The Rowing Camps prove a highlight of the summer holidays; the sun shines down on two weeks of rowing activities along the Shiplake stretch of the River Thames. This year was no different; over 80 children, both from the College and from the local community, flocked to Shiplake during the camps, to enjoy a week of rowing and training. The College’s proximity to the Thames makes it the ideal location for such an event to take place; right on the bank of the river, the participants did not have to travel far before they were on the Thames and making the most of the stunning weather.
After an initial safety briefing and tour of the Boathouse, participants underwent an assessment of rowing ability. This allows the coaching team to split the attendees into different groups according to ability, making sure that the coaching is ideally suited to their specific skill set. Beginners were introduced to the basics of rowing, including boat manoeuvring and general skills. The intermediate and advanced groups were put out in small boats, testing their skills on the river. External coach Rob Morgan also gave a fascinating talk about his Olympic coaching experience.
By mid-week, the beginners were in small boats working on basic skills and improving confidence, whilst those with prior experience completed the ‘row tour’, which involves rowing from Shiplake to Upper Thames Rowing Club in Henley. This was done on a gloriously sunny day, before enjoying a picnic lunch at Upper Thames and rowing back to the College! With some good experience of being out on the water, the beginners moved onto rowing bigger boats, gaining experience of crew boat rowing. The groups were then mixed to try their hand at raft-building, and kayaking – an interesting and testing afternoon!
Friday was a day for families and friends to enjoy, as they headed to the riverbank in time for the afternoon regatta. Everyone had the option of racing either in a 1x, 2x or 4x+, and everyone has the chance to row in the eights, which is the final and main event of the regatta. Mr Adam Moffatt was running the camps, and commented: ‘the kids showed exemplary behaviour, and I’m really pleased with how the camps went. Everyone got stuck in, no one held back and it was a fantastic week. Well done everyone involved!’
