World Class Start Programme

The aim of the ARA’s World Class Start Programme, sponsored by Siemens is to:

We are looking for young men and women who are:

Individuals are tested and, if successful, recruited into World Class Start (WCS) centres (based in a club or university) where they are developed by a full time dedicated coach.

Individuals not near a WCS centre may be developed in their local club if there is suitable support and coaching available. A WCS coach then visits the club regularly to offer support and advice.

Individuals are usually around 15 years old or 18 for university based centres.

The minimum heights:

Women	Men
(at least) 178 cm (5’10”) or more	(atleast) 188 cm (6’2”) or more

Don’t despair though if you are older than 18 but not huge you might be an Olympic class lightweight (see below).

Talent is tested using a researched, specific battery of tests that measure raw talent rather than trained performance. We measure potential and then compare this to successful rowers (including Olympic champions).

Many other qualities are needed to be a successful Olympian; we will train and discover these during a rower’s development.

Lightweights are only tested when older than 18. You need to be exceptionally athletic.

The minimum heights:

Women	Men
(at least) 171 cm (5’7”) or more	(at least) 181 cm (5’11”) or more