News

Posted: 14 April 2026

During the week of 6–10 April, Scottish Rowing delivered an Instructors Course on the River Ayr for participants from across South Ayrshire, in partnership with the South Ayrshire Thriving Communities Team.

Following the impact of Storm David, the course was delayed by one day to allow river conditions to stabilise. Once conditions improved, the programme began on Tuesday and quickly gathered momentum.

Although none of the candidates had previous rowing experience, they brought with them a wide range of complementary water-based skills. Participants included pool lifeguards and qualified canoe and kayak instructors, providing a strong foundation of safety awareness and water sports knowledge.

Image: Scottish Rowing. Three newly qualified instructors and two staff supporters standing beside the Glide One boats.

The first two days focused on learning to row using Glide One boats. By the end of this phase, candidates were assessed on essential practical skills, including rigging the boat, launching safely, rowing in a straight line, turning, reversing and exiting the boat safely. All candidates reached a competent standard by the afternoon of day two.

With rowing competence established, days three and four shifted focus to the instructional elements of the course. The instructor programme is delivered across four core modules:

1. Safety

2. Boat Familiarisation

3. Instruction

4. Recovery

Through these modules, candidates learned to identify environmental and on-water risks and apply appropriate mitigation strategies. They developed a detailed understanding of Glide One boat mechanics, including how to replace component parts. They practised delivering engaging instruction to young people using a variety of teaching methods. Candidates also demonstrated safe and effective techniques for recovering young people on the water in different scenarios.

Image: Scottish Rowing. A group of the instructors in training alongside staff support completig manoeuvring drills on the water.

The course concluded with a 15-minute, scenario-based assessment, during which candidates were presented with a series of live incidents. Each participant was required to prioritise, respond, and resolve multiple situations in real time, demonstrating both technical competence and sound decision-making under pressure.

This course represents an important step in building local rowing capacity in South Ayrshire, equipping new instructors with the skills, confidence, and safety awareness needed to introduce young people to rowing on the River Ayr.

If you are interesting in getting involved, please reach out to Mark Senter, Outreach and Inclusion Manager & Lead Wellbeing and Protection Officer via email at mark.senter@scottish-rowing.org.uk