At the end of last term, some of our Year 11, 12 and 13 rowers set off in search of some warm weather for a training camp. Seville was the destination of choice as it serves as an ideal training venue with a dammed 7km river which stretches through the city, making it an ideal setting.
We were fortunate to have warm sunshine most days and perfectly flat water, leading to fantastic rowing conditions. December is usually a tough month in which to train at home, so this camp was very well received. As part of the training camp, we were fortunate enough to be able to compete in a local Spanish Regatta. Regatta racing in December is unusual for UK clubs owing to the fact we usually compete over long-distance-style head races at this time of year. It was really nice to break the mould and compete in a side-by-side regatta in December.
All of the Shiplake crews stared the regatta a little sluggishly but soon got up to speed and enjoyed some great racing; taking a few wins and finishing as the eighth highest placed club. The racing was of a high standard, with each crew's finish position gaining points, which were added to an overall score to rank the club out of the 36 clubs that attended the regatta. After the regatta, we continued with the training camp. It was very useful for the boys to row in different types of boat with each other in pairs, fours and eights.
We concentrated very hard on the key technical aspects of the rowing stroke regardless of boat type, all the rowers improved greatly over the week, leading to some impressive rowing on the last day when they took part in a 4km time trial. One of the highlights of the trip was rowing through the city at night time, using the light from the city and bridges to make our way. Boys had the opportunity to take in some of the culture that Seville has to offer during some much appreciated time off rowing.
I would like to thank the coaches that gave up their week to be on the trip, Hugh Mackworth-Praed, Chris Lee and Rob Morgan. This was a memorable rowing camp and hopefully something the boys will benefit from later in the season.
Report provided by Director of Rowing Mr Currie.
