle, hat, trainers and spare change of clothes. Racing kit can be ordered during open windows once you know rowing is for you.
Does my child need to be able to swim?
Yes, for safety, juniors need to be water-confident and able swim 50m. All beginners should also complete a capsize and safety training during their first season rowing.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Rowing is an outdoor sport and we train in most conditions, so warm layers are important. If the river is unsafe (for example in high stream), sessions move indoors to land training and the rowing machines.
Will my child have to race?
No. Competing is entirely optional. Many juniors love racing at regattas and head races around the country, and we have a strong record at events, but plenty of others row purely for the enjoyment, fitness and friendships. There’s a place here for both.
What are regattas like?
They’re friendly, exciting days out. You can see what it’s like in the video below!