So you’re interested in rowing at Reading Rowing Club? Brilliant, here's who to contact and what to expect.
Reading is a big club and has a good level of resources in terms of kit, coaches and a fabulous long stretch of the Thames. This means that whatever your rowing ambitions may be, the club can accommodate them.
Men’s Captain – Dirk Borgstede
I started rowing at school nearly 20 years ago and have been an active rower ever since, whenever work commitments and location have allowed. Having come to Reading in 2008, I've trained and raced with the senior group for the last two seasons and have now been trusted with running the men’s squad.
My aim is to continue building up a squad that is competitive on all levels, at major national competitions (Head of the River, Henley Royal Regatta, National Championships) and various other events during the year.
For further information and to get involved please email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Men’s Coaches – Seamus Hussey and Terry O’Sullivan
Seamus is in charge of the Senior Group, building towards major competitions and developing the overall standard by integrating both new, experienced members and previous novices who want to compete at a higher level.
Terry has successfully taken over responsibilities for the novice group and progress has been excellent.
Squad Tiers
Novice Group
If you are completely new to the sport or have a little bit of rowing experience you will join the novice group to hone your rowing skills and improve your fitness. This group rows on the river about five times each week. There is some land training on ergos but the main focus is on getting out in boats and improving skills. Most of the training is done in 8s and 4s.
Intermediate Group
With growing numbers in both the Senior and Novice groups, we are currently looking to set up a dedicated Intermediate Group, catering for those above novice standard and those who can’t or don’t want to commit to the training volumes required to make it into the top crews.
More details will be posted as soon as they are available.
Senior Group
Do you want to compete at the highest level you can? We are building a senior group with ambitions to be competitive at a national level. This group is working towards high standards in both water performance and ergo performance on land.
Rowers with ambitions for a seat in the top boats will be required to complete seven to 10 sessions a week. Water-based training is done in small boats (1x, 2-) as well as 4s and 8s.
