SCHEME TO ATTRACT YOUNG ROWERS

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31215, 12 November 1966, Page 11

SCHEME TO ATTRACT YOUNG ROWERS

tpHERE is an air of enthusiasm and purpose round the Avon Rowing Club this season that has been lacking for quite some time. Members are making a concerted effort to arrest the falling membership figures and to plan for the future. The club devised a new training scheme based on an industrial plan which teaches new skills by breaking down technique into its components and then started a drive for new members by approaching winter sports clubs and inviting members along to see how a rowing club operated.

So far the dub has 25 new members —the biggest influx yet, according to Mr E. R. Lindstrom who is in charge of training.

"The club is reaching out to boys who never thought of rowing. They are very enthusiastic and their progress is outstanding.” he said.

The new system means that each boy is being taught the skills of a new sport correctly. He is always under supervision and is never left to find things out for himself.

The club has the added advantage of a training barge where novices do not have to worry about balance but can concentrate on assimilating technique and improving their rhythm

without any other hindrances. Each novice has his name on a large chart in the club house together with his age, height and weight. The steps of his training are also marked on the chart and as he completes each phase it it marked off. The Avon Club’s system will be explained to club

administrators during the New Zealand championship regatta at Waihola. Most dubs throughout the country are having trouble keeping new members and the president of the N.Z. Amateur Rowing Association, Mr H. T. Jellie has asked if Mr Lindstrom could explain the mechanics of his scheme.