Parent Information
The Rowing Calendar
Rowing goes all year round. There are distinct periods across the whole year; Head Race season during the autumn/winter months then Regatta season during the summer. It helps to get the rowing annual calendar early and as this helps plan your holidays. Sometimes rowing events and camps and training are in holidays. These are generally optional. Attending some holiday sessions can be a help towards boat selection for races. There are some fun overseas trips for training and races- like Boston and also Nottingham/Belgium.
The Training Week
The type and amount of training varies for each year group.
- ‘On Water’ - In general, there are two ‘on water’ sessions per week rowing out of Tideways Scullers School TSS – one after school - one after school and then one on weekend - Sat or Sunday. Girls get bus from and back to school for the mid-week session and then make own way home from school. Generally, they make their own travel arrangements on the weekend and many girls take the bus/tube.
- ‘On Land’ (at school) There is usually a mix of ‘on land’ sessions, which entails ergo (rowing machine) and circuits/weight training sessions during week, pre-school, at lunch and after school. Morning sessions starting in the VI are at 7:15 sharp.
What happens in each year group?
Rowing starts with the Vth via learn to row sessions and tasters in September. Rowers then commit from Oct that year to join the SPGS rowing club, when there is an additional payment which is added to the school bill.
Each year the general flow of training and races applies in a similar way. However, the specific races vary per each year group. For those girls who qualify the school supports the Team GB U19 Calendar.
What Kit is required?
Standard SPGS sports kit is fine to get started with, and then they can purchase the Lululemon Logo Clothing for pre/post workouts.
If you join and enter races, then the girls will need to get rowing kit from the current supplier are ‘Rival’ with kit generally good quality but allow for long lead times.
Also rowing can be cold and wet especially in winter. So, bring warm cover ups and change of clothes. In summer a hat, sunglasses and suncream necessary. The Coaches will advise what is needed in particular. Rowers usually wear plastic crocs or short or long wellies to get into boat. Water and some snacks are also a good idea for afterwards. Sunglasses are also key, and many girls like the Oakley models.
Range of abilities
Rowing is the most inclusive sport at SPGS. Girls can participate in each level, from recreation to fitness to Elite Team GB trials. There really is something for everyone. Every year SPGS sends rowers to the Top US universities – Stanford/Yale/Dartmouth etc.
The Clubhouse – Tideway Scullers School (TSS)
SPGS rows from TSS. This is a shared facility which is also used by other students and adults. It is basic but functional. There is a locker room to store belongings and get changed.
The shed is on a lovely part of the river, which allows nice walks up and down on both sides of the river. Training Sessions usually for two hours but this can vary at the Coaches discretion and depending on what races require. The designated ‘end time’ can also vary as the rowers also need to store away the boats oars and kit. Let’s say the timing is not certain!
Dukes Meadows has paid parking. Golf driving ranges and also car wash nearby. Also, there is a nice café with great orange juice and coffee!
If making their own transportation, the rowers can get bus number 533 to Hammersmith or overground from Kew (20 min walk). Generally, families drop off in car and then girls make own way home, as the end time is difficult to know. If necessary UBER’s can be ordered to TSS.
Regatta and Head Races
Head Races- You watch these from the side of the river and the boats go past in a single line, one by one. It’s a timed race so you don’t know who is “winning” till it’s over. Be aware these races take a long time, and you may very well be waiting for 2 hours for a 1-minute view of the boat. Needless to say, there are many people watching, so bring coffee and warm clothing.
Regatta - These are the races in the spring and summer - on a rowing lake. Boats race side by side - in parallel, it’s exciting and you can see the boats from start to finish. National Schools Regatta and Henley are the most important.
For both formats there is a lot of prep time, so again it’s a lot of waiting for the 1-2 minute of the. Races! The rowers have to derig the bots the day before, out on the trailer, take off on the day and put on when it’s over. The team is responsible for this and is part of the rowing culture. It does take a lot of time and so generally it’s a full day (or morning) event.
Race Example: Drop off at 8am. Race at 2pm. Leave 5pm or event later. But it can vary a lot - Nat Schools 2023 ended at 10pm!
What is rowing like as a sport?
Rowing is a great team sport, and the rowers learn great skills and confidence. They have to be disciplined and turn up on time as you can’t race or train without a full crew. It is strenuous and good exercise but requires commitment from Girls and Parents alike!
February 2024