Posted: December 12, 2014

Earlier in the week Scottish Rowing delivered 'Buddy Book' training to a group of enthusiastic sports leaders from Craigroyston Community High School in Edinburgh. The group of sports leaders are currently working on a project to build their own St Ayles skiff and hope that their indoor rowing training will help prepare them for when they are able to launch their boat.

Ali Grant, Youth Worker from Muirhouse Youth Development Group said:
"The lads who took part really enjoyed it. They discovered that there is an actual technique to rowing a Concept II and whilst there was a lot to learn, it is possible to teach simple games on and get started right away. They had a lot of fun coaching the activities and it all got quite competitive. They were moaning today about having sore legs. However, they were also asking when we were going to buy some Concept II's because they wanted to get fit. As a starting point for people new to the sport, I'd recommend it".

The Buddy Book training resource for indoor rowing training has been designed and created by Scottish Rowing as a training resource for community coaches. The course prepares coaches to deliver a 6 week indoor rowing programme for S1-S6 pupils. Linking to the Curriculum for Excellence: Health and Wellbeing, the Buddy Book encourages learners to become leaders in their own learning and puts activity at the centre of their learning. The 6 week indoor rowing programme teaches pupils the correct rowing technique and allows them to build a base level of fitness. Schools can then participate in their local indoor rowing league which is the start of the pathway to national indoor competition, and opens up further opportunities to try rowing on the water.

Mark Senter, Scottish Rowing National Coaching and Development Manager said:
"This has been great for Scottish Rowing to promote our products outwith the general rowing community, we worked with Street Games and Ali from the Muirhouse Youth Development Group to set this course up and make the Buddy Book available to Street Games for their Rowing Activators course. The course has been well received by both the young adults who took part, Street Games and the Muirhouse Youth Development Group and we look forward to working with them all in the future"