Some details of the oar making Course

The outline details of the oar making course at Lyme Regis Boat Building Academy have been released. The aim of the course is to provide Bursaries for 6 young people to learn to make full set of Douglas fir and Ash oars at the same time gaining valuable woodworking skills and oar-making training. Those selected will achieve a  Level 1 City and Guilds Award (8 credits) in Construction Skills and a Boat Building Academy Oar Making certificate. Accommodation in Lyme Monday - Thursday will be provided, too, making this a fantastic opportunity for anyone who lives in the local area who feel they would benefit from such learning new skills. To qualify you should be disadvantaged through unemployment, disability of other factors, and available to attend a two week course. Further details will be made available shortly.

The benefits of gig rowing

In case you were wondering, Gig Rowing is one of the most inclusive sports known to man. At the top of the scale there are teams of super-fit world class rowers who regularly bring home silverware for the trophy cabinet.  This weekend we went out across the bay with a crew with ages ranging from early twenties to a first time lady who, discretion being all in these matters, has been enjoying her free bus pass for a number of years and who put it a very creditable performance.
From a personal view, I joined last May having spent a lot of time unwell, inactive and putting on weight. Since then I have gained my sea legs, lost nearly four stones in weight and  learned how to breath again. There are very few people who couldn't benefit from a session at sea in a gig and help is always on hand for those who need it.
Clubs activities range from rowing in regattas to leisurely voyages to local beaches for picnics and swimming. There is a great sense of social community in the club as well. There are sections for juniors, adults, veterans and super veterans so nobody is left out. Rowing is particularly suitable for young people as it teaches teamwork, self reliance and brings a great feeling of well being. The club runs open rowing sessions where any member of the public can come along and try a trip around Swanage bay as well as training sessions for intermediate and advanced rowers.  come along to the stone quay in Swanage at 9.30 on a Saturday morning with some waterproof shoes, some drinking water and we will show you the basics.

Boat Building Academy (BBA)

The BBA is a not for profit private training organisation based on Monmouth Beach in Lyme Regis. We have a small team of instructors who primarily teach boatbuilding and fine woodworking to students of all ages. We run a range of short courses as well as our flagship 38 week course in boatbuilding and maintenance. Although we are known for building traditional wooden boats we also build composite (wood/plastic and pure grp/ frp boats) and cover repairs for modern craft. Oar making is one of the core elements of our existing courses and we are looking forward to setting up and running the gig oar making course for Swanage Sea Rowing Club! Have a look at our web site www.boatbuildingacademy.com for more information