Private Rowing Lesson in Cambridge: Learn on the River Cam

Master the stroke on the River Cam in two hours

A private rowing lesson in Cambridge for two people, combining 30 minutes of technique work on rowing machines at City of Cambridge Rowing Club with a full hour of guided rowing on the River Cam in a stable double boat. The instructor teaches timing and form on land before taking you onto the water, where you'll practice what you've learned with hands-on coaching throughout.

The experience

You start at City of Cambridge Rowing Club with an introduction to the sport and a 30-minute session on Concept 2 rowing machines, where the instructor focuses on timing and technique: the foundation of a solid stroke. Once you've got the basics down, you'll move to the water's edge and practice the rowing motion in a stable double boat affixed to the riverbank, so you can feel the stroke without the boat moving. This builds confidence before you actually push off.

When the instructor is satisfied you can follow instructions carefully, both of you board the boat together and head onto the River Cam for a full hour of rowing. The instructor stays with you throughout, coaching your technique as you row, and there's a photo moment built in so you have something to remember the experience by. The whole session runs two hours from start to finish.

What’s included

• Use of City of Cambridge Rowing Club facilities.
• use of Concept 2 rowing machines for the technique session.
• use of a stable double boat for two rowers.
• a skilled instructor guiding you through the 30-minute machine work and the full hour on the River Cam.
• a photo moment during the session.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Cambridge Rowing Experience

Is this one for you?This is a private lesson for two people, so you and one other person learn together with the instructor's full attention throughout. Choose this if you want hands-on coaching from someone who can watch your technique and correct it in real time, rather than learning in a group or rowing on your own.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What do I learn during the 30 minutes on the rowing machines?

The rowing machines focus on timing and technique: the mechanics of the stroke itself. You'll practice the motion and rhythm before moving to the water, so when you get in the boat you already understand how the stroke should feel.

Is the double boat stable enough for a beginner?

Yes. The double boat is designed to be stable, and you'll practice the rowing motion in it while it's still affixed to the riverbank before you actually row on the River Cam. That setup lets you get comfortable with the boat and your technique in a controlled way.

How long do I actually spend rowing on the River Cam?

You get a full hour of rowing on the water with your instructor in the boat alongside you, coaching your technique the whole time.

What's included in the session?

The session includes use of the club facilities, the Concept 2 rowing machines, and the double boat. Your instructor is with you for the entire two hours, from the machine work through the hour on the river.