If you live near Scotland’s coastline, you may have seen local groups heading out to sea in their skiffs. Coastal rowing is a sport which brings communities together to first build a St Ayles skiff, and then get out and row as a group.
Social connection and a sense of community is very much at the heart of coastal rowing, and members can’t speak highly enough of the physical and mental benefits which it has brought to them.
At the St Ayles Rowing Club based in Anstruther, members of all ages are enjoying the combination of physical activity, sea air and conversation.
The club’s captain, Lynn Rea, first joined after moving to the area with her husband and saw it as a way to meet new people.
“It was really a way to integrate into the community because I had no family or friends here when we moved. I joined the club to get a little bit of fitness, do something different and to make some new friends.
"It’s just so beautiful, it's great for your mental health - you don't focus on anything else that's happening in your life, and it really takes you out of any worries.”
The more competitive members of the club take part in races against other clubs, forming a network of groups all across Scotland. The group emphasises that no experience is needed however, and regular taster sessions run for those keen to give it a go.
Shona Muirhead, the club’s fundraiser, describes how she first got involved:
“One of my neighbours was a member and told me how fantastic it was, so I thought I’d give it a go. I got in the boat and absolutely loved it!
“I think it's the social aspect is really good; you're made to feel so welcome, and you don't have to have rowed before. You get in the boat, they tell you what to do and you just go out and enjoy it.”
“If you've got a busy hectic life, you just get in the boat and everything else just fades away. You can just enjoy the beautiful coastline, chat with your friends and get a bit of fresh air - it's magical.”
Photo courtesy of St Ayles Rowing Club.
