News 2026
Community Service Jan 2026
The Devils started off their 2026 recruiting drive at a community event in the gym hall at West Park Leisure Centre. It is important that those in Erewash know that they have a rowing club and can get out onto the river and experience its green space from a different viewpoint. Thanks to all those Devils that helped with the set up, took their turn on the display and helped clear up to get everything back to the boathouse. A good number of people were interested in the taster sessions we will be holding in the spring and they may even go on to take part in a ‘Learn to Row’ course. Owen, one of our new members, followed this pathway last year and you can about the experience below.’
Owen’s Account of Joining Devil’s Elbow in 2025
I first became aware of devils elbow rowing club when I notice a flyer for a taster session on the community notice board at the Heritage centre in Beeston. Coincidently I also ran into April there who explained what the club was like and the activity’s involved. At the time I was recovering from a long term illness and was looking for a new challenge in conjunction with a way the restrengthen my self again.
I still remember during the taster I couldn’t quite get my various limbs to do the necessary procedures in the correct order to move up stream, but I am very grateful that the club was, and continues to be, a very calm, supportive and cooperative environment.
Going from strength to strength, the learn to row experience was also brilliant, from the support of the other club members to the various training apparatus used to improve technique. In particular Jim’s land sculling and sweeping tools were a great help in visualising the required technique rather than flailing about on the water like a duck with broken wings. It must also be noted that the transition from learn to row to Recs was very smooth thanks to Ed’s stellar leadership. Ed, Andy and Murray really do deserve commendation for making the space more friendly than what it already is.
The various club social events held across the year should also be noted. In particular the inner club race with participation of both recreational and squad members was a great way of experiencing boat racing without pressure due to it friendly nature and encouraged me to want to experience this in a more traditional application.
Presently I’ve joined the men’s racing squad who really are a great bunch to be with. Their enthusiasm for the art of rowing is intoxicating and I am grateful for their patience and nurturing my ability to keep up with them. I am absolutely looking forward to the year ahead with them whether it be in the boat or supporting from the side-lines.
If I had to say the hardest part of rowing is getting up before dawn, but by the time your on the water, doing drills in the sun rise with heron, kingfishers and drowsy ducks fluttering about I would say it is more than worth it. I am so grateful to all the members of the club for being such a supportive and friendly environment and hope to enjoy new experiences with everyone moving forward.
Holme and Away Jan 2026
The River Trent continues to be very high and fast which is not ideal for safe and productive training. Luckily we have the National Watersports Centre at Holme Pierrepont with its international standard rowing lake as its centrepiece. The trailer was loaded and both race squads were there bright and early on a Saturday morning – as was everyone else who trains on the Trent. A mix from singles to 8s and the lesson learned from last year was that not everyone displayss the same level of manners which can make it interesting to navigate your way and implement your plan.
Straight Lines – How hard can it be?
Rain Stops Play Feb 2026
The endless rain is causing issues for rowing clubs up and down the Trent – hence the training at Holme Pierrepont. The water levels are now high enough that the club itself inaccessible, certainly from the point of loading and pulling out the trailer. So far the water is not high enough to come up through the boathouse floor. It will be touch and go but it would save on cleaning up if it doesn’t. Fingers crossed.