Black & Global Majority
Taster Day

 

Join us for a free, fun and inclusive introduction to rowing for people from Black and global majority* backgrounds.

When: Saturday 30 August 2025, 11 am – 3.30 pm
Where: Royal Docks Watersports, 1012 Dockside Road, London E16 2QT

Rowing is a fantastic way to enjoy the outdoors, get your body moving, and work together as a crew. During this taster day, you'll get the chance to try the basics of rowing both on and off the water. You'll use our indoor rowing tank, have a go on the rowing machines, and get out on the water with support from our friendly coaches and coxes. You'll also get to meet current members of the club throughout the day.

This day is about making rowing more accessible and welcoming. We know the sport hasn’t always reflected the full diversity of our communities, and this is one way we’re working to change that.

No experience needed; no commitment required: just bring yourself, some activewear, and an open mind.

If you enjoy the session and want to take things further, we’ll be offering a small number of fast-track places on our Otterpups Learn to Row courses starting in September, November, and February.

We’d love to see you there. Click on the link below to sign up.

* ‘Global majority’ refers to people who are Black, Asian, Brown, dual-heritage, Indigenous to the global south or from other racially minoritised backgrounds, who make up the majority of the world’s population.

Frequently-asked questions

  • We are the UK’s LGBTQ-inclusive rowing club, founded in 2014. We’re now one of the largest and most active rowing clubs in the country, with over 200 members, racing at regattas around London, the wider UK and internationally.

  • We firmly believe that diversity is our strength, and ethnic diversity is a key part of that. People from the global majority are underrepresented in rowing – in general, as well as in the Otters – and we want to help address that disparity.

  • No. Whilst we are an LGBTQ-inclusive club, we welcome allies to join.

  • You’ll learn the basics of the rowing stroke from our coaches, using our indoor rowing tank, our rowing machines and boats on the water. You’ll meet members of the club, make new friends, and have a lot of fun!

  • No. You need to be able to swim 150 m unaided, but people of all fitness levels and body types can enjoy rowing. If you have specific mobility issues that might make getting in or out of a boat difficult then please let us know.

  • No, the day is designed for complete beginners. If you have rowed in fine boats before, please consider joining as an experienced rower and we can arrange a trial day with one of our squads.

  • Anything you can do exercise in is good – it’s best to have layers so you can adapt as we go indoors and outdoors. It’s best not to have clothing that’s too loose or with open pockets as they can be a risk for catching on the blade (oar) handles.

  • We want everyone to enjoy the day, whether it’s a one-off or the start of a lifetime of rowing. For those who want to take it further, we can offer fast-track places on our upcoming Learn to Row courses (due to start in September, November and February), to then join the club in our Novice Squad.