From the 1920s until the early 1970s, the rowing fleets at most universities included a type of boat called a training barge. The term “boat,” however, should be used loosely when describing a training barge.

Unlike a sleek racing shell, a training barge was not a thing of beauty. It was wide, heavy and when it moved through the water it did so begrudgingly. Most rowers do not have very many fond memories of learning to row in these cumbersome beasts.

Most coaches, however, loved the training barge. It was extremely stable and it sat 16 rowers side-by-side and coaches could walk up and down between the rowers giving hands on instruction. Coaches thought it was the perfect way for rowers to learn the rudiments of the stroke. Made of wood, the training barges began to disappear in the 1970s with the introduction of fiberglass boats.

To the delight of many coaches, Pocock Racing Shells is bringing back a new type of barge. And, unlike the old training barge, novice rowers will actually enjoy learning to row in this new type of barge.   

Pocock has created a special barge kit that allows you to make a training barge by simply connecting any two similar Pocock eights.

The benefits of using a training barge are numerous. It’s easier to row, easier to coach and it’s safer. Coaches can walk on a platform that sits between the boats and give hands on instruction. Rowers get the stability they need to perfect the basics of the stroke and increase their comfort level. In addition, it’s an easier transition once they begin rowing in a normal eight.

The Pocock barge kit is easy to assemble and easy  to use. Aluminum beams bolt on at the rigger locations to join the two boats. Plywood boards run down the center to make a platform. It's also easy to disassemble for storage and rowing the two eights separately.

The Pocock Eight Barge is available for FREE now until Dec. 31, 2005 with the purchase of two Pocock C8s.

*For those of you who are nostalgic for the old barge, design plans of it are still available (the plans make great wall art). Contact Pocock Racing Shells for information.