Barry Nub News aims to support our community - promoting shops, businesses, artists, charities, clubs and sports groups.

We are profiling some of these in a feature called 'Up Close in Barry'.

Today, come aboard Barry Athletic Rowing Club and find out what oar-some opportunities await

Barry's coastline is enjoyed by both resident and visitors alike, boasting a range of aquatic attractions and activities.

From swimming to stand-up paddling, there really is something for everyone to dip their toe in, including Barry Athletic Coastal Rowing Club.

For Tony Peters, his love for coastal rowing began over seven years ago when he undertook further training as a Coastguard Officer.

"When I joined, I didn't have a clue about boat safety, so I did a day-skipper course to learn about it and it was a great help," he told Nub News.

"At the end they said they were getting a rowing club together, so I went into it that way."

Tony started his own club last year, with help from Barry Athletic FC as a base for the equipment. He wants to develop the club into a social and sporting outlet for anyone who wants to give rowing a go.

"I love the rowing, and we've got a base, but we need to raise money to have our own building where we can leave the equipment secure and do some safety training," he said.

"It would be great to have something for the community.

"It's a great way of meeting people, I've built some good friends over the years."

The club currently has 16 members and either rows off The Mole by the Community Water Activity Centre, or in the sea by Watchtower Bay, or Whitmore Bay in quieter times.

Through rowing, members learn how to safely navigate the water and use it to their advantage under Tony's guidance.

"You've got to give and take commands, and co-ordinate your oar with everyone else's," he explained.

"I'm dyslexic, and it's hard for me, so I put coloured dragons on all the oars. That way we can say 'greens stop' and 'reds go', to make it as simple as possible.

"We went out recently and rowed roughly five miles, and the water was absolutely gorgeous."

In normal circumstances, Tony described how there would be many races to get involved in, for those with a competitive streak.

"During the racing season, all the clubs around the Welsh coast will put on a race," he said.

"There's a river race in London, and in Italy you can race with their groups. It's really nice going out there and a great social time. You bond with a lot of a lot of other people, it's fantastic.

"There's a regatta every other year in Brittany and then there's the Celtic Challenge where your crew row from Ireland to Aberystwyth.

"But of course, if you just want to do the social rowing then that's great too!"

Potential members can row for two trial sessions before paying the club and Welsh Rowing fees.

Tony is passionate about making the club enjoyable and accessible. The specialist boats are difficult to come by – Tony said he was grateful to his dad who had bought one in his mum's honour.

"My dad agreed to buy the boat so long as we named it after my mum, Tess, who passed away a couple of years ago," he said.

"I want it to be that everything goes into the rowing club to make the Rowing Club better."

"That gives more people more opportunities to go out and row, enjoying the water safely."

Click here to find out more and join Barry Athletic Coastal Rowing Club.