British Rowing has launched an indoor rowing initiative for community rowing clubs.

As part of a drive to increase participation in the sport, the Go Row Indoorclub initiative has been developed to cater for an increased demand for indoor rowing exercise classes – and to enable community rowing clubs to better utilise their existing gym infrastructure.

Rowing clubs will be sent a new Go Row Indoor support package, providing them with the training, support and materials needed to run Go Row Indoor exercise classes.

The classes are designed to appeal to people looking for new forms of group exercise and will take place at times when rowing machines and club gym space is not typically being used by club members.

“The Go Row Indoor club initiative will help create more opportunities for people to take part in indoor rowing classes through our existing club network," said Helen Rowbotham, British Rowing’s director of innovation.

"Our rowing clubs have highly motivated instructors, great facilities and equipment to deliver this type of activity, and currently it’s not being fully utilised across the country.

“The initiative includes a full support package for clubs that want to get involved and will provide rowing clubs with the opportunity to broaden their appeal locally, attract new people to the club and generate additional revenue.”

One of the clubs to have taken part in a pilot initiative for Go Row Indoor – Bristol Ariel Rowing Club – is "already seeing the benefits".

"The programme has enabled us to provide a new exercise option to residents in our local community," said Julien Tavener, Bristol Ariel Rowing Club’s Go Row Indoor coordinator and Instructor.

“We’re confident in delivering a regular series of Go Row Indoor classes that are bringing in much-needed revenue and exposing the club and our unique facility to vibrant new audiences.”