The 200k Rowing Challenge

The Isle of Bute Seasports Club has a growing community of skiff rowers: older and younger, experienced and novice - everyone is welcome! We are looking to improve the rowing and club experience for all by raising funds for essential equipment. We also want to tell you a little about rowing, what it means to us, and encourage you to come along and give it a go.

The Benefits of Skiff Rowing on Bute

As we row together, we’re keeping active, but we also chat, laugh, eat, drink and learn to compete. We spot dolphins, seals and birdlife and admire our island from the water and appreciate it whatever weather we get. Our club is proud to represent Bute and look forward to regattas across the country and further afield.

The tradition of St Ayles skiff rowing is all about community. The idea is that local folk buy a kit and build the skiff together, giving us a sense of purpose as we develop new skills. The group then gets to row and enjoy the boat, everyone is welcome to meet new people and make new friends. We are keen to keep this tradition strong on Bute.

How and why are we fundraising?

Our club is very lucky to have two boats, a growing team of keen rowers, and direct access to water. Unfortunately we have a dangerously slippery slipway and only one launch trolley to get two boats down to the water, both expensive problems to solve.

We have decided to row 200km over the next 8 weeks and ask that you please sponsor us and spread the word. Many of our rowers will be joining in our mission to reach our target total of £3000 because the club and all it offers is so important to them. Our members notice the benefits that movement, the outdoors and time together brings to their physical and mental health, and wider wellbeing. We try to get out in all weather, beat the sunset or embrace the sunrise as the days get shorter. We plan to have fun while working hard to raise funds that will keep us rowing, smiling and ready to welcome new members keen to give it

You can read more about where the money we raise will go below. More importantly if you want to come along to try rowing, we are out at the Seasports Club 6pm on Wednesdays and Sundays at 8am and 9.30am. You can find us on Facebook and read more about St Ayles Skiff Rowing on the Scottish Coastal Rowing Association website.

Thank you from all of us for your supp

Slipway Slips: Help us buy a power washer for our slipway

Despite constant attention to safety, we've had some slips and near misses on the slip due to a hefty layer of stubborn seaweed and algae. For everyone’s safety we need to blast it away efficiently with a proper power washer. The alternative is regular scrubbing with nasty chemicals that we (and the local wildlife) want to avoid. If we can raise funds for a power washer, getting down to the water (an important step for a successful row) will be easier and most importantly safer.

Rowing is inclusive, and we're proud to have a wide range of ages and fitness levels in our club. Our coxes do a wonderful job of keeping us focused on task when getting the boat in and out the water, especially on choppy, windy days. It requires careful team work, made more challenging by unstable footing and risk of a fall. To keep everyone upright the slip must be safe and the seaweed must go. Then it will re-grow...and have to go again, but we're all up for the long-term maintenance of a safe slip - the right tools will just make it much easier!

Trolley between Two: Help us buy a new launch trolley

It's great that we have two skiffs, but we desperately need a launch trolley. Skiffs may look elegant and nimble on the water but need to be sturdy and stable, so they are also extremely heavy. Lifting them with crews of mixed gender, age and strength risks knackering folk before they've got in the boat and could lead to injury. For safety, efficiency and our backs, a second trolley is a must. This would minimise effort and potential stress getting in and out of the water...and maximise the time we can spend rowing out there!

Ready for the challenge

For our part we are preparing to rise to the 200k challenge by doing as much rowing as we can over the next 8 weeks. We will invite and involve as many people as possible to make sure this event is a success. Please support our labour of love in any way that you can by donating and sharing this post on social media. We really appreciate your help.