So I'm looking for a rowing club in Zürich, and I've heard that Grasshopper is the biggest, best etc and have looked at their website, but does anyone have any personal experience training and/or racing with them? I'm looking to get the inside line before I make my decision, so any anecdotes would be most appreciated...

I'm a masters sculler there. They are a friendly bunch with many "occassionals" who form their own groups. But there also the daily regulars including some very fast open lwt and hwts. The equipment is first rate and they have been very accomodating to my preference to single (although I do go down on Sats to train with the main group of masters - sculling the 8X is always great fun).
Martin

Thanks for the response; as it happens i am actually one of the 'daily regulars' now. See you on the water...

Hi,

Could you give me a contact to the rowing club? Am looking to do it competitively, if I qualify.

Thanks in advance.

In case you didn't find out already, the contact details are on their website here:

http://www.gc-rudern.ch/de/kontakt/index.php

Thanks, GenevaSculler.

I had called the GrassHopper Club and was told that it's a men's only. However, the Belvoir Rowing Club would be the next best choice, and they have a very good women's professional team. The coach adviced that I take the beginners and advanced courses before going for the trials, and suppose I can try my luck next year.

I have since completed a very good Grundkurs with SeeClub Zurich/Eglisau and am considering their advanced course. Moreover, it would be lovely to go up the Rhine during autumn. I must admit though that understanding little German is not good during lessons.

Rowing offers a great workout, unlike paddling, and the speed was a welcome change. I do need to work on technique, as it is a lot more difficult to control than paddling.

Cheers.