Why take up rowing?
“Why take up rowing?” – a question even some of the current rowing enthusiasts have asked themselves at some point or other during periods of intense training and desperate attempts to go ‘sub 7 minutes’ when rowing a 2k. There really are so many reasons for taking up this hugely rewarding team sport though, it’s difficult to know where to begin.
For many students, rowing at St Anne’s is the first time they’ve ever gotten into a rowing boat, let alone tried to use a rowing machine, which only adds to the fun and satisfaction as they improve enormously and get to enjoy the first rowing competition of the year. Indeed, one of the best things about the sport is the fact that most students are new to it and anyone can give it a go. Being a team sport, it’s a fantastic way to make friends with others from across college and a good opportunity for the JCR and MCR students to meet.
For many students, rowing at St Anne’s is the first time they’ve ever gotten into a rowing boat, let alone tried to use a rowing machine, which only adds to the fun and satisfaction as they improve enormously and get to enjoy the first rowing competition of the year. Indeed, one of the best things about the sport is the fact that most students are new to it and anyone can give it a go. Being a team sport, it’s a fantastic way to make friends with others from across college and a good opportunity for the JCR and MCR students to meet.
Hannah Morris cheering on W1... in a beaver costume!
Rowing is a fairly demanding sport with lots of training both on land and on the water. Whilst the early mornings aren’t normally top of anyone’s ‘This is why I love rowing’ list, getting up for a 6:30am outing does guarantee a productive day! It’s a great way to stay fit and work on strength, flexibility and to build muscle which other sports would not: it’s often a common misconception that you need ‘strong arms’ to row, when in fact it’s a whole body work-out! And for those who are attracted to the sport but not so much to all the exercise, coxing is a great way to get involved and exploit your assertive side!
Many students give rowing a go at some point during their time here, with many surprised at how quickly they become hooked by it. Whether a keen athlete or someone just wanting to try something new, rowing really does have something for everyone…even if it is, as one of our current first years described, just the opportunity ‘to have more people to sit with at Brunch!...'
Many students give rowing a go at some point during their time here, with many surprised at how quickly they become hooked by it. Whether a keen athlete or someone just wanting to try something new, rowing really does have something for everyone…even if it is, as one of our current first years described, just the opportunity ‘to have more people to sit with at Brunch!...'
M1 pre-race team talk
Experienced Rowers
If you have rowed before, either at school, at a club or at a previous university, we would very much encourage you to continue at SABC. Both our men’s and women’s first boats currently sit in strong positions in Torpids and Summer Eights, the two main races of the year, with the women on the verge of moving up into division one for the first time in 30 years. As an experienced rower, you would be welcome to trial for the first VIIIs, or even join our coaching team – your expertise would be a great asset!
Rowing at St Anne’s isn’t just about bumps racing. Every year we aim to enter crews at other head races and regattas in Oxford, with the option of going to external events as well. College rowing is also a great platform to University level, with many SABC rowers going on to compete in the Boat Races with both the open and lightweight crews. In 2022, three of the nine crew members in the women's boat came from St Anne's; Christine Cavallo, our cox Joe Gellett, and amazing stroke (and OUWBC president) Amelia Standing. In 2023, we had the stroke seat of the Blue Boat, Esther Austin, propelling our W1 into Division 1.
Being part of rowing at Oxford could be one of the most memorable experiences of your life. Bumps racing is truly unique, with division 1 at Summer Eights being the closest you will get to rowing in a stadium (15,000 people come to watch on the Saturday!). At St Anne’s we will put you in the best possible position to achieve all your aims. For more information email [email protected].
Rowing at St Anne’s isn’t just about bumps racing. Every year we aim to enter crews at other head races and regattas in Oxford, with the option of going to external events as well. College rowing is also a great platform to University level, with many SABC rowers going on to compete in the Boat Races with both the open and lightweight crews. In 2022, three of the nine crew members in the women's boat came from St Anne's; Christine Cavallo, our cox Joe Gellett, and amazing stroke (and OUWBC president) Amelia Standing. In 2023, we had the stroke seat of the Blue Boat, Esther Austin, propelling our W1 into Division 1.
Being part of rowing at Oxford could be one of the most memorable experiences of your life. Bumps racing is truly unique, with division 1 at Summer Eights being the closest you will get to rowing in a stadium (15,000 people come to watch on the Saturday!). At St Anne’s we will put you in the best possible position to achieve all your aims. For more information email [email protected].
