If you are new to rowing, here are a few facts about veterans. In the UK, veteran status starts at age 31, whilst FISA rules designate a starting age of 27 for all veteran international competition! In perspective, that means that Sir Steve Redgrave won three of his Olympic golds as a veteran.
The main high-profile events that are open specifically to veterans are: The Vesta Veterans 8s Head of the River in March, the Veteran National Championships in June, Henley Veterans Regatta in July, the FISA World Masters in September and the Veterans 4s Head of the River in November. During the Head of the River season (long-distance racing) there are other veteran-specific events as well as other open events in which veterans can enter and compete. Age is no restriction to competitiveness. Indeed, John Hodgson, a 98-year-old from Evesham, regulary competes at indoor rowing events. He did a mile in nine minutes 41seconds this year on a Concept 2 ergo. How fast are you?
Mike Linehan – Veterans' Vice-Captain
My name is Mike Linehan and I am the Vice-Captain responsible for veteran rowing at RRC. Having taken up rowing at aged 19, I competed on the Tideway for about 15 years from the mid 1970s, accumulating a fair bit of rowing experience. In 1988, a move to Reading and the beginnings of a family led me to take a break and pursue other fitness training. I then joined Reading Rowing Club in 2002 and, now in my 50s, I am in the third year of Vice-Captaincy.
So what does RRC offer?
We have a large number of veteran members and regularly have crews in all the aforementioned events. In 2009, we had a Veteran G (average age of 65) men's win in the coxless pairs at the National Championships and had crews competing at the World Masters in Vienna. We also had a ladies' Veteran B (average age 36) crew at Henley Veterans and have had ladies' wins at the World Masters and indoor rowing championships.
Members have the opportunity to take advantage of the fine fleet of boats ranging from the learn-to-row sculling boats, through to singles, pairs, fours and eights. The club also boasts an ergo training room and a weights room. Circuit training is available for veterans every Tuesday from mid-September at Queen Anne's School in Caversham. This is usually followed by a beer in the local pub.
Generally, the crews organise themselves and tend to aim for 7.30am outings during the weekends and from 6.30pm on weekdays to suit individual needs. During peak Head of the River training times, boat-sharing is a necessity so patience and flexibility are smetimes called for.
For experienced rowers looking to come along, there is an opportunity to join the squad and get involved in crews straight away. If you are of veteran status and looking to take up rowing on the river for the first time, it is recommended you learn the ropes by joining Terry O'Sullivan's Novice Group. There are many veteran rowers in the group who are finding out what the sport is all about and having great fun at the same time. One of last year's novices, aged 53, raced in the 2009 Thames Cup qualifying races with the senior squad.
We are a friendly bunch and the club is a great place with a fantastic stretch of water to row on.
Please email me at
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or call me on 07775 544692 if you want to chat further.
