Shaped by King’s

LIFE ON THE RIVER

Rowing at King’s

It’s 7:30am on a crisp October morning. Under the warm glow of the autumnal sunrise, and against the backdrop of the majestic Michael Baker Boathouse, the King’s Rowing Team are heading out onto the water for an early morning training session.

There is a fine tradition of rowing at King’s that can be traced back to 1877. With the iconic Boathouse situated within the school grounds, but taking pride of place on the riverside overlooking the River Severn, rowing remains an integral part of the school’s Co-Curricular and Games programme. The Boat Club has produced four Olympians to date, the most recent being Zac Purchase, who enjoyed an inspiring 10-year career which included an Olympic Gold and Silver, three World Championship titles, and both World and Olympic records.

Despite a challenging 18 months amidst the pandemic, rowing continues to thrive at King’s, as Head of Rowing, Jim Chalmers, explains,

“One of our greatest strengths as a club is our sense of community. During lockdown we had to look at ways of keeping the community spirit alive without being able physically to gather in the Boathouse.”

The hard work certainly paid off as the Boat Club continued in fine form. In February this year, Alice B claimed Silver at the World Rowing Indoor Championships, hosted by the international governing body of Rowing. At just 16 years of age, Alice competed in the gruelling 2000 metre Under 19 Women’s race, coming in just a fraction of a second behind the gold medal winner.

The success continued into the summer, with Alice competing with her rowing partner Georgie T at the British Junior Rowing Championships. Going up against seven crews from some of the best rowing clubs in the country as well as some of the top rowing schools, the formidable pair led the race throughout to take home the Gold in the J18 Women’s Pair division. Like many of our rowers, they had been working towards this goal since taking up rowing in Lower Remove (Year 9).

Shortly after, the Boat Club enjoyed a successful trip to Henley Royal Regatta, with an impressive three crews competing in the event. The Girls’ Eight and Boys’ Quad provided some of the most exciting racing, resulting in some incredibly positive technical reviews from the rowing commentators, and both teams making Sir Matthew Pinsent’s pick of the day.

With a team of specialist coaches at King’s, athletes are supported in all areas of their development.

“It’s a lot to take on,” explains Jim, “but our top performers achieve outstanding academic results alongside their rowing accolades because they are well equipped to prepare for, and focus on, the task in hand. Of course, it also provides some much-needed down-time from their academic studies and a chance to exert themselves physically.”

Along with all major sports at King’s, rowing is very much seen as an all-inclusive sport, not just for those who want to take it to a competitive level.

Jim comments, “We encourage everyone to have a go, so they can discover what rowing is all about. Some are looking to compete, but most students just love getting out on the water as a co-curricular activity.”

Pupils are formally introduced to rowing from the age of 14, when it features on the Games Programme for pupils in Lower Remove (Year 9). Every pupil has the opportunity to row on the River Severn and experience the facilities on offer at the Boathouse, which include changing rooms, a suite of rowing machines for indoor training, and easy access to the river for boats to be taken on and off the water.

Alongside the Games programme there are opportunities for pupils to participate in a wealth of co-curricular opportunities, with regular before and after-school clubs. For those who become a member of the club, there is the opportunity to attend the Junior and Senior Rowing Camp - the latter of which often takes place in Europe.

From the Boat Club, the message is clear: “Come along and have a go. Whatever your experience or ability, there really is something for everyone.”

L to R: Matthew D, Jack B, Alice C, Alice B, Luke B

Nothing beats that feeling of being out on the water first thing in the morning. The tranquillity of the water and watching the world slowly come to life; it really does set you up for the day ahead.

Ollie T and Georgie T, Former Boat Club Captains (20/21)