Ask any sculler in the club and they will say it doesn't get much better than sculling on the Whanganui River in an early morning or late evening. There is the up river option into the countryside or downriver into the estuary.

The Learn to scull programme aims to open up this experience to as many people that wish to experience it. In addition, the philosophy that the key to the lifelong enjoyment of rowing is first learning to use a single scull efficiently is the aim of the Club.

The WRI Trust which operates from the Union Boat Club and the former Colliape building, offers-in collaboration with the club- a learn to scull programme which transitions the newcomer from the stability of a wider recreational boat to the narrower and faster craft as comfort and confidence of the newcomer dictate.