Non-tidal water combined with the facilities at the River Tees Watersports Centre including a specialist hoist on the pontoon has placed Tees RC as a perfect location for Adaptive Rowing and as a result we have recently purchased a double scull especially for Adaptive Rowing. The adaptive hoist was officially opened by Sir Steve Redgrave on 23 May 2004 at the Tees Challenge event.
Adaptive Rowing at Tees is very much in its infancy but we expect that the enthusiasm of our first Adaptive Rower, Tony Flinn (seen in the photos in the new Adaptive Double) will soon rub off and that Adaptive Rowing will become a much larger part of the club. The information below was provided by Tony...
Simply rowing allowing people of all abilities to participate in the sport.
Adaptive rowing challenges barriers to participation in the sport for individuals with learning, physical or sensory impairments, by providing opportunities supported by a range of technical and coaching resources, offering full and meaningful participation in the sport, thus enabling individuals to make the most of their abilities.
If you wish to participate in competitive rowing, three classes that have been formed, based on what parts of the body the athletes can use in a rowing motion:
LTA: rowing with leg trunk and arm action.
TA: rowing with trunk and arm action.
A: rowing with only arm action.
You don’t need to compete to join the club. The sport is ideal as a recreational activity.
I joined the club in October 2003 after leaving the James Cook University Hospital
Spinal Injuries Unit where I was interned for 4 months after an accident in
June 2003 that left me with a spinal cord injury resulting in paralysis from
the chest down (T5 complete). I was doing a routine cycle training session when
a car pulled out immediately in front of me. With no time to stop I hit the
car side on and sustained multiple injuries including 20 broken bones, brain
haemmorhage, collapsed lung, lots of trauma etc. as well as the broken back.
I apparently nearly died and was in intensive care for some time. I will never
walk again and am still recovering from the injuries and adapting to my new
life.
I did a taster session in September at the club while still in hospital and
liked what I saw. The people seemed very friendly and were keen to involve disabled
people in adaptive rowing.
I had previously been very active and the cycle training referred to above was
part of a programmed triathlon training programme. I had booked about 8 triathlon
races in my diary last season, had completed 3. Every week I ran twice, swam
twice and cycled twice. In addition I was a keen golfer (handicap 5) and had
started fell races last year. I have been competent at several sports in the
past. As you can understand, I am keen to continue sports and have been looking
for something I can participate in as independently as possible. In January
I bought an indoor rowing machine and adapted it to my use.
Last week I got into the water in the club's new adaptive boat. Although it was breezy I enjoyed it very much. I am getting a lot of offered help from club members and Loretta Williams of the amateur Rowing Association. Although it is very much early days I am very keen to become involved as much as I can, hopefully developing my strength and technique with the aim of competing nationally. In addition I am keen to participate in the club and have already volunteered myself to help run and develop the adaptive rowing group.
I have now purchased my own boat (a Single Alden) and expect to become more active.
More news about Tony Flinn's progress available on the English Federation of Disable Sport website
Tees Rowing Club, September 2006
A grant was secured from the Rowing Foundation by Tees Adaptive Rowing Group to run a Dry Skills Instructors Course. This enabled fifteen volunteers from the Tees Rowing Club and partner organisations (working in the community with disabled people) to learn the skills needed to support people with disabilities to access the sport. There was ample opportunity for all to share knowledge and ideas about supporting athletes and consider the practical needs of those with physical and learning disabilities.
Debbie Connelly capably led the course, and was assisted by Kate O’Sullivan and Rob Cree. The material covered the health and safety aspects, learning about the ergo machines, coaching styles, how to plan sessions and improve performance. Throughout the day, the needs of adaptive athletes were addressed and debated. Issues covered included how to use the equipment differently, communication skills and setting realistic goals. There was a mixture of lectures, demonstrations and practical sessions, culminating in an assessment of coaching which everyone passed successfully. The whole day event was intensive, but great food and particularly good cakes made by the Adaptive group helped the learning process.
Feedback from those attending stressed how valuable it was to have a mixed group working together on the course. Rowers commented they learned a lot from those who work directly with people with disabilities. Non-rowers learned much more about how to use the ergos and how they might benefit people with disabilities in innovative ways.
It is hoped that learning from this event will enable the club to work safely and effectively with different athletes and groups. Certainly, everyone took away ideas about the next steps in their organisations. Tees Rowing Club has begun the process of building a team of trained coaches who can confidently support athletes with a variety of needs and develop knowledge about athletes with disabilities and how these might be accommodated in the gym and on the water.
For further information on Adaptive Rowing at Tees, please see the contacts page or email: adaptive@teesrowingclub.co.uk