Western

The West Regional Rowing Council (WRRC) is the youngest in the ARA having been in existence for just three years. The large geographical area, encompassing all of Devon and Cornwall, combined with the various types of rowing that takes place in the South West make this region rather unique. The region supports nearly 8000 rowers who are represented by various different Associations. These are; Cornish Pilot Gig Association, West of England Amateur Rowing Association, Seine Boat Group, Isles of Scilly Gig Association and Cornish Rowing Association. Although this is a young region rowing has been taking place for hundreds of years and some of the associations were in existence before the current National Governing Body. With this history it is not surprising that some rowers from the area have achieved national and international success. A few modern day stars from the region include Olympians Ed Coode and Guin Batten and World Indoor Champion Melanie Moore.

All of the associations have a busy racing calendar with events on both Saturdays and Sundays from April through to October with World Championships in both Pilot Gigs and Seine boats being held annually. All of the associations have competed internationally in events in Holland, France and America along with 'The Great River Race' in London and look for opportunities to promote rowing at all times. Partnerships should be at the forefront of all aspects of rowing. Besides the obvious interaction between the rowing organisations themselves the WRRC takes great pride in their involvement with Local Education Authorities, schools, Sports Partnerships at County and Local Authority level along with various Heritage groups. Recent initiatives and future proposals are designed to engage many other groups such as; DEFRA, Environment Agency, South West Lakes, Harbour/Port Authorities, the Market and Coastal Town initiative, the Beautiful Bays initiative, Sports coach UK, business partnerships, housing associations and their specific community groups and Primary Care Trusts including disability and drug groups.

Our Priorities

It is apparent that one of the greatest successes has been getting people onto the water. In the case of fixed seat coastal rowing membership has escalated in recent years. This has occurred not through heavy financial investment, but through hard working and enthusiastic members who have not been hampered by unnecessary bureaucracy. With this success comes the problem that many clubs are at, or reaching, saturation point. The region will encourage the sharing of knowledge from clubs that have been successful in obtaining large grants and sponsorship for facilities expansion and improvement along with input and support from the National Governing Body so that we can all continue to welcome new members. The coach education system is well established now within the river rowing clubs and has a number of Tutors and Assessors who are able to deliver Dry Start and Instructor Award courses. The other associations have different requirements to the ARA standard courses; qualified coaches from the Region's Coaching Commission will work with fixed seat coastal rowing groups to develop a coach award programme suitable for their needs. The WRRC aims to build the capacity of existing clubs by supporting them in modernising and improving their facilities and equipment. Recent analysis has identified a number of development issues and concerns which include:

1. Exmouth and Exeter where secure tenure of current club sites is required.
2. New or improved facilities to extend current activity are required at Bideford, Plymouth, Salcombe and Wimbleball.
3. The recent audit and survey of the fixed seat group has indicated facilities issues with 23 clubs and equipment shortages at a further 18.
4. Establish a new site at Stithians Lake, Falmouth