Overview
Welcome to the Rowing Section of RTYC, known as Broughty Ferry Boating (BFB)
Here you will find all you need to know about our rowing sessions, whether a member already, or just getting started. Still more questions? Please contact us here.
When we Row
We offer taster sessions twice a week at our friendly Show and Row Sessions. If you would like to come along and try it out or just see what's involved, you will be made very welcome. Please contact Gina Hope
Show & Row every Saturday between 9:00-12:00 and Tuesday between 9:30-11:30.
All year rowing, and more.
Rowing is available to all members during daylight hours all year round, weather and availability of skiffs depending. As a member you have full access to all the Royal Tay Yacht Clubs facilities and activities on offer. Many rowers choose to do Powerboat training to be able to drive a rib and volunteer as safety crew. Sailing opportunities are available too. Keep informed by checking our News section on and calendar.
Inclusive
We row in St Ayles skiffs, built at our club, by its members. Each skiff has a crew of 4 rowers and a coxswain, and it is very much a team sport. As a member of the Scottish Coastal Rowing Association (SCRA) we are part of a wider community. Many sailing clubs are building skiffs and join this fast-growing sport, making coastal rowing a popular community pastime. Our active members range in age from late teens to deep into the 80-ies.
New at rowing?
At Show and Row you row for short intervals (about 20 minutes). First time rowers are crewed with experienced rowers and a coxswain. Life jackets are provided during trial sessions, and you will get advice on what to do and wear on your first outing. Its a fun and informal atmosphere, and our members are keen to encourage and pass on tips to first time rowers. As a prospective member you can have 3 trial rows before deciding to join.
When you've become a member.
Crews go out for longer sessions, venturing further out on the river to explore the Tay and the estuary. Skiffs may go as far as the Stannergate, V & A or Wormit to the west, or go east to Broughty Castle and beyond. Some groups row purely for leisure, others are enthusiastic racers who enjoy a workout, while training for the many Rowing Regattas held at various locations throughout the year. Many rowers like the variety and take part in different levels of rowing. We attend the St Ayles Skiff World Championships, held every three years, and are proud to have a great competitive track record.
Once a member, you will be given access to a live google sheet to book rowing sessions any day of the week, throughout the year, and across all seasons. WhatsApp groups inform members about more last minute changes, for example about cancellations due to weather conditions. Other communication can be found at the Broughty Ferry Boating Facebook page.
Training
We provide intermediate sessions for those who want to improve technique and efficiency, but are not necessarily into competitive rowing. Check our training videos here.
Volunteering
The RTYC/BFB is a volunteering club; which means member are expected to, and will have many different options to gain new skills and get to know people from all parts of the club, be it sailing, training, safety crew, Dads Army, social events, Beach Cafe, etc.
Want to know more?
Members can find more detailed rowing information, including an Induction booklet, in the Rowing Documents section of the Members Area. Information on safety procedures are also available, along with a handy resource of guidance on rowing kit and other topics. A useful PowerPoint explains how to use this RTYC website for information and booking.
Going back in time
Though we started the rowing from our Grassy Beach in the St Ayles Skiffs in 2014, Broughty Ferry Boating has an impressive history that goes back 150 years: 2025 marks the year of 150 years of organised rowing at the Tay. Check out our full 140/150 Jubilee programme of celebratory events, and read up on our rowing history and track record of events.
Last updated 16:31 on 24 March 2025