The squad is open to all male rowers with some experience of sweep rowing and/or sculling and accommodates varying levels of ability and commitment. This ranges from those who aim to row internationally to those who simply want to keep fit and compete occasionally at local regattas – and everything in between.
We have strong links with both Newcastle and Northumbria University boat clubs and regularly train alongside the student crews on the Tyne. The squad also has many former and current students from these universities among its members.
Training
The more involved ‘A’ programme is for IM1/Senior/Elite level rowers aiming for a place in the top crews for events such as HORR, Dorney Lake regattas, and Henley Royal Regatta. This programme will consist of up to 10 sessions per week, with the ultra keen doing even more in their own time. Training consists of 5-6 water sessions, 2 ergo sessions, 1 weights session and 1 circuit session.
If you do not want to train this much, fear not! Many of the squad choose to do the lighter ‘B’ programme, consisting of about 4-5 of the above sessions designated as ‘core’ sessions.
It is entirely up to individuals which programme they follow and it is possible to do something in between.
Training happens on weekday evenings during the week at 5.30pm and on Saturday and Sunday mornings at 8.00 or 9.00am.
Racing
Events we have been to so far this year have included:
* Tyne Head - 27 February
* North of England Head of the River Race, Chester - 20 March
* HoRR, London - 27 March
* Wansbeck Regatta (winning challenge eights) - 1 May
* Tyne Regatta - 29 May
* Durham Regatta - 12 & 13 June
* Henley qualifying races - 25 June
Current intentions for the future include:
* Pairs' Head - 17 October
* Fours' Head - 14 November
* Rutherford Head - 27 November
Crew selection policy
Selection for crews is based entirely on boat moving ability with seat trials and ergs used to assess athletes at the coaches’ discretion.
Joining
If you are interested in joining the Senior Men’s Squad, please contact Julian McBride (Senior Men’s Coordinator) via email at Julian.Macbride@bel.co.uk or come to the club for a chat!