In the Club

Student members of the University of Bristol Boat Club (UBBC) reflect on the joys of rowing, misconceptions about the sport and the benefits of joining a University club. 

As the sun breaks through the early-morning mist over the river Avon, a crew of eight rowers and their cox – donning a variety of black and red training attire – emerge from their Saltford Boathouse. Rowing may not be a mainstream sport, but it’s a rewarding one, and Bristol is the perfect place to try it. Founded in 1909, the University of Bristol Boat Club currently stands at around 140 members strong, with an elected committee of 22 senior members at the helm ensuring the smooth day-to-day running of the club. UBBC truly has something for everyone, welcoming new members with open arms regardless of whether they’ve rowed for years or have never picked up a blade before (that’s an oar to us landlubbers!). 

The hardcore senior squad trains up to 11 times per week, tackling a mix of conditioning and water sessions, while the ‘social’ rowers usually train on the water three times per week. This allows members to enjoy being in the club without having to join an intensive training programme. 

But for some, the early starts and rigorous schedule are exactly what they’re looking for: ‘I’m far more productive after a 7 am training session,’ said Millie, third-year Biology student and club secretary. ‘The programme is intensive, but I appreciate the discipline it teaches you. It has made me much more efficient with my time and studies, and we usually go to the library together after training. It’s a great atmosphere – supporting one another both in and out of the boat is the key to a successful crew.’ 

Third-year Aerospace Engineering student Ollie agrees: ‘The structure of a demanding training plan makes me far more productive. You learn to make the most of your time and to value it more.’ This sentiment has echoed across generations of UBBC members. In 2021, University of Bristol graduate and Chair of the UBBC Alumni Committee Flo Ward (BA 2015) was part of the youngest women’s trio to successfully row across the Atlantic. Flo credits her time with UBBC for instilling in her a strong work ethic: ‘UBBC taught me about discipline, teamwork, and hard grit – three things you need to row an ocean,’ she says. ‘We got the job done, no matter how hard things got. The way people hold themselves and treat others is what makes me proud to be part of UBBC.’ 

Owning an impressive fleet of around 30 boats, UBBC is different to many other rowing clubs in that it is totally self-run. This has led to a unique opportunity for student committee members to develop their business acumen and finance management skills alongside their technical and physical prowess in the sport. ‘The skills I’ve gained on the student committee are transferable,’ says UBBC Co-Captain Tom, who is studying for a Master’s in Financial Technology and Data Science. ‘I don’t know of any other clubs where you need to learn how to manage insurance policies for different asset types or understand import documents when procuring boats from abroad!’ 

Co-Captain and third-year Mechanical Engineering student Ko agrees: ‘We’re essentially running a small business, and I’ve learnt so much. The network you unlock by being a UBBC member is pretty amazing – it can open up so many opportunities.’ 

Joining a university group is a fantastic way to meet like-minded people, become part of a close-knit community, and find purpose beyond the academic realm. Something that clearly runs deep throughout UBBC is a sense of belonging and family. ‘In rowing, I’ve found a group of people with a similar mindset,’ says fourth-year Biochemistry student and Women’s Captain Maisie. ‘It’s an intense sport, but because everyone is going through the same thing, you form a really lovely support network.’ 

While there’s no disputing that members of UBBC work hard and train hard, they also relish the opportunity to unwind together. Weekly socials range from scavenger hunts and curry nights to paintballing and bowling. One particularly endearing event is ‘Family Night’, where older club members cook for the younger ones. 

Ko and Tom are keenly aware of the perception that rowing is an elitist sport inaccessible to most. UBBC doesn’t shy away from this history, encouraging open discussions about the sport’s past and actively leading a shift towards a more inclusive future. ‘The sport has a long way to go,’ says Tom, ‘but it’s definitely moving in a positive direction. As a club, we’re at the forefront of that through our novice programme and our Open Club, which is for athletes who aren’t university students, or go to a different university. Our alumni group also helps widen participation in the sport through grants via the Nonesuch Rowing Foundation.’ 

Another misconception that Ko and Tom are keen to set straight is that rowers need to be tall. Sure, it helps to be statuesque, but it isn’t a deal breaker. If you want to be a cox, it’s a case of less height, more gumption. 

‘You need to be able to stand your ground with your decisions while on the water,’ says cox Millie. ‘There can often be eight different opinions in the boat, and as a cox it’s your job to listen and lead confidently.’ 

The pinnacle of the rowing year is the Henley Royal Regatta, where UBBC crews row against the likes of Harvard, Princeton, and crews from as far afield as South Africa and Australia. For third-year Law student Sam, it’s one of his highlights: ‘My favourite UBBC moment so far was my first race at Henley. As we walked out of the boating tents, all the alumni and students were cheering for us. It gave me goosebumps, and although I was extremely nervous for the upcoming race, I couldn’t help but crack a smile. It’s the coolest I’ve ever felt.’ 

According to UBBC members, there’s no feeling quite like that of cruising smoothly along the water as the crew rows in harmony, timing the stroke just right. The time spent on and off the water with teammates is invaluable, building lifelong bonds, developing transferable skills, and growing as an individual. What’s not to love? 

We love to hear your memories of clubs and societies at Bristol: get in touch at alumni@bristol.ac.uk.