Rowing Update
Despite the lack of water time due unsafe river conditions, KCBC has been getting the most out of land training.
Sierra Sparks (2021 DPhil Engineering), KCBC President, writes:
It has been an exciting, although unusual, season for the Keble College Boat Club (KCBC) thus far. Like much of the UK, Oxford experienced a significant amount of rain over the autumn and winter, which led to flooding throughout the city and across the Thames, resulting in the highest flooding across the Godstow and Isis stretch of the river, where we row, since 2014! Unfortunately, these unsafe river conditions have meant the cancellation of the Novice Regatta in Michaelmas and the cancellation of Torpids, one of two bumps regattas, in Hilary.
Training included time in the rowing tanks at both Iffley Sports Centre and Radley College.
Despite the lack of water time due to safety concerns, KCBC has been actively training and getting the most out of land training opportunities. We have had a strong intake of novice rowers this year, a testament to their dedication to KCBC. Even without much time on the water due to the conditions, the novices have integrated well with the squad and have been developing their rowing skills on land. The returners, led by our excellent Captains, Ciara McCormack and Jack Dawson, have shown tremendous leadership throughout the season in adapting to the challenging conditions and committing to the on-land training. We have also recruited new coaches across both our men’s and women’s squads who have been fantastic in keeping the land training varied and effective. From the classic sessions on the ergs, to more time spent in the rowing tanks at both Iffley Sports Centre and Radley College, and to technical video analysis with coaches, this time of land training has not gone to waste.
We are also excited that this year, there are three Keble students trialling with the Oxford University Boat Club (OUBC), hoping to represent Keble College in the Boat Races at the end of March. They are Harry Glenister (Openweight Men), Sierra Sparks (Openweight Women), and Toby Whitehead (Lightweight Men). We can’t wait to welcome them back to Keble! With our successful end-of-term dinner with the squad, and several social events throughout the term, the KCBC athletes are more closely-knit than ever and are already preparing for Summer Eights next term. We hope to see you at the event on Boathouse Island between May 22-25, and would love to see you in attendance at the annual Keble Rowing Society Dinner on 25 May. Thank you for your support!
