Why do we row?
Rowing at Bryanston caters for beginners and experienced rowers of all levels, promoting individual skills within the framework of a team. The rowers learn vital skills such as time management, commitment and communication which will benefit them both in sport and in future life beyond Bryanston.
Rowing takes place from the school’s private boathouse and the rowers have exclusive use of the picturesque River Stour, as well as a designated training facility above the boathouse.
The separated physical location of the boathouse and river from the school allows the pupils to feel that they are able to leave the academic nature of the school behind for a period of time each day – a crucial part of their wellbeing.
Who can row?
Rowing is aimed at pupils of all abilities. They are encouraged to stretch themselves and to compete and perform at their highest levels, but that is not for everyone and there is also the potential to simply enjoy the sport at a more leisurely pace.
The training environment for rowing is totally mixed, with boys and girls training alongside and against each other.
Although racing tends to be either boys’ crews or girls’ crews, the nature of the sport does allow for mixed crews and Bryanston crews take advantage of this at many races.
Different year groups
The Boat Club trains as three main groups:
- Year 9 (D) – U14s can opt for rowing from the middle term onwards. The focus is on learning the basic skills and subsequent racing consists of external regattas and internal/invitational events
- Year 10 (C) – U15s can row for all three terms. The year is about preparing them for more serious competition. There are a few more external races and training can become more focussed
- Senior Rowing is for Year 11 (B) years and upwards – U16–U18 can row in all three terms. The racing crews are selected from across the age groups based on ability and compete at external events, including National Schools’ Regatta and Henley. There is also racing within age groups wherever possible.
Performance Sport Programme
Our rowing pupils can benefit from our Performance Sports Programme with access to expert coaching, state-of-the-art facilities, and a supportive environment to enhance their athletic skills and reach their individual or multi-sport goals.
Our facilities
- We have a six-lane indoor swimming pool; two fully equipped gyms; a dedicated spin bike room, physiotherapy facilities and a 24-hour onsite medical centre)
- Fully equipped boathouse with full time boatman and workshop
- Over 2000m stretch of river, virtually unused by anyone outside the school
- Coaching launches
- Two training rooms at the boathouse, including 25 rowing machines and gym/weights equipment