About our Courses

“I found it really helpful going for long paddles all the way down the river and I appreciated the focus on getting technique sorted out. The racing was also really good practice for real races in the future”

- Half-day course participant

It all started with Alec Hodges…

Tideway Scullers’ Learn to Row and Improvers’ Sculling Courses are named after Alec Hodges, a former captain and founder member of the club. Alec dedicated much of his time to encouraging scullers of all levels, from novices to Olympic athletes such as Debbie Flood and Alan Campbell.

In the 1990s Alec established the sculling courses to pass on his passion for sculling. He died in 2008 but remains the inspiration behind today’s courses, which focus on learning the art of single sculling.  Based at Tideway Scullers School Boat House in Chiswick, scullers will boat onto the waters of the tidal Thames, down to Putney along the boat race course, or upstream to Richmond through the countryside around Kew Gardens and Syon Park. 

The courses are run by our coaches, many of whom have represented GB as Junior or Senior International rowers, supported by helpers from Tideway Scullers junior squads.  Each is tailored to reflect the standard of the scullers on the course and true to Alec’s vision the course accommodates all standards of scullers. 

The courses focus on technical sessions on the water in singles with video analysis. At the end of the week, everyone has the chance to race in a side by side regatta.

 Courses run on selected weeks from Monday to Friday during Spring, Summer and Autumn.

“I cannot thank you enough . Well run, organised, om time , I was well informed at all times. Every staff member was eager to help. Great all round (the only downside- the course is now over). I have already been spreading the word. I hope to see you again next year.”

- Half-day course participant