In this week's 'A Conversation With... ' we chatted to Girls' Rowing Coach and Assistant Boatman, Mr Dan Safdari, who joined the Shiplake community in September. Mr Safdari is enjoying the great start the College's committed and ambitious girls have made in this year's rowing programme. With dreams of taking the girls all the way to a win at the Henley Royal Regatta, we are excited to see what the future holds for girls' rowing at Shiplake.
What is your role at Shiplake and where were you previously?
My role at Shiplake College is Girls' Rowing Coach and Assistant Boatman. Before joining Shiplake I was at King's College School, Wimbledon and Godolphin and Latymer School.
You are dedicated to training the girls at Shiplake - how is it going so far?
With the new Davies Centre and a squad of committed and ambitious girls, the season has got off to a great start. This year’s squad of girls are the largest cohort that the school has ever had and as a result has created a very competitive atmosphere to training. As a coach, all you can ask for is committed athletes with a passion for the sport and that is certainly what we have.
What are your hopes for girls' rowing at Shiplake?
My hopes for the girls' rowing programme at Shiplake is to create a programme that is consistently performing amongst the top girls' rowing schools and clubs in the country. I hope to create a reputation that our programme is where girls aspire to go for Sixth Form not only for a fantastic education but also to succeed in rowing. With Henley only down the road, a consistent representation from the girls' squad at Henley Royal Regatta, and to one day win, is the dream!
What does a typical day look like for you?
I arrive at the boathouse at 7.45am to train for an hour on the Wattbike. From 9.00am I work alongside Mr Bathe-Taylor to maintain and repair the large fleet of rowing boats, land training equipment we have along with the general upkeep of the boathouse. At lunchtime the girls will have a land training session and then a water session at 3.30pm. Before heading home, I will do a weights session, if I have the energy!
What have been your first impressions of the College?
From my first day at Shiplake, it was clear there is a fantastic community within the school and that there is support for all staff and, particularly for me, that there is strong support for rowing at the school.
What would you say is the best thing so far about Shiplake?
That’s a tough question, I couldn’t pick one thing! In no particular order: The Davies Centre is a world class training facility full of a large fleet of boats and an amazing gym. The support for the rowing programme from staff and parents is invaluable. The coaching team down at the boathouse has a vast amount of experience and knowledge. The catering team's Saturday morning breakfast cheers everyone up, particularly after a wet outing on the river!
Can you tell us a little bit about your rowing background and experience?
I was introduced to rowing when I was selected to join a talent ID scheme run by British Rowing, at the age of 15. I trained at Molesey Boat Club for seven years, aspiring to earn a GB vest. At 17 I raced at Coupe de la Jeunesse, similar to a junior European regatta, where I won two golds in the junior men’s eight. I raced at Henley Royal Regatta a number of times, winning the Thames Challenge Cup (club eights) in 2009.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
In my spare time, and when not restricted by the national lockdown, I enjoy exercising, cycling with friends, lifting weights or running. I enjoy travelling and learning the history of other cultures. I often have a DIY project to work on; I’m currently working on a ‘river’ table made with resin. I also enjoy a coffee and pastry with friends.
What does the future hold for Mr Safdari?
In the near future I’m looking forward to moving into a new house, hopefully before Christmas, and then hopefully getting a dog. I’m looking forward to seeing the girls' rowing programme go from strength to strength and seeing Shiplake girls compete on the main stage - Henley and GB - and continue when they leave Shiplake at university and beyond!
