Senior Rowing

Welcome 

Welcome to our section on senior rowing, which is particularly aimed at those looking to row in the first boats at Corpus. You will have an enjoyable and rewarding time with access to high quality training, small boat rowing, and fitness plans created to support your rowing goals. If you are interested in competing for Corpus, possibly outside of Oxford too, and want to progress further in rowing, please do contact our captains. 

Men's Captain - Daniel Ning - daniel.ning@ccc.ox.ac.uk 

Women's Captain - Stella Price - stella.price@ccc.ox.ac.uk

Rowing in first VIIIs

Rowing in the first VIIIs is a step up from lower boats but the transition is supported by our coaches and the other experienced rowers that make up the Boat Club. You train in set and committed crews early on in each term, with the most experienced crew members, and you have a greater opportunity to compete in races outside of Oxford. Mainly, you get to compete in the higher divisions at Torpids and Eights which leads to some very exciting and competitive races. 

There is a training plan set up for each term, and vacation periods too, which include on water outings, ergo and cardiovascular training, and weight training. 

The captains and entire committee provide support and encouragement to anyone wanting to aim for the first VIIIs. Many members of our current crews have never rowed before coming to Corpus, so with dedication, hard work, and team spirit it can be a possibility for any member of the Boat Club, regardless of their sporting background. 

Small Boat Training 

As senior members of the Boat Club you will also have the opportunity to scull and use our great fleet of small boats. These are optional sessions but is a great way to improve rowing technique. These sessions are usually run in Trinity Term where the water is a bit warmer, so it does not matter if you take a dip. Sculling school is run after Eights and you will need a capsize drill to take part, so please contact our captains if you need one and are interested in sculling. 

Training Information

The training schedule and plan is built across the captains and coaching team which is structured to allow you to still complete your degree to the highest level. The captains are also students too so they understand the need to construct a manageable schedule. You may need to be slightly better at time management than others on your course, but rowing helps many of us structure our days and provides us with physical, mental and social benefits. An outline of what to expect is below; 

Water Sessions;

2-4 sessions a week (this usually increases to about 6 in Trinity Term with warmer weather and lighter evenings) 

Circuits and Weights;

1 circuit a week run by the captains in college

1-2 weights a week (ask the coaches for a set programme) 

Erg Sessions;

1-2 erg sessions a week (usually comprises of a long erg and a short erg but is often adapted for upcoming races)

Second VIIIs 

Every year we have second boats at Eights in order to give our novices an opportunity to race at the end of the year. Although these boats are usually comprised of novices, who learnt to row in their first year, captains will always welcome others in the boat. You can pick up rowing at any point in your degree or if you have rowed with the first boats you can move down to the seconds for a more fun and laid-back rowing experience.