Do you want to join one of the best Beginner Programmes in the country?
Our Development Squad is for people who have never rowed before. No experience is necessary, all we ask is that you come in with an open mind and a can do attitude.
Our aim is to mould you into a competitive athlete where you will have the best chance of winning medals. We look to merge the Beginner and Senior squads by June.
Our Development Men last year were undefeated, winning gold in everything they touched. Our Development Women made history placing 4th in the WB8+ at BUCS Regatta.
We run taster sessions at the beginning of the academic year, where you can try out rowing and check out the facilities at Molesey Boat Club. Keep an eye on our social media for when those sessions will be, or come and chat to us at Freshers Fayre in September!
Training
As a beginner, the intensity of training is slowly built up to around 6 sessions a week. This includes circuits, 2 water sessions, 2 ergo’s and 1 S&C session. Our focus is on getting you fit at the start of the year.
All our land training is done on campus and at Surrey Sports Park. Training is done in the mornings and evenings, so it easily fits around your studies. Wednesday afternoons are solely for sports here at Surrey.
We row out of Molesey Boat Club, which is a 30 minute drive from the University. This is where we do our water training. Lots of our members drive and we have access to the University minibuses, so don’t worry about getting there.
Racing
Head races range from 3000-7000 meters where you are set off in crews one after the other. Typically we look to get our Beginners racing at one in November. BUCS Head is a 3000 meter race in February, and will be a main target for you.
The summer brings Regatta season! These races are ones where boats are lined up next to each other – you battle it out to the finish line, usually over a 2000 meter stretch. BUCS Regatta is in May and will also be a main target for you.
The programme is designed to give you the best chance for racing at Henley by the end of the season. Four of our Beginner Men last season raced in the Temple Challenge Cup at Henley Royal Regatta, after just 10 months of rowing.
Scholarships
The University of Surrey offer a variety of sports scholarships to exceptional athletes. Click here to find out more.
If you’re interested in joining, please fill out the form below and one of our coaches will get back to you as soon as possible. You can also reach us through any of our social media sites, so please give us a message if you have any questions.