We have links with Newcastle University boat club and regularly train alongside the student crews on the Tyne. The squad usually has a number of existing and former students from Newcastle among its members.
Training
As we cater for a range of commitment levels, training for the 2011-12 season will probably comprise two programmes:
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, a number of regattas at Dorney Lake 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 is on weekday evenings, usually at 5.30pm, and on Saturday and Sunday mornings, usually at 8.00am.
This is the intention as at mid-summer 2011, but we'll be looking at how we intend to train shortly and there may be some changes. For example, we may have a more active outward looking novice training programme in conjunction with Northumbria University for potential senior squad rowers.
Racing
Events we attended in 2010-11 included:
* Rutherford Head - 27 November 10
* Tyne Head - 5 March 11
* HoRR, London - 2 April 11
* Tyne Regatta - 28 May 11
* Durham Regatta - 11 & 12 June 11
* Marlow Regatta - 18 & 19 June 11
* Henley Royal Regatta - 29 June to 3 July 11
If you are interested in joining the Senior Men’s Squad, please contact the squad coordinator Julian MacBride via email at julian.macbride@bel.co.uk.