Beginner course

Learn to Row with TopRow in Amsterdam!

The main goal of TopRow is to make rowing accessible for all. Rowing is healthy for the mind and body. TopRow organizes rowing courses whole year round, and every 8 weeks you can start a rowing course. Enjoy the beautiful surroundings of Amsterdam under the guidance of an instructor. 

Beginner course

Toprow Novice/Beginner course is an introductory programme designed to teach the fundamentals of rowing. This eight-week course is suitable for complete beginners, with no prior rowing experience necessary. Our experienced coaches provide guidance and support, allowing rowers to focus on mastering the basics of the sport and progress at their own pace. The Novice/Beginner course is a fantastic opportunity to try something new, improve one’s fitness and have the chance to row on the river Amstel famous waters, with its stunning views and rich history.

Overview of the course:

  • Rowing in stable 4 person boats
  • 1 hour per class
  • Rowing in a team
  • Suitable for beginners/novices
  • Learn basic technique in theory and practice
  • Coaching and guidance from our rowing instructors

Each course is 8 weeks long.

When you have finished the Beginner course, you can deepen your understanding in the Development course!

Experience
No previous experience required

Duration per course
8 weeks

Commitment
8 lessons of 1 hour each

Location
Weesperzijde 1094
1097 DS Amsterdam
Map & Direction

Courses
Januari – December
Course overview

Price
€219

Book before 1 January for only:
€209

Your first lesson
Please note that participants, after changing in your rowing kit, need to report at the desk next to the bar, where the head coach is waiting for you 5 minutes before the start of the lesson . The head coach of Team Berlagebrug will introduce you to your rowing coach and the other participants for the relevant course block.

Location
The Berlagebrug Rowing Centre has excellent facilities. The changing rooms and showers are suited for both groups and individuals. Safes are available for all your valuables. After your lesson Team Berlagebrug will be waiting for you behind the bar to serve drinks and snacks on our uniquely situated, often sunny terrace at the waterfront. With the heart of Amsterdam just around the corner, you can easily get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy a relaxing rowing lesson.

Clothing
The best clothing to wear is elastic, soft and breathable in combination with a simple pair of sports shoes. Loose trousers or T-shirts can get caught in the wheels under your rowing seat. Loose tops can remain hooked in the oars. Therefore, avoid voluminous coats or sweatshirts. Generally the advice is to dress up as if you were going to run; with tight pants and shirt/jacket. Additional tips:
• Water bottle
• Hats (against the sun or rain)

FAQ’s

What is a rowing course and how does it work?

Six times per year we start our rowing course. You can register individually and we’ll schedule you in a team with other participants. You can also register together. Please let us know any teammates on the registration form and we’ll make sure that you are placed together!

I've never rowed before. For which rowing course can I register the best?

The beginner course is especially for rowers with limited or no rowing experience. All are welcome!

What happens once I've completed the beginner course?

You can register for our development course. In the second course you’ll deepen your knowledge and make more speed, miles and rowing fun!

And after the development course?

You can start with our experienced course. In this course you’ll start sculling, a form of rowing with two oars.

Where can I sign up for a rowing course?

On our homepage and on the page of the course itself, please scroll up to find the registration form!

When will I receive a confirmation of my registration in a team?

After registering for our rowing course you’ll receive an email with your registration. A week before the course starts we’ll send you a confirmation email with the day and time that you are placed in the course.

 

I am going on holiday during the course, but want to row. Is that possible?

With exception to our beginner course our rowers can join a one off lesson. To arrange this, please call us (morning from 8:30 and evening from 16:30) and we’ll see what places are available.

Do lessons proceed in bad weather?

Yes! Rowing is an outdoor sport and we’ll proceed in all weather, even rain and wind. If conditions are so bad that we can’t go on the water, we’ll arrange an indoor program in our rowing tank and on our rowing machines.

Should I be able to swim?

To join any rowing activity at TopRow, you’ll need to have swimming diploma A or equivalent swimming skills.

Are there also rowing courses for juniors?

For children aged 10 to 14 years we have special youth rowing courses. You can read more about this under the heading ‘ Courses ‘. In addition we organize in the holidays ‘Splashweken’ for youth.

What is the refund policy?

When signing up for the rowing course you agree to the Terms and Conditions. Once you are scheduled for the course there is no refund of the amount possible. The withdrawal of the course is possible up to 2 weeks before the course starts. We will charge an amount of €25,- administration fees in that case.