Come Boating!

Community rowing and sailing, open to the public with free classes that you can sign up for at the Come Boating! shed by Heritage Park down on the Belfast waterfront. Just walk down Main St. and you'll find the shed on the right just before the docks - signup sheets are in folders in a small box on the side of the shed. I did the beginner and workout rows in the Cornish Gigs that they have - six oars to a boat plus a coxswain (both of whom were knowledgeable and pleasant). The boats are heavier and much easier to keep balanced than the shells you see university teams and olympians rowing, so they're much better for people without much experience.

If you're in or around Belfast for a little while during the summer, you should totally try this - it's a great way to see the town, harbor and the Passy, and the easy banter and camaraderie in the boat is great. You'll also get a great workout, and maybe some blisters. They have sailing classes, too, but I haven't taken any yet. FYI - they're pretty serious about cancellations, so be there for your signed up for time, or let them know well in advance so they can call an alternate. If there are enough people for two boats and they can roust up a second cox, they'll take two groups out.