Skylark Skiffs

On a beautiful Saturday morning, I decided to attend the Skylark IX rowing taster session as part of the Heritage Festival, and I can proudly say it did not disappoint.

Not only did I learn something completely new, but I also met wonderful people whose kindness and support created such a welcoming atmosphere from the very beginning.

Rowing was definitely challenging at first, especially since it was my first time, but the people around me made the experience feel relaxed and encouraging.

There was no pressure to be perfect or fear making mistakes.

Instead, it felt like I had all the time in the world to learn at my own pace and the sound of the water, the fresh air, and the peaceful scenery created such a calming experience which helped me a lot.

I also discovered that rowing is an excellent way to clear your mind because, while rowing, your focus is entirely on the movement of your hands and working in rhythm with the water. I found that especially fascinating and what made the experience even more special was learning the history behind the Skylark IX itself.

In 2010 the little boat, once used to rescue stranded soldiers from the beaches of Dunkirk during World War II, sank in Loch Lomond and after an appeal for help, Alternatives, a local recovery project, stepped forward and this when Skylark IX was born.

Through the project, they not only helped bring boatbuilding back to Dumbarton, but also became a source of hope during times when darkness seemed to take over.

With their welcoming and accessible community-led approach, they have helped many people and continue to do so by remaining open to all adults and providing opportunities to learn both on and off the water.