Rowing is often seen as an elitist sport but Get Involved found that its appeal is far wider.

According to Sport England, over 48,000 people row on the water at least once per week in the UK while a further 44,000 tackle the rowing machines indoors.

With half of Britain's population within five miles of a navigable canal or river, it's no wonder that there are 650 rowing clubs offering thousands of people the chance to test the waters.

London Youth Rowing has helped 8,000 young people to take up the sport in the last year.

One of the clubs they work with is Leigh Rowing Club in Hackney, East London, who charge £100 for as many sessions as are needed over a year. Kit costs an extra £50.

Ben Cox, coach, said: "The fact that you see a lot of public schools competing in it and you see people with really good educations on TV, does certainly give the impression that it's an elitist sport.

"But once you are inside the sport you know that just as many people come from all sorts of backgrounds into the sport."

Participation in rowing increased by 10,500 in 2012, with the biggest upsurge in interest coming in the 16-25 year old bracket.

Now the sport is braced for another boost.

Rowing is already a British fans' favourite at the Olympics following the exploits of Sir Steve Redgrave and Sir Matthew Pinsent, and Team GB is once again sending a strong team to the Games this summer.

So there has never been a better time to be inspired and to Get Involved!