WELCOME TO RICHMOND BRIDGE BOAT CLUB

A Club "Like No Other"

The Richmond Bridge Boat Club (RBBC) is the friendliest adult only rowing club on the River Thames, providing rowers of all abilities the chance to get onto the water for pleasure, exercise or competition in a fun, inclusive, sociable and safe way, seven days a week on one of the most beautiful stretches of river in the world.

Since 2013 we’ve been on the water all year ‘round in our own traditional Thames-style boats, purpose-built using the centuries-old wooden clinker construction technique.

Come and see for yourself - book a free Taster row you’re assured of a warm welcome whatever your rowing experience.

Like every recreational club in the UK, we’re finding our feet as social distancing rules ease. That means reassessing the number, times and days of the week we want to get our boats out onto the water.

So why not get in touch and find out more?

RICHMOND LOCK AND WEIR DRAW-OFF 2022

The draw-off period will commence at approximately 08:30 on Monday 31st October and will complete at approximately 16:30 on Friday 23 rd December 2022.

In order to carry out essential maintenance works and additional repairs on Richmond lock, weirs and sluices, it will be necessary to lift the weirs at Richmond for a period of 8 weeks. This will allow the river between Richmond Lock and Teddington Lock to drain down at low water on each tide. The draw-off period will commence at approximately 08:30 on Monday 31 st October and will complete at approximately 16:30 on Friday 23 rd December 2022.

Interested?

We’d love to hear from you! If you need more information, please fill out the form below and we will get in touch with you shortly.

Note that you can join the club anytime, but if you wish to try a taster row beforehand, please get in touch. Note that this club is for Adults only!

BOOK A TASTER ROW

MEMBERSHIPS

FAQ

We know what you really wanna know about RBBC. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of all the frequently questions we usually get asked regarding our club, how to row and our events and competitions.

If you still haven’t found the answers you’re looking for, feel free to contact us and we’ll be happy to answer your questions.

I'VE ROWED BEFORE - DO I STILL NEED A TASTER ROW

If you have rowed before, you are still welcome to try a taster during March – September.

Please complete the form on this page first and we will hold your details on our waiting list.

We will then notify you by email when taster rows are due to start. This will explain how to book your first taster session, and what to expect next.

Once your taster row is confirmed, we ask that you take a few minutes and watch the safety video on this page and rowing commands. This will make your experience more enjoyable. Please arrive at the clubhouse 15 minutes before the rowing time, to help prepare you for your row. The format is informal and friendly, so you will soon be introduced and chatting to others.

WHEN DO THESE TASTER ROWS HAPPEN?

There are rowing sessions for club members scheduled nearly every day of the week – typically in the mornings or early evening time.

Due to COVID, we ask that you email your interest and in return we will offer a dates for the taster sessions. You get to have two free sessions lasting approx.45mins each.

WHAT IS YOUR CANCELLATION POLICY?

If you have booked a row and are unable to turn, please send us an e-mail or leave us a message on our facebook site so your crew is not hanging around for you – and your space can be re-allocated.

WHAT FITNESS LEVEL IS REQUIRED

The club is adaptable to all levels of fitness. Some members like to row for the social aspect and being outdoors. Other members want to develop their rowing skills and performance. Through training classes and mentoring sessions, we ensure all needs are met

WHAT SHOULD I WEAR FOR MY TASTER ROW?

As a taster row you will be required to watch the clubs safety video on arrival, before you row.

On occasion, if there is not enough time to watch the video, your Cox will give a safety briefing on the boat.

Safety equipment is supplied to all the boats out on a row.

Life jackets are not required to be worn by rowers (other than by the Cox). The club has a limited number of life jackets available, but if you plan to wear a life jacket on a regular basis, then we ask that you supply your own.

Comfortable clothing – most members wear a form of sports trousers/ leggings/ waterproofs? Jeans are not advised – the seams can get uncomfortable and cause chafing!

Layer up – you can get very warm rowing so layers are advised.

Footwear – must be flat and with a grip. Trainers, sailing shoes, wellies when it’s really wet are all suitable.

Gloves – if you row regularly then gloves are advisable if you are prone to blisters. Cycling gloves (in particular the gel ones, full or cropped finger glove) do the job really well.

Club kit – we do have a great range of club kit available to buy from our online shop.

Valuables – there are lockers in the clubhouse for your use.

NEXT STEPS AFTER TASTER ROW

If you have enjoyed a taster session and are ready to join please email our membership secretary at membership@richmondbridgeboatclub.org or email info@richmondbridgeboatclub.com.

If you love fun, being outdoors and the beautiful river Thames for all its stunning scenery – then you’d be crazy not to!

Check out the various Membership options on the Membership page below.

BOOK A TASTER ROW