DART Gig Club has a mission to get YOU on the water. The Dart Calls, The Mewstone Beckons, wildlife in profusion awaits your gaze and even the possibility of another social avenue opens - new friends!

If breaking the ice in the bottom of a frozen boat at six in the morning then thundering up and down the river, lathered in sweat, whilst being shouted at by a coxswain is not your thing, then the Wild Rowing section could be for you.

The first and simple rule of “Wild Rowing” is that “Wild Rowing” does not exist, some refer to it obliquely as “Free Rowing” others use the code of “Social Rowing”, yet others mention “Off Peak Rowing” whatever the form of words the result is the same. You revel in the pleasure of communal exercise in one of the dreamiest locations in Devon.

But a free rower doesn't have the pressure of training for races so there is no pressure to work out on rowing machines, not everyone wants to compete. The outings you participate in will get the heart pounding but not to the hectic extent of your competitive comrades.

Instead of the constant calls to pull harder your mind may drift a little, to the right a vermillion streak of blue signals the flight of a kingfisher, to the left groups of seals watch warily as your crew drifts by. When conditions allow feel the heave and swell of the sea as the gig heads out towards the enigmatic jutting buttress of the Mewstone, catch sight of Dolphins and Gannets.

If you are new to rowing, you may be surprised at how contemplative the sport can be. And one thought you may be remembering is the observation of ancient Greek philosopher Heraclitus that “You can't step in the same river twice.” The Dart is indeed a constant source of wonder.

However, don't get too absorbed in the wildlife, put the ethereal call of that oystercatcher out of mind, a boat must be rowed with some degree of co-ordination, if you are a newbie guidance will be provided it's not too hard.

Needless to say if as a free, wild or social rower you catch the bug and want to go further, then the world of racing and its idiosyncratic pleasures of chafed and aching limbs opens up.

The technicalities of joining the club are exceedingly straightforward, by far the best approach is to come down to the Gig shed on Coronation Park on a Saturday morning and have a chat.

There you will get a sense of the people and see one of the additional delights of the gig rowing world.

Lurking like poised animals in the building are the elm planked racing craft, hand-built vessels to an 1826 design, beautifully painted and varnished they only come out on rare occasions mostly to race and for occasional training sessions.

Alternatively, the club is easily found on the internet, joining fees are reduced if you don't join the full racing club. We look forward to seeing you.