Men’s Squad

The men’s squad is settling well into the new Reading Rowing Club squad structure. This structure puts Reading in the enviable position of being able to take on those of all abilities; from those who have never set foot in a boat right the way through to those aspiring for national squad selection.

Athletes graduating from Reading’s beginners programme move into our novice group who are ably coached by Guy Cleveland. The aim of this group is to get the athletes racing and winning their first races within a year whilst having a good time along the way.

Those novices who have experienced their first taste of rowing success, or new club members with some experience, will train with Hugh Mortimer’s intermediate group; now in it’s second season and hoping to emulate the success of the first. Whilst the training volume increases slightly, additional emphasis is placed on technique, stretching and the race preparation needed to compete at higher levels.

The senior squad, coached by Henry Hirsch, typically train between 8 and 11 times per week and focus their efforts on success at the Head of the River Race, Henley Royal Regatta and the British Rowing Championships.

Last season, wins were recorded at all levels from within the squad and thanks to the retention of most of last year’s athletes and the addition of some strong new talent; Reading Rowing Club’s men’s squad are hopeful of even more success going into 2012.