We need skippers who are willing and able to actively participate in setting up and taking charge of different kinds of rowing session: social rows, training sessions, beginners sessions etc. Skippers will be competent rowers and confident and competent in boat handling.

Our skippers set up rowing sessions or members in the Spond club admin app.

What does the skipper do?

The skipper is in charge of the boat and is responsible for:

  • assessing whether the weather and tide conditions are suitable
  • assessing whether crew members are fit and able to row
  • giving clear instructions to the crew
  • taking the boat safely off and back onto the pontoon
  • enruing boats are securely moored and rafted

Each skipper will know his/her limits and s/he has absolute discretion in deciding if it’s safe to take to the water. Please respect their decisions!

For more details of the skipper’s duties have a look at the skipper’s responsibilities.

Not everyone will wish to become a skipper but all members are expected to take an interest in basic boat handling. Members should expect to take control of the tiller from time to time to allow the skipper to row should s/he wish.

How do I become a skipper?

Once you have some experience of rowing and coxing we have a short test to make sure you can carry out these duties. The test will be supervised independently by two experienced skippers, one of whom will be a committee member.

You must also be willing to participate actively in setting up and running rowing sessions. No point in being a skipper if you don’t take crews out on the water!

Skippers will give all rowers instruction in safe coxing procedures to get them comfortable with handling the boats under various tide and wind conditions.

Skipper training is open to any member who has reached a comfortable level of competency. If you’re interested, tell the skipper next time you’re out

Current Skippers

  • Bob Beetham
  • Kate Borland
  • Margaret Dale
  • David Graham
  • Jacqueline Grant
  • Shona Henderson
  • Iain James
  • Gordon McCracken
  • Fiona MacLeod
  • Ross Paterson
  • Michael Stratigos
  • Sally Semple
  • Ian Watson

The more active skippers we have, the more rowing sessions we can enjoy!