Loch Awe Coastal Rowing Club

I have been interested in skiff rowing for some time but wasn’t sure how to access local clubs. Just as lockdown was ending in April 2021 I was fortunate to meet Melanie Grey and to be invited for a try out at Loch Awe.

I loved it immediately and was impressed by the friendliness of the club and the experience and knowledge of most of the members I met.

I have thoroughly enjoyed all the rowing I have done, especially our Kerrera excursion, and plan to keep doing it as long as I am able!

I moved back to Argyll at the start of the year and knew that I had to get back rowing again!

Needless to say I was so pleased to find that LACRC was only 20 mins away. Gordon, the club chair, was so welcoming and since joining, I’ve had such fun.

A combination of really nice rowers and some fantastic expeditions off the west coast is why I enjoy the club so much.

My introduction to skiff rowing came through a stand at Taynuilt Highland games. A smart looking boat parked alongside a local chart marked into squares against which prizes would later be drawn. I’m impressed that someone has recently built a wooden rowing boat and so I buy a couple of squares… “Would you like to Have-a-go at rowing” asks the girl attending the stall. It’s £5 and they’ll contact you to arrange a date.

Sure enough a couple of days later I receive a call. “About your Have-a-go: We’re running a training session, it would suit us if you came along then…” And so it started. I enjoy the time on the water. Stunning scenery, variable weather, and it’s a fine feeling when all the rowers pull together.

What about the raffle you ask? A melamine tray with a Highland Coo on – I must have got the top prize!

I replied to an email from Gordon who was asking if anyone would like to form a crew for the skiff that he had just finished building. Having been around boats most of my life I was keen to experience this new activity. I formed part of the crew for Mingulay’s first launch and from there we formed our club.

Being a busy working mum at that time as an air stewardess and take control dog training business, along with all my children’s activities I thought it would be a great opportunity for some exercise and to meet new people while at our holiday home in Dalavich. This has proven to be the case and has become a real family affair as my husband and children also enjoy rowing.

Since then we have became active members in the club by fund raising and enjoying different experiences and adventures.