Rowing club 'seas the day' with Shore to Oar programe

The oarsome ‘Shore to Oar’ programme, run by Whitehead Coastal Rowing Club, has been a huge success in the coastal village.

Local women were given the opportunity to try coastal rowing for the first time during September.

Designed as a way to bring women into new activities, the scheme attracted women from the ages of 27 to 62 from all walks of life.

As part of the Every Body Active scheme, supported by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council and Sport NI, 24 women were put through their paces over four weeks.

The course included circuit training and rowing machine sessions at Lourdes Pastoral Centre, and a number of on water sessions to teach the novices to row and work as a team in Whitehead Bay and at Browns Bay.

It was a great success, and even the weather didn't put everyone off completing the course.

Whilst the course was challenging, it was designed to be within everyone's capabilities, and everyone enjoyed getting out in the fresh air and getting more active.

The feedback from all participants was positive with all enjoying the chance to try something new, and enjoy the camaraderie.

The course finished on a sunny Sunday afternoon where four of the novices were rowing together for the first time.

Four weeks later and 12 graduates have joined the club, with another six interested.

This is the first time a course like this had been run by the club, but they are already looking to run future ones for men to target mental health, and kids to ensure that youngsters are engaged in physical activity.