FAQs

What does the training involve?

We train up to 12 times a week, both on the water and in the gym. We may also enter a number of head races in preparation for the Boat Race, including the Fours Head of the River Race and the Women’s Eights Head. Land training takes place at the OUBC Gym in the Iffley Road sports complex. Water training is based at Wallingford, where we enjoy the use of world-class facilities at the new OUBC Boat House. We also train on Dorney Lake, particularly when river conditions are bad. We will spend some time training at Henley prior to the Boat Race. The training and preparation for the Boat Race is a very rewarding experience you will share with the whole squad.

Coxes will be required at all water sessions but we usually organise a rota for coxes for gym sessions.

Can I fit in training around my degree?

Training for the Boat Race is challenging, but with good management should not prove detrimental to your degree. Weekday morning sessions will be finished in time for all rowers to get to 9am work commitments and evening sessions will begin after the normal working day, leaving you the daytime to focus on academic commitments. Both our graduate and undergraduate members have successfully managed training and academic commitments, and many have found that the training actually helps improve time management and productivity of academic work. 

What if I can’t be in Oxford from early September?

We understand that not all students will be able to arrange accommodation in Oxford in early September, or may have other commitments before term starts. Although we would ideally like you to join us as soon as possible, this is not a problem; please let us know when you intend to arrive in Oxford and we can arrange training from there.

What weight will I need to be on Boat Race day?

Rowers competing in the lightweight Boat Race weigh in on race day at 59kg or below.

The Boat Race cox has to weigh in on race day at a minimum of 50kg (carrying extra weight if necessary). Although there is no maximum weight for the cox, the cox would aim to be as close to 50kg as possible on race day. However do not let concerns about weight put you off: your coxing ability is more important!

Do I need to be on race weight when I arrive to trial?

No! Many lightweights will sit above race weight during training, particularly during the winter months. During the trialling process, bodyweight is monitored to make sure you can reach race weight safely and effectively. We will provide help, support and nutritional advice to ensure our rowers and coxes can balance training and weight management, so that everyone reaches the Boat Race in peak form. We suggest that any rowers above 65kg in September consider trialling for OUWBC. If you have any questions about which squad would be best for you, please let us know and we can discuss your options with you.

How much experience do I need to trial for OUWLRC?

While we do not teach people to row or cox from novice, many of our triallists join the squad after only one year of college rowing, or they may have rowed/coxed at a club or school. We don’t expect everyone to be very experienced or advanced rowers – what is most important is potential, drive to improve and learn, and commitment. Some triallists join after taking part in the summer development squad programme where rowers from all the colleges train to row at Henley Women’s Regatta. Details for development squad can be found on the new development squad page.

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