Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. A phone that grows with your child.

Meet the Other Phone.
A phone that grows with your child.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to want to learn to row at the age of 46

29 replies

adogcalledbetty · 14/07/2012 08:21

My 2 DDs do rowing with there school (the out on the water type, not the machine type). Now theres an offer for parents to join a summer course to learn rowing. I'd love to do it but I've never been sporty and feel old and unfit.

My DDs have been encouraging but only cause its on a different night to there training so I won't embarrass them.

Really want to do this but scared i'll make a fool of myself and just not be up to it.

OP posts:
JeezyPeeps · 14/07/2012 08:25

I thought you meant you wanted to learn to argue (not helpful!)

Thistledew · 14/07/2012 08:26

Do it! There may be a few parents who rowed at school coming back to have another go, but I doubt you will be the only beginner. If you have a reasonable amount of coordination and concentration you should be fine. I very much doubt that you will do anything on the first night that calls for fitness.

Give it a go. You are much better doing it then deciding it is not for you, than regretting never giving it a go in the first place.

Rowing is as much fun as it looks, and I'm sure you will have a great times

Vagaceratops · 14/07/2012 08:26

Me too!

legspinner · 14/07/2012 08:26

Have a go, rowing is great for fitness once you get the hang of it and warning - you may get addicted! If you warm up properly before starting you should be fine. I am Envy as would love to row again. Do it!

JeezyPeeps · 14/07/2012 08:27

I think you should go for it. Where I live there are a lot of over-40 rowers, and there are races specifically for then.

You never know, this might be the sport for you, and if you don't do it now then you'll regret not trying it, and you will never know if you enjoy it! (more helpful)

FartyMcTarty · 14/07/2012 08:32

Funnily enough, my auntie has just taken up rowing, age 47. Of course you should!

TheSkiingGardener · 14/07/2012 08:35

Sounds like a fantastic idea. Rowing is great fun, and while you learn it's not too demanding on fitness (that comes later)

boaty · 14/07/2012 08:35

Go for it!

julieann42 · 14/07/2012 08:59

Go for it! I'm 43 and just learnt to kayak! I had always wanted to and when the opportunity arose I grabbed it! Great fun! Enjoy your rowing!

Benaberry · 14/07/2012 10:27

Go for it - DH has just started age 39 (he's an ex-rugby player who gets injured too often on the pitch now, so wanted something a bit lower impact!)

He's been to three sessions now and is starting to get the hang of it, although it's harder than he thought it would be I think (I think it's the coordination with the others in the boat!). I'm v.jealous actually, would love to have a go, but at 37+6 with DC2, it's going to be a while yet before I can join in!

confusedpixie · 14/07/2012 10:44

Do it! My mum took up kayaking in her early forties when I started, she's now a high level coach and runs her local club and it's hundred or so members. I bet you'll find loads of older members there too, it'll be a laugh :)

confusedpixie · 14/07/2012 10:46

Oh and don't worry about making a fool of yourself, because you likely will, but everybody else there will do at some point too! That's half of the fun with water sports Grin

Birdsgottafly · 14/07/2012 10:47

I say do it, but tbh, i want to brush up my Horseriding and learn to swim properly, but as i'm in my 40's, won't. So i know how you feel.

BIWItheBold · 14/07/2012 10:52

Why should being 46 stop you?! Go for it. What a fab opportunity.

RichManPoorManBeggarmanThief · 14/07/2012 10:54

Go for it!

The only thing I'd say is if you have any back problems, I'd pass. Rowing well doesn't cause back problems, but rowing in novice 4's or 8's often does as the boat doesn't usually "sit" (hold level in the water- this only happens when everyone rows together which takes a while to accomplish). This means that the rowers on the down side have pressure from their blades pressing on the water which can cause back problems.

Rollersara · 14/07/2012 10:55

Why not? I learnt aerial acrobatics at the age of 34! And am hoping to learn sea kayaking when DD is able to rescue me a bit bigger...

fatlazymummy · 14/07/2012 11:02

Do it! Do not let your age hold you back.
I am 52 and was given my 1st ever bike for my birthday. Yes I did feel a bit silly having to learn something that most 5 year olds can do but now I absolutely love it. I have also just learned to do proper push ups and in September I am going to join a gym [again for the 1st time ever].
You are never too old to get fit or to learn a new skill ,not that 46 is anywhere near old.

Original poster
adogcalledbetty · 14/07/2012 15:44

Thanks so much for all your encouraging words.

I'm going to do it. I am! I am! Smile

OP posts:
CaliforniaLeaving · 14/07/2012 15:49

Do it, it'll be fun and amazing exercise.
I finally got serious and fit in my mid 40's and have never felt better and the weight is dropping and my shape is changing even though I didn't think I needed to lose any weight. Blush

E320 · 14/07/2012 18:32

Go for it. It is a great sport, great fun and great for fitness.

Waitforit · 14/07/2012 18:37

I've recently taken it up and absolutely love it! I'm 29, but most of the people on my beginners course were in their 30s and 40s so you won't be the only one. If you're interested in racing there are lots of vet competitions (where you can find 80 year olds!) for you to go for.

birds why does being in your 40s mean you can't? Obviously if you are very busy with young dc etc. it might be a bit challenging fitting it in, but other than that I can't see what age has to do with it.

Babymamaroon · 14/07/2012 19:17

Go for it! I used to row for years and have never been fitter in my life. It's a real commitment sport so be prepared to train several times a week. At my peak I was training 10-11 times a week!

Most clubs have all sorts of diverse members from elite to novice and some just there for the social scene!
When my dc are old enough rowing will def be a sport I'll encourage them to do. Good luck!

AlpinePony · 14/07/2012 19:26

My friend started around your age as she had to give up other sports due to a bad back. Turned out she's bloody brilliant at it and is on official teams, has rowed the channel and is set to do the Atlantic!

RuleBritannia · 14/07/2012 19:27

I took uo hang gliding when I was 52. I wouldn't do rowing though because I can't swim. Don't tell me to learn, please, everybody!

Chandon · 14/07/2012 19:31

I took up riding at 38

I used to row, it is very inclusive sport, great fun, easy to get into, at any age

Swipe left for the next trending thread