Upton Rowing Club Acquire New Recreational Boats

Following grant aid from the ARA CCDP Portfolio, Upton Rowing Club has recently acquired two new C4 rowing boats. C4 boats are stable, but light, made by Burgashell and available in a coxed quadruple scull which is convertible to coxed (sweep) four. The rigging and seating is the same as a racing rig, but the stable hull allows those new to rowing to develop technique without having to worry about balance.

Upton Rowing Club formally named their boats in a recent naming ceremony. These new stable boats demonstrate Upton RC's commitment to recreational rowing within the ARA's current recreational rowing strategy and framework, as the club was chosen as one of four ARA Recreational Rowing pilot schemes. They have since been followed by five more schemes, making nine PO Xtra Recreational Rowing Centres, in addition to other similar centres throughout the country.

The new boats have already had a considerable amount of use in 2007. Upton RC is running recreational rowing outings and has also planned a number of rowing tours and mini-tours, inviting visitors from other recreational rowing centres. Recreational rowing is seen by Upton RC as part of its strategy to encourage a wider section of their communities into fitness and rowing as it can appeal to those who are not looking for high-level physical demands.

The participants, of all age groups, have become fitter and healthier whilst rowing over longer distances. Upton has partnered with a local District Council (Malvern Hills) in order to provide recreational rowing for those from all social backgrounds and age groups. The Community Club Development Programme (CCDP) funding is provided by the Department of Culture Media and Sport and the scheme is managed by Sport England.