Welcome to RHUL Boat Club!
One of the oldest clubs on campus, we trace our roots back to the early decades of Royal Holloway. This year we’re aiming to be more competitive than ever, while staying true to what makes us us: friendly, inclusive and always up for a laugh.
Pick Your Squad
We have three squads, so there’s a place for everyone:
Novice: Never touched an oar? Perfect. This squad is for anyone who wants to learn to row at university, with support on technique, strength training and, most importantly, plenty of time on the water. It’s also ideal if you’re after a leisure-focused experience of the sport. You’ll start with our structured four-week Learn 2 Row course, which gives you all the skills you need to thrive in training and get the most out of rowing at university.
Competitive: Want to race? This squad takes dedication and hard work, but it always pays off on race day. Members get the chance to compete at world-renowned events like Head of the River and BUCS. It’s open to anyone who has rowed with the club for over a year, or who has previously rowed competently.
Recreational: Our newest squad, created for those who want to keep rowing at university without committing to the full competitive training schedule. You’ll get specialised coaching, plus access to land training facilities such as erg machines and weights equipment at Staines Boat Club.
All members can purchase a key fob from Staines Boat Club and use their land facilities (weights and rowing machines) whenever they like.
Not Keen on Oars? We’ve Still Got You
Coxing: The cox is far more than a passenger! They steer, plan race strategy, offer minor coaching and keep the whole crew motivated. They’re vital to the boat, and they don’t need to row. Our coxing membership gives you access to land training and time on the water as a cox, and can be paid in instalments or in one payment.
Social membership: Can’t row for any reason? You’ll get access to all our socials, whether at the boat club or a pub in Egham.
Highlights of the Year
- The Christmas Dinner
- Spectating at the Oxford/Cambridge Boat Race
- BUCS Regatta
- SU Colours Ball
- Summer BBQ
- Spectating at Henley Royal Regatta
- Rowing Tour
- Weekly Socials
How to Find Us
Most of our training takes place at Staines Boat Club, 28 Riverside Drive, and there are plenty of ways to get there:
- Hop in a car with us: before training we all meet at Founders Bus Stop and split into cars, then head to the boat club together.
- Take the bus: several routes run from Egham to Staines, and the boat club is a short walk from the stop.
Get in Touch
We know rowing isn’t the cheapest sport, so the club and the SU offer the Student Group Access Fund, worth up to £200 off. If you have any worries about cost, we’re happy to talk through other options with you individually.
Got questions? DM us on Instagram @rhul.bc, email rowing@royalholloway.su, or grab any committee member on campus. We’d love to hear from you!
Alumni
Alumni, you’re always welcome back! Throughout the year we’ll host events where alumni and current members can row together, socialise and swap stories. If you’d like to keep up with what the club is doing, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
