A new rowing academy is aiming to inspire the next generation to take to the water.
Falmouth’s Pilot Gig Club is behind the world-first Junior Gig Rowing Academy, designed for 11 to 18-year-olds and supported by Falmouth Harbour.
The scheme aims to give young people a pathway into senior rowing, whether they have experience or are completely new to the sport.
The academy is the brainchild of lifelong gig rower Jordan Smith, who said: "As gig rowers we are passionate about our sport, our gig communities and culture and the huge physical and mental benefits for people of all ages of getting out on the water with a committed crew to compete or just for fun.
"Our dedicated Academy aims to get more young people rowing and to support them through a critical stage in their development so they keep rowing into adulthood."
The programme will offer training both on and off the water.
It will cover rowing techniques and wider skills such as navigation, first aid and chart work to help raise awareness of the environment.
Falmouth Harbour is providing free onshore classroom space, storage for a training gig, and sponsored kit for the young rowers.
Tristan Rowe, head of commercial operations at Falmouth Harbour, said: "Pilot Gigs are such an iconic sight out on our beautiful harbour waters – and the Gig Clubs themselves create such strong and important communities.
"We’re proud to be able to support our local Club in establishing this World-first Junior Gig Rowing Academy to bring more and more young people into this fantastic and inspiring sport and nurture that enthusiasm into the senior rowing levels."
The academy is fundraising for a new full-size GRP (glass reinforced plastic) training gig.
It is also fundraising for oars, lifejackets and other equipment, with support from Sport England and the Movement Fund.
Jill Hoather, Falmouth’s current junior captain, said: "Our new Junior Academy, with the support of our Club Captain, Jordan Smith, will give renewed energy and structure to the work we already do with our young rowers in Falmouth and hopefully help give them a life-long sense of the value of rowing on mind and body.
"There’s really nothing quite like it - as our Veterans, Super-vet and Masters crews will confirm as they continue rowing and competing into their sixties, seventies and even beyond!"
Share