Useful Info…..
First time around, things can seem a little daunting, and this is before you even set foot in a boat.
So here are some helpful pointers to get you started.
Getting to Tees RC
Tees RC is situated at the River Tees Watersports Centre in Stockton.
We are NOT at the Barrage!
Please use TS18 2NL for your SatNav.
Or in old school, turn off North Shore Road onto The Slipway towards the river – the car park is on your right.
We have plenty of free parking, although you MUST register your number plate – please see below.
Find your Contact
- Exit the car park on foot and turn right towards the river.
- Follow it round to the right where you’ll see a series of boathouse doors (see pic at the top of this page).
- This is where everyone meets before going out on the water. Just ask anyone about where to find your contact and they’ll point you in the right direction.
Register your number plate
Although parking at the rowing club is free, you must register your number plate on one of the machines inside the boathouse.
The parking company are enthusiastic in their approach to compliance, so please do make sure this is the first thing you do when you arrive.
Access to the machines is restricted to members, so you will have to get your contact to help you.
What to wear
In a nutshell, wear enough to stay warm!
When you are starting out, there will be periods where you aren’t doing anything – such as sitting in a boat but not rowing while others take their turn. In summer it may start out sunny but that can easily change (and you can’t just pop back to the car for more clothes!).
It is really important that you wear several layers (thinner layers are better) so you can regulate your temperature more easily – and don’t forget a hat and gloves in the winter.
With rowing being a water sport, you may get wet, so please don’t bring your best clothes!
Hoodies aren’t great as they tend to have big pockets on the front, which can easily get tangled with your oars.
One last thing – if you have long hair, please tie it up. Although a very (very) rare occurrence on a Learn to Row course, if you are in a boat which capsizes, untied long hair poses a risk of entanglement.
Access to Lockers to keep Valuables
Lockers are available to store valuables, such as car keys – just ask your contact.
Safeguarding & Safety
Rowing is a water sport and does carry the risk that you could be tipped out of a boat into the river. For this reason we need to know if you are able swim or not. If you cannot swim, then you need to let one of the team know and we will provide you with a life vest.
Safeguarding and your personal safety are very important to us as a club, Tees RC is committed to making the club a safe, inclusive and welcoming sport. Any disclosures or personal details will be confidential. If there are any circumstances highlighted whereby the club needs to adjust its practices to make you safe and welcome, if possible, these will be discussed, and an action will be agreed. If you have any concern, please raise them with any member of the course team.