Nithsdale Amateur Rowing Club aim to row equivalent of Dumfries to Paris ahead of Olympics

Dumfries-based Nithsdale Amateur Rowing Club is joining in the fun of this summer’s Paris Olympics countdown.

Members have taken on the challenge of rowing the equivalent distance between Dumfries and Paris – 1,000 kilometres.

And at the Adult Learn To Row open day they hosted on Saturday down on the Greensands and at their Nith Avenue boathouse base, they encouraged visitors to join in the fun challenge.

Praising the support, a spokesperson for the club said: “Many thanks to all who attended our Open Day on Saturday.

“It was fantastic to see so many people wanting to learn how to row.”

The day was aimed at adults who would like to learn the sport, or to just give it a try and see what it’s like to be in a rowing boat on the beautiful River Nith.

On and off the water sessions ran every half an hour during the event and it was free to have a go – with all abilities welcomed, along with those who had never tried rowing before.

The club offers on the water rowing for those wishing to try their hand with oars and off the water training for anyone not wishing to be on the river.

Following on from the open day, the club is now hosting a Learn to Row programme for six weeks on Wednesdays.

This is a training programme for any adults wishing to learn the basics of the sport and the cost is £50 for the coached training sessions.

Anyone interested in either adult training, or children’s classes, should email nithsdale_rowing@rocketmail.com or message their Facebook page.

The club is also seeking donations of rowing kit that they can lend out to Learn to Row participants and junior members.

If anyone has any kit lying around, especially if this is in NARC colours, and you no longer use it but is in decent condition, please let the the club know.

They can arrange for drop off at the club or a possible local pick up.