Novice Rowing
A warm welcome to all the freshers, and everyone who has seen the light after x number of years of being at King’s and not rowing. Getting involved with rowing at KCBC is free, easy, and fun – all you need is some generic non-baggy sports kit, and some enthusiasm! Learning to row is good fun and the technique is not all that difficult to master.
We very much try to cater for everyone, whether you are a budding Steve Redgrave or merely someone who feels that they can’t pass up the opportunity to row while they are at Cambridge. We welcome people of all fitness levels and only expect commitment and enthusiasm.
Contrary to popular belief, you will not have to get up at 5am every day and train for 3 hours before lectures. During Michaelmas term, you can expect two or three sessions a week in the boats with around one early morning (which will only be about 7am anyway). We always endeavour to ensure that those with 9am lectures make it back on time to reach them without the need for Lance Armstong-style cycling heroics.
At the end of Michaelmas term, there is a race for novice crews from all the colleges. If you want to race, this is your chance to put into practice all that you have learnt over the course of the term. Your coaches, captains and our senior crews will all come down to cheer you on! From then on, you can choose to continue as a senior rower in Lent term and focus will turn to the Lent and May Bumps. If you’ve loved your time at KCBC but want to take a break after novice season, you’ll still be welcome at all of our socials!
If you’ve got any questions, or just want to say hi, feel free to email our Vice Captains for more information.
Novice Coxing
With all these rowers on the Cam, we always need people to steer and guide them. Coxes are responsible for keeping a good lookout, steering the boat and motivating the crew. It’s an excellent way to engage in the sport of rowing in a more technical way (i.e. without the effort of actually rowing) and you still get the gorgeous river views!
We welcome all who are interested in learning more about coxing – you don’t have to be small to cox, and it’s a well-known fact that rowers who cox improve faster than rowers who don’t.
While novicing as a cox you’ll be placed with very experienced crews who will help you to learn the ropes. Our coaches and bank parties will be there during sessions to support you when you take your place in the driving seat!
If you’re interested in coxing for King’s, feel free to email our Head Cox and Vice Captains for more information.
Experienced rowers
Most of our Boat Club haven’t rowed before arriving at King’s, but we very much encourage experienced rowers arriving to join. Whether you’re looking for something more casual than your last club, or to step up your rowing at King’s, our captains are more than happy to fit you in with our current seniors. You’re also welcome to row as a Novice instead!
Please contact our captains at kings.men@cucbc.org or kings.women@cucbc.org with your rowing experience and how much you are wanting to row, and we’ll squeeze you in!