+ who are sons of the thames
Sons ofthe Thames is a friendly and competative rowing club based in Hammermsith. We are one of the oldest competitive clubs on the Tideway, situated on the famous Oxford and Cambridge University Boat Race course. We are an actively competitive club in both sweep rowing and sculling with boats entered for our Novice, Senior and Masters rowers in the majority of head races and regattas throughout the year.
+ How do I join?
Simple. Get in touch with us by email: captain@sonsrowing.com for senior men, women@sonsrowing.com for senior women, and we'll fix a time for you to visit the club and talk to a committee member about club life!
+ What are the costs?
We have the some of the lowest unsubsidised fees on the Tideway. Senior (Squad rowing) £540pa, Senior (non-squad/recreational) £420pa, Student/Under 23 £270pa (£20pm by Standing Order)
+ Can I join as a cox?
Yes, of course. We value our coxes and offer support and development for those new to the tideway, and those new to coxing - the fee is £50, or the same as social membership.
+ Do I need to join Straight Away?
We have a one month trial period for new joiners. If after the trial you are happy with the level of training and the club, we will ask you to sign up and complete the process
+ Are there any other costs?
Only if you are competing. Race entry fees, race kit and any travel to races (if needed) are the only additional costs, although you may find that your food bill increases with all the additional training.
+ When is the next learn to row course?
We aim to run our learn to row courses during the summer each year. For more information be sure to find us on instagram to be the first for any updates
+ do I need to be fit for the Learn To Row Course?
Our ‘Learn to Row’ is designed to give you a taste of what rowing is like. There's no need to have rowed before, but our programme is best suited to individuals who have a good level of base fitness and who have competed regular in sport before. Ideally you will be aged between 18-30 in order to benefit most from onward progression into our senior, and one day, performance squads.
+ What kit should I wear?
Try and wear something relatively tight fitting. Excessively baggy kit can tend to get caught in the moving parts of the boat. Make sure you have a waterproof as we do train if it is raining!
+ Will I get wet?
Probably, but not very. You are highly unlikely to fall in but you will get splashed a bit.
+ Do you have a gym?
Yes, a small one at the club and use of Latymer School gym 100m away. Both gyms have everything you need for your rowing training.
+ What is the training commitment?
Rowing is a highly competitive sport and requires a high level of fitness. In order to compete at entry level, you will need to be able to commit to at least four training sessions during the week and both days in the morning at the weekend in order to see any improvement. Both Senior and Masters squads train up to six days a week with more sessions added in the lead up to Henley Regatta. That said, our club ethos is based on flexibility and it is more important to us that you are training than anything else - so get in touch and speak to our coaching team about how it can work for you.
+ When does Weekend training take place?
Squad training starts at 7:45am both days at the club.
+ Do I need to be fit to compete?
Yes. Rowing is a strenuous sport so we need to strengthen and train our bodies to handle it. Fitness and Strength programmes are implemented at the start of the season so that the crews can achieve the fitness needed to row.
+ Is the Thames Dangerous?
We are extremely careful and follow strict safety tideway steerage and navigations rules set out by the PLA (the Port ofLondon Authority) which makes sure we are as safe as possible. New members (wether competent rowers or not) will always go out with a fully signed off member of the club or a coach. In order to go out on the Tideway un supervised there is a simple
+ What kind of equipment and boats do you have?
We are well supplied with boats for a relatively small club, with a range of boats from coxed eights to single sculls including a range of fours and pairs that are often rigged as sculling boats. If you are of a good standard, you can expect to row in an up to date, carbon fibre boat that's competitive at every level. Most members scull and sweep and the club equipment caters for both disciplines.
+ Will I have to buy Sons kit?
Only if you are racing for the club. The one item you would need is the all-in-one, because British Rowing rules require crews to compete in recognisable club kit. Other items such as splash tops and gilets are available and very stylish, but not mandatory!
+ Can I join and row on a recreational basis?
Social rowing is available to those who are fully competent rowers or scullers already and wish to go out on their own or be self sufficient. To use club boats un-supervised, each rower must complete the tideway navigation and steerage theory test and practical assessment and also the sculling competence test.
+ Do I have to compete?
No, however, priority is given to crews and rowers / coxes that are looking to compete and both coaching and seat allocation will be given to those crews.
+ Do you take juniors?
No, we do not have the facilities to accommodate juniors, however we are often in touch with the clubs that do so please drop us a line and we can recommend someone for you.
+ Do you run training camps?
With the Covid pandemic it has been difficult to run training camps - however we are looking to organise one around Easter time for the 2022-23 season.
+ Do you compete abroad?
Yes, this is organised internally depending on crew availability and interest
+ Who runs the SONS club?
The club is run by a committee of volunteer members. We are always looking for fresh hands and talent to help us out, if you're interested, please let one of our committee members know.
Some of our members also serve, with repesentatives from the sailing club, on charitable and commercial committees which run our home, Linden House.
+ What have you got going on socially?
The club is very active with social events from both sailing and rowing clubs held at Linden house. Sons hold two parties, one in the summer and the other at Christmas for the Annual Dinner. Thursday is rowers night and is a good night for meeting in the bar, and Sailors night is on Tuesday where they often hold a BBQ in the summer months. There may be other organised socials through the year such as quiz night, Burns Night and plum pudding races. Linden. House often hold events and quiz nights for both clubs.
+ How does it work with the sailing club?
We share Linden House with London Corinthian Sailing Club. Many of their members are ocean racers who use Linden House as a social hub. Others race dingies from their own pontoon. Their preference is for sailing on top of the tide at weekends, around mid day, whereas must of us go out in the mornings and avoid high tide if possible. This usually works well and we don't get in each other's way.
+ Can I book Linden House for a function?
Yes, it is professionally managed, email them directly!
+ Can I have meals at the club?
Linden house provides a running bar with food. Food is served at the bar in Linden House, at lunchtimes on the weekends and on Thursday evenings. Complementary tea and coffee is provided for club members at the weekend.