So, you're thinking about learning to row?

Excellent choice. Rowing is one of the best full-body workouts you can do, it's great for your mental wellbeing, and you'll meet some pretty amazing people along the way.

But there are a few things nobody tells you before you climb into a boat for the very first time…

1. You'll learn a whole new language.

Catch. Drive. Finish. Recovery.

Feather. Square. Crab. Bow. Stroke.

For the first few sessions you'll probably smile, nod and hope everyone else knows what's going on. Don't worry, we've all been there.

2. You will get your feet wet.

Launching from the beach means there is no elegant way to keep your shoes perfectly dry.

Accept it. Embrace it. Consider it part of the experience.

3. Everyone catches a crab.

Catching a crab (not the pinchy ones) is almost a rite of passage.

Whether it's your first week or your first race, every rower has a story involving an oar that suddenly decided it had other plans.

The good news? Everyone else has done exactly the same thing.

4. The weather forecast becomes strangely important.

You start checking wind speed.

Then rainfall.

Then you discover there are three different weather apps because one of them is "more accurate for Lake Orr."

5. You'll become obsessed with sunrises.

While most people are still asleep, you'll be watching the lake come alive as the first light reflects off the water.

Before long, you'll have a phone full of sunrise photos that all look identical to everyone else, but completely different to you.

6. Coffee afterwards tastes better.

Nobody can quite explain why.

Maybe it's the fresh air.

Maybe it's the exercise.

Or maybe it's simply sharing stories and laughs with your crew after a great row.

7. The people become just as important as the rowing.

You arrive because you want to learn a new sport.

You stay because you've found a community.

Masters rowing isn't just about fitness, it's about encouragement, teamwork, celebrating improvements, and having people who are genuinely pleased to see you every time you turn up.

8. One day, you'll become that person.

You know the one.

The person who somehow manages to steer every conversation back to rowing.

Someone mentions the weather? Perfect rowing conditions.

Talking about holidays? "I wonder if there's a rowing club there."

Watching the Olympics? Suddenly you're explaining the difference between sweep and sculling.

Fans of Lessons in Chemistry will know exactly what we're talking about. Once rowing gets under your skin, it has a funny way of becoming part of who you are.

And honestly… there are far worse things to be passionate about.

Thinking about giving rowing a try?

The hardest part is turning up for your first session. After that, we'll help you with the rest, including the new language, the occasional crab, and the rendez-vous for the post-row coffee.

Who knows? Before long, you might just become that person too.

Our next Learn to Row course starts on Saturday 18 July. Click here to register.