The club has a history of turning out strong novice squads – that is to say, coaching total beginners to become strong athletes. In previous years we have seen success at both BUCS and British Rowing/ARA events; and have in the past fielded senior-novice composite boats (second senior VIIIs) which have qualified for the Temple Cup at Henley Royal Regatta.

The male and female novice squads each have a dedicated coach overseeing their water training and providing training plans; whilst much of the coaching itself is undertaken by volunteer senior rowers.

Semester One

The first semester is taken up by the teaching of the basics, both off the water on ergometers (rowing machines) and in the boat. A land training programme is also started early on, although builds up gradually in intensity.

Novice Race Day

At the beginning of December all the novices will race in crews of 8 head-to-head in a knockout tournament. Despite only being over 500m, this will give you vital early experience of the intensity of racing.

Semester Two

After Christmas selection is made for a squad that will race externally. This is usually 16-24 strong depending on numbers. Prior to Easter racing takes the format of long distance ‘head races’, which are in a time trial format, usually over around 5km.

BUCS Head

Shorter distance race of around 2.5km in Peterborough against novices from other universities.

Trafford Head

3.5km head race on our own stretch of water in Manchester.

Runcorn Head

Longer racing in Runcorn, near to Liverpool. A good opportunity to measure our progress against other universities in the North.

North of England Head

Held on a nice stretch of water in Chester. An important warmup race prior to Head of the River in London.

Head of the River Race/Women’s Head of the River Race

Marks the end of the head season with a longer race backwards over the Boat Race course. An opportunity to race against top domestic and international crews with thousands watching from the banks of the River Thames!

Regatta Season

Over the Easter holiday to club embarks on an overseas training camp for a week of intense training prior to the regatta season. The initial focus after this is BUCS Regatta, 2km multilane racing against other universities at the National Water Sports Centre in Nottingham. Following this novice rowers enter the senior squad to compete at Notts City, Metropolitan and Marlow regattas in the run up to Henley or Women’s Henley.

Contact The Novice Captains

The 2010/11 captains are Dave Marsh (men) and Hannah Baker (women). If you have any queries please e-mail them at novicemen / novicewomen @mubc.org.uk