The Royal Geelong Yacht Club will relaunch our Skiff Rowing program at the RGYC Community Open Day on the 11th of September 2022, and is calling for volunteers to participate on and off the water in a roster of weekly “come try it” sessions over the summer.
While rowing our St Ayles Skiffs is obviously the vehicle for this initiative, this is not about rowing at all. The Board’s objective is that it be a driver of expansion and diversification of our membership base by attracting Geelong people who would never have considered coming to the RGYC. Skiff Rowing is primarily about health, fitness, social engagement, and most importantly having fun. An exciting element of the club’s ‘Women-on-Water’ initiative, the initial aim is to attract female participants from both inside and outside of RGYC’s current membership base.
The St Ayles Skiffs are very stable and not at all technical to row. No experience in rowing or boating is required as we will provide all the necessary training and equipment. Once comfortable and confident, a group of friends might choose to undertake regular rowing along the Geelong foreshore for fun and health (perhaps to a café for a coffee or lunch!) or undertake longer, even over-night expeditions on Corio Bay or our regional rivers. For those who enjoy competition, State, National and even world St Ayles Skiff championships are major events. We also incourage individuals to come for a casual row and meet new friends.
How can I get involved?
Volunteers are sought for weekly sessions of about three hours on Saturdays or Sundays, each managed by two volunteers. Roles will include on-land set-up/pack-up and administration, as well as on-water activity. The former will include MemberPoint registration; the latter safety briefing and on-water instruction in basic technique. Our ideal is to have sufficient volunteer staff to roster-on for one, perhaps two sessions each month. Some experience with rowing (anything!) would be very welcome.
Contact Steve Blackburn or Peter Doyle via [email protected]