Despite some early setbacks I think all would agree that this term has laid some strong foundations for our Headship campaign next summer.

After a strong recruitement drive for new rowers at the start of term we easily filled two novice boats. The girls were all dedicated and enthusiastic which made them a pleasure to work with. Despite disappointments in the cancelling of Christ Church regatta, we are strengthened by the knowledge that our crews were undefeated! Special thanks must be directed towards the two vice captains, Kirsty Duffy and Anja Hayen, without whom the novice training programme would not have existed. Christina Schoenbach, an ex-blue and ex-vice captain herself, kindly agreed to coach the A crew. With this strong foundation several of the the strongest and keenest novices also attended senior squad outings at Godstow (coached by Nick Bevan) to give them a taster of things to come.

At the start of this term the senior squad looked worryingly thin on the ground, due to several experienced girls leaving and others off sick. However, this gave a good opportunity for girls from last year’s W2 and W3 boats to move up into the 1st boat (more specifically our lovely Empacher, Happy Rogers) and experience Nick’s exceptional coaching.

Last week myself and both vice captains benefited enormously from attending a GB rowing technique workshop organised by British Rowing (formerly the ARA) and lead by Steve Gunn (one of the Team GB coaches). This focussed on novel ways to coach technique on the ergs, as well as how to objectively test which muscle groups require more training. We immediately started to implement our new-found knowledge into everyday training and are already seeing benefits in increased power output and greater core muscle stability.

BCBC is also proud to keep up our tradition of supporting the University squads: this term Nehaal Bajwa has been trialling with OUWLRC, whilst after a short break from last year’s boat race both Jo Williamson and Christina Schoenbach are now thinking of returning to OUWBC after the vacation to compete in another. I will keep you posted on their progress!

I hope that everyone has an enjoyable Christmas and look forwarded to keeping you updated with our progree in 2010.

Elizabeth Mumford, BCBC Women’s Captain