Reading has one of the longest and scenic stretches of river on the Upper Thames, which makes rowing here a real pleasure. It is a large club with a friendly group of women of various different experiences and commitment levels, and is always keen to welcome new rowers. It is perfectly set up to accommodate different ambitions and commitment levels. The main focus is performance-based rowing, but aim to have some fun whilst working hard.
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Senior Squad
Supported by two dedicated coaches, this is the squad where competitiveness, high commitment and performance levels meet. There are a bunch of 20+ women composed of experienced rowers from universities/schools, regional clubs and home-grown talent. The squad aim for high-end regattas and have built up a catalogue of strong performances in recent years at Henley 2009 Women’s Regatta and wins at the Metropolitan Regatta 2009. The club welcome all women with previous sculling or sweep experience who are committed to train competitively.
The training comprises land- and water-based sessions. Of course during the summer months, when the nights are drawing out, the squad predominantly train on the lovely, long home stretch. In the winter months, the erg- and weights- rooms offer ample opportunity to train when daylight is scarce out of working hours, but the weekends are used for water training. The squad normally hold an annual training camp over the Easter weekend.
Intermediate Squad
For rowers who have progressed from the initial novice/beginner state and for those whose commitment levels don’t quite allow the training volumes of the senior squad, this might be a good group to slot into. Again, there is ample opportunity for water- and land-based training, plus a structured training plan to adhere to. The intermediate squad also has an element that focuses on competitive rowing, so if you like racing you won’t be disappointed.
Novice Squad
If you are thinking of trying rowing as a sport or you have very little experience, it is suggested that you join the novices and improve your water-experience and fitness levels in the 8s and 4s that this squad is putting on the water four times a week. As you progress there will also be opportunity for you to be introduced to racing at regattas and headraces. Please see the Novice subsection for more detail.
