Being a Teenage Gig Rower

I love being a gig rower, it’s a one-of-a-kind sport that has helped me develop my identity as a young person and female athlete.

It is no secret that teenage years are confusing, you go through changes, finding out what you like and dislike. For me, being a gig rower is a part of my lifestyle, I’m a member of a community that supports my passion for physical activity, teamwork, and being on the water, in all weathers!

Learning how to row, race and be part of the rowing community, has not only supported the development of my physical competence, but it has grown my social and self-confidence.

Being a teenage gig rower has allowed me to meet and talk to people, old and young, to learn about the teamwork needed to launch, row, and retrieve a boat. I get a lot of value from being part of the gig rowing community that supports such variety of experience, from helping the younger juniors, put on a life jacket for the first time, to chatting and watching the senior crews as they prepare for the world championships; the real-world learning is so organic.

I was recently asked to help the men’s masters crew, by stepping in as their No6, they thought it was great fun having a 15-year-old stroke! And they were impressed that I was on time for their Sunday morning 7.30AM start. It was such a great experience to be in a Gig with over 200 years of rowing know-how; this wouldn’t happen in many other sports! These opportunities, have helped to shape who I am.

“These opportunities, have helped to shape who I am.”

My experiences as a young teenage gig rower have allowed me to develop a range of skills that transfer beyond being in the boat; including the confidence to engage and communicate with a people of different ages and backgrounds.

Being a teenage gig rower has given me a huge sense of identity and belonging, my hope for the future is that many more young people get the opportunity to experience the value of this sporting community.