The Champion of the Thames is a friendly rowing club in Cambridge. There are opportunities for beginners to learn to row with the club, and also to learn to cox (steer the boat and instruct the rowers). No experience is needed as full training is provided.
This activity is good for wellbeing because
- Rowing is good exercise and spending time outdoors on the river can give you a wellbeing boost;
- You will be working as part of a team with your crew;
- Going on regular outings can help give structure to your week.
"A wonderful way to have exercise in the open air with a like minded group of people”
“A fantastic team building sport - requires collaboration from everyone”
How to contact
Where to go
Cambridge Rowing Association boathouse
Logans Way Cambridge
CB4 1BL
Clare College Boat House
Cutter Ferry Lane
Cambridge CB4 1JR
UK
This video shows the crew taking the boat out of the boathouse:
This video shows one of the club's coxes on an outing, steering the boat and instructing the rowers:
Learn to Row
The Champion of the Thames offers induction sessions for people who are interested in joining their club. No previous rowing experience needed. Induction sessions are held on Thursday evenings and Saturday mornings. You will need to be over 18, able to swim 50 metres in light clothing, and have sufficient general health to do a moderate amount of exercise. Sessions involve indoor training on ergometers (rowing machines), and rowing on the river in both a training ‘tub’ boat, and in coxed boats of 8. All outings will be supervised by a coach on the bank.
At the end of your induction course you will have the opportunity to join the club if the coaches are confident that you are ready to join a crew and you are able to commit to their sessions. Members of the club usually go out on the water twice a week (usually a weekend morning and a weekday night) and also take part in optional indoor training sessions (rowing machines, weights, core training and yoga). As a club member there are opportunities to progress and take part in races.
If you are interested in learning to row visit the Champion of the Thames website and fill in the online form.
Learn to Cox
The cox of a boat is responsible for steering and providing verbal instruction and motivation to the rowers. Their role can be compared to that of the conductor of an orchestra. The Champion of the Thames offers a training programme for new coxes. No previous experience needed. Learning to cox is a good way to get some activity in the fresh air, learn a new skill and build confidence. Coxing can be undertaken by people with mobility issues, including wheel chair users. You will need to be relatively fit to the extent that being outdoors for a few hours is sustainable.
If you are interested in learning to cox email info@championrowing.uk or visit the Champion of the Thames website and fill in the online form.
Once you join the club you will be invited to go on outings with a crew of eight rowers at regular times each week. Each outing typically lasts from about an hour to 90 minutes. Before your first session you'll be invited to a preliminary meeting with the crew organiser who can show you around the boathouse, talk through what will happen and answer any questions you may have.
More information
The boathouse has step free access and is fully wheelchair accessible.
There is parking available on the Cambridge Rowing Association site and free parking is also available on Logan's Way.
When you are rowing / coxing you are advised to wear gym gear and bring warm clothing and refreshments. Crews tend to row in all weathers with occasional exceptions.
For coxes - the training programme for coxes is free and membership of the club is also free, there are no fees to pay.
For rowers - the first three induction sessions are free taster sessions.
For rowers - after the first three taster sessions there is a cost for the remaining induction sessions. There is also a monthly fee for membership of the club. Visit the website for details.
How to contact
Where to go
Cambridge Rowing Association boathouse
Logans Way Cambridge
CB4 1BL
Clare College Boat House
Cutter Ferry Lane
Cambridge CB4 1JR
UK
