Training

We train both in-season and off-season and vary the types of training according to pending competitions.

Prior to the beginning of the season (usually from December to May) we train in the gym, alternating hydraulic weight work with cardio-vascular work, to build up our strength and stamina.

Gym training is at Eton College Gymnasium, Common Lane, Eton and is held on a Wednesday night during winter hours and on a Tuesday night in summer hours from 7.30pm to 9.30pm.

Once weather and river conditions are more settled, we train on the water two to three times a week. At the beginning of the season we do long distance training for our Eton Head event normally held at Easter, starting at Rafts Boathouse in Eton, going through Boveney Lock to Maidenhead and back (approximately 12 miles).

We also use ergometers to warm up before training on the water doing a sequence of a minute on and a minute off going full pelt and then followed by a pyramid to build up stamina and strength. The men usually start off at 2.05 for a minute then drop to 2.00 for a minute followed by 1.55, 1.50, 1.45, 1.40, 1.35 and then back up each for a minute. The women start at 2.30 and drop by 5 seconds each minute to 1.55 and then back up.

Once the long distance training is out of the way, we train for National Races over a 4 mile course doing short bursts (30-40 strokes) of full pressure every 40-50 strokes and starts against the stream, finishing with a 600m burst.

We have recently purchased a K1 and have started training in these to identify individual strength and stamina and to help with crew selection, as this is always difficult for the crew captain!

Training on the river is at Rafts Boathouse, Eton next to the Brocas on the River Thames in the shadow of Windsor Castle. We train on Tuesday and Thursday nights at 7.30pm and on Sunday mornings at 10.30am during summer hours.

We hope this gives you an insight into how we train, if you have any suggestions or would like to have a go, please give us a call or email us.