Rise & Row, the 6-week indoor rowing programme curated by Rowing Ireland, has taken off over the past few months. Five programmes have already been delivered across Galway and Limerick this year, with the next programme set to begin in Athlunkard Boat Club on May 19th.
One of the standout successes so far has been the recent programme hosted at Galway Rowing Club. Participants described the experience as supportive, energising, confidence-building, and fun. Feedback from the course highlighted not only improvements in fitness and rowing technique, but also the strong sense of community created throughout the six weeks.
Participants consistently praised the welcoming atmosphere, quality coaching, and variety of sessions, with many saying the programme helped them feel stronger, fitter, and more confident than they expected. Encouragingly, 100% of respondents said they would recommend Rise & Row to others and would be interested in continuing with another programme.
One participant described the programme as “one of the best things I’ve done for myself in years,” while another said they felt “energised, strong and able for more than I thought.”
Others highlighted the atmosphere created throughout the programme, describing it as “a really supportive and encouraging atmosphere throughout” and praising the “camaraderie of the group.”
Participants also spoke highly of the coaching and structure of the sessions, with feedback including: “Nothing ever felt boring or repetitive,” and “the coaching was fantastic, each week my technique improved.”
Beyond the benefits for participants, Rise & Row is also designed to support clubs across the country. The programme provides clubs with an opportunity to generate additional income while making effective use of their indoor spaces and equipment during quieter periods.
Rowing Ireland works closely with each club to make the process as simple and accessible as possible, taking care of programme administration, participant sign-ups, promotion, and session planning. Clubs simply provide the space, allowing programmes to be tailored to suit each club’s capacity and facilities.
As the programme continues to grow, Rise & Row aims to help more clubs create welcoming community fitness opportunities while also building sustainable value within their own clubs.
For more information, or if your club would be interested in hosting a Rise & Row programme, please contact: indoorrowing@rowingireland.ie. Or if interested in participating in the upcoming program in Athlunkard, please sign up here.
