In 2016, the EUBC Recreational Squad – recently renamed Club Rowing– was less a team and more a haphazard group of half a dozen rowers who sometimes trained and seldom raced. With an increasing number of rowers interested in racing without the commitment of the Senior squad came a new opportunity for the boat club. Much like one repairs damage to a hull, the unfavourable habits of the Club Rowing squad were slowly patched up. Weekly training plans were set in place, rules laid down, compulsory sessions implemented, all while inviting a wide range of experience and commitment. And with the overhaul of the squad and its values came the question: what does it mean to row with Club Rowing?
After years of work, the answer has finally become evident: to row with Club Rowing puts the athlete in charge of their own training. It places opportunities in front of the rower but asks them to take the initiative. The athlete can choose to go to training, or they can choose not to. The level of training is up to them. These options have fostered a competitive – but fun
– atmosphere in the squad, which aids – and is aided by – those who wish to be more competitive within the squad, within the university, and within the larger rowing community.