If you haven’t joined the rowing club, this will make you want to
Did you know Island Street Bar & Grill are supporters of Salcombe Estuary Rowing Club?
Getting out on the water throughout the year and taking advantage of life in Salcombe, and having a drink at the Bar & Grill afterwards… Chairman Jason Nickels explains why he loves it so much…
What made you want to join the Rowing Club?
I had a lot of running friends who already rowed and they pushed me into it. I wish they had done it sooner, it has taken over my life!
How much training do you have to do?
With rowing you can do as little or as much as you like, but generally I row three times a week for an hour at a time and there can be longer rows in the summer. On winter nights we switch to indoor rowing so it is an all year round sport. On top of that I do lots of other sport to keep fit.
What do you enjoy most about it?
Getting out on the estuary, up the creeks and out to sea is amazing, it always makes me realise how lucky we are to have Salcombe as our home.
Tell us three things that most people don’t know about the club?
We are one of the biggest and most active fixed seat rowing clubs, and with daytime rowing now very popular we probably have more people rowing every week than anywhere in the West Country
How much time do you spend at the Island Street Bar&Grill?
We drink, we socialise and eat there! Once we start on daytime rowing there are rowers in there every night, we can see it from our clubhouse.
What’s your favourite thing on the menu and why?
Half price burger night on Wednesdays out of season. It's never a problem to tempt a few rowers into a quick bite.
What’s the most challenging thing about rowing in Salcombe?
Mostly we have every type of water at our disposal, calm flat water, rolling sea or rough chop. We can practice in whatever conditions our next race demands.
What’s the best thing about rowing in Salcombe?
Rowing is the best way to enjoy the water, we can go places that bigger boats can't.
What are you most looking forward to at the rowing club this year?
We are going from strength to strength, and I love seeing more boats on the water more of the time.
What’s the best way for people to support the rowing club?
Join up and have fun. There are 165 members from nine to 90.
Do you have to be an expert to join?
No, we run training courses in the summer and cater for all ages and abilities
What would you say to someone who’s thinking of joining?
Look at our website. There are contact details for the newcomers rowing organiser, or just approach a rower at the club, we are very friendly.
Island Street is now open Wednesdays-Saturdays 4pm 'til late!