SUBC Senior Women's Squad
In the last few years the women's squad has gone from strength to strength,
placing high at major university events such as BUSA regatta, and showing
consistent performance throughout the head season. Senior intake is
normally fairly high, and this year one of the main aims is to develop a
good depth of squad, and to ideally have two competitive senior women's
eights racing throughout the head season.The two main head races showed the potential of the women's squad, with good results from both the Fours
head in November and the Eights head held in March.
There is one training camp held at Easter each year, normally held in the UK
to keep costs down for students in debt! During this training camp there is
usually an ergo test, but with the main emphasis being on water sessions,
and getting miles under the boat sorting out final crews for BUSA regatta
at the beginning of May.
Training is held normally between 7-10 sessions a week, and these sessions comprise of:
- Water sessions on a Wednesday afternoon and both weekend days, also making use of morning water when available.
- Gym sessions including set ergo pieces, which are recorded each time for the whole squad, to compare and so that progression can easily be seen throughout the season.
- Squad runs have previously been once a week, taken by one of the runners in the squad, as a good session of cross training.
- Circuits are also attended as a squad once a week during winter, as is a core stability and stretching session (when possible!).
Water training reflects the season, so to prepare for the winter head races we do a lot of long pieces at low rates to build basic endurance, and also long pieces at mixed rates. During the summer we do a lot more of the shorter, higher intensity pieces, reflecting the differences between the head races and the regatta races.
Aims for 2006/07:
- To have 2 competitive women's senior eights throughout the head season.
- WHORR; to come in the top 45.
- Medal at BUSA head and regatta.
- Win at one of the major summer regattas i.e. MET or Reading, in a competitive class.
- Have the first crew progressing through at least 2 rounds at Henley Women's Regatta (and hopefully further!) with a second crew qualifying and progressing through the at least the first round.
We are always interested in hearing from experienced oarswomen or potential
sponsors. If you would like to receive more information about the Senior
Women's Squad please contact us.
-Charlie Best, Senior Women's Captain