On a crisp, cold Saturday, December 8, scores of rowers - from kids who could still show their ages with just their fingers to a couple of septuagenarians - all gathered in the airy, erg-filled gym at DREAM Charter School in East Harlem. Among the throng...

After the “Learn to Row 1 course” our boat liked the rowing so much that we decided to carry on together. Well the same crew minus one (who moved to Germany but pledged to carry on at Rhine Canals). We wanted to keep to our weekday evening slot and Top row was very accommodating. Even though they had not been planning to schedule a course at this time, when they realized we had a group of three, they just made it happen for us.

I love living near the river in Putney, we walk along side it a lot and often see rowers out on the Thames. I used to think that rowing was some sort of secret society, that unless you start at school you can never get in. Luckily I was wrong and TopRow London have shown me just how easy and accessible it is to start rowing.Their beginner level rowing courses are practically available to everyone.