You probably haven’t rowed (or coxed!) before, and neither had most of us! College rowing is the perfect place to start, and nowhere is better than Trinity Hall.
Whether you want to compete at the next Olympic Games, or just want to keep active, we have crews for all levels. In addition to learning to row and learning what on earth an erg is (as well as the joys it can bring), THBC is also an amazing place to meet amazing people. With termly Boat Club Dinners, regular socials and the odd crew dinner or two, rowing is just as much a society as it is a sport.
Now, onto the important questions…
How do I get involved?
THBC usually has two mens and two womens novice boats in Michaelmas term, however this depends on how man people are interested, so everyone can get involved. Novice term is broken down into two key phases, ‘Try Rowing’ and ‘Learn to Row’.
Try Rowing
In the first few weeks of Michaelmas term, everyone is welcome to come and have a go. You will be introduced to the basics of rowing through tubbing sessions (a small wooden boat). There is no commitment with this, so feel free to come along, even if to only say you have rowed in Cambridge. But you never know, you might love it!
Learn to Row
A few weeks in, you will truly start to learn to row. You’ll graduate from tubbing to rowing in VIIIs. Here you will work on technique and rhythm, as well as getting used to rowing as a crew. You will also be introduced to the rowing machine, to further help with the basic technique of rowing. If you decide to learn to row, you are making a commitment to roughly 2 water sessions a week, and one land session. Next comes the races! Michaelmas term has several races just for novice-only boats. From fancy-dress side-by-side racing with Emma Sprints, to finishing off the term with the Fairbairns Cup.
If you want to get involved, please contact our lower boat captains:
Do I have to get up early in the morning?
Rowing will certainly adjust your concept of a lie-in, but rest assured, as a novice during Michaelmas term you are not allowed to row before 7:30 am. With college accommodation just a 10-minute walk away away, you don’t need to be up before 7 am. Whilst that sounds early, rowing is absolutely one of the best ways to start your day.
Do I need to be incredible at sports?
No, absolutely not! THBC is here to help you learn to row, and improve your fitness, wherever your starting point is. Goals are set based on where you are in your training, and there is always support available about how to improve. So, whether you can run a marathon, are a champion powerlifter, or have never set foot inside a gym, everyone is welcome.
How big of a commitment is rowing?
It depends. We have crews which cater to all commitment levels, and training is often organised around peoples schedules. From first boats which train 7-8 times a week, to lower boats training ~3 times. Indeed, we have several first boat rowers which compete in other university sports, so you really can do it all! The requirement as a novice is roughly two-three outings a week, and one land training. But, if you think about it, you probably wouldn’t have been doing anything that time in the morning if you weren’t rowing, so it actually takes up no time at all! (That’s how I justify it at least).
