Bexleyheath Academy students try out rowing at Danson Lake

There are high hopes for Great Britain’s rowing team in the forthcoming Olympics and it is hoped that young people will be inspired to have a go at a series of taster days in Bexley.

London Youth Rowing are offering free try out sessions for young people and hope this summer of sport will encourage them to have a go at developing their sculling skills.

Pupils from Bexley schools have already enjoyed taster days at the lake at Danson Park and will be competing in time trials with laps round the lake on Wednesday July 11 when pupils from Bexley will test their skills against students from Greenwich and Lewisham in the

‘South East Schools Olympic on Water Rowing competition’. The young rowers will take part in both single scull races and a single scull relay race.

London Youth Rowing coach for south east London Stephanie Ware said: “The event aims to get young people on the water for the first time.”

The contest is followed by the free taster sessions at Danson Lake on Thursday August 9, Tuesday August 14 and Tuesday August 21 between 10am to 4pm.

Would be rowers should bring a change of clothes in case they get wet and should not wear jeans.

Buoyancy aids and launch safety cover are provided.

Coach Stephanie Ware said: “The progression from this competition and from the pop up tasters is for young people to try a London Youth Rowing 6 Week Learn to Row course. After that young people have the opportunity of joining the local Erith Rowing Club.Then who knows where it could end up… perhaps an Olympic rowing champion!”

For more information about other LYR projects visit www.londonyouthrowing.com, or Twitter @LYRowing