Rowing at Oxford

By Ena Poulsen

When I first came to Oxford a few years ago, I was completely unaware of just how big rowing is here. Every college, well, almost every (those that don’t have their own have usually teamed up with another) runs its own rowing club, complete with boats, coaches, socials, and merch in their respective college colours.

I signed up for rowing in my very first term and suddenly found myself waking up before dawn for outings (actual rowing sessions on the water) at 6 a.m. or grinding through erg sessions (rowing on the machine in the gym) several times a week. On top of that came strength training, runs, and socials — some of them quite heavy on the drinking, indeed - just try googling Oxford crew dates!! Then there was everything else that seems to come with the sport: cleaning, rigging, and boat club meetings. Although I got a lot fitter, I stopped rowing after only two terms, as it became a bit too much for me time-wise — and sadly, I never got to race. Those two terms were so relentlessly rainy that almost everything had to be cancelled.

In general, there are three big races at the end of Oxford’s three terms. Although there are plenty of smaller events throughout the year, these are the ones that draw the biggest crowds: Christ Church Regatta at the end of Michaelmas, Torpids at the end of Hilary, and Summer Eights at the end of Trinity. These races usually stretch over several days and are held head-to-head. The goal is to “bump” another boat – meaning you get close enough to potentially touch or overtake them, or even physically bump into them (though that’s rare, since it can be dangerous). The atmosphere is incredible: the riverbanks are lined with supporters, and it truly seems to be something that unites the college spirit, making it not only a fiercely competitive event but also a social highlight that brings together students, as well as alumni and the local community, in one of Oxford’s most beloved traditions.

Now, in my third and final year, I’ve started rowing again. It’s still a big commitment – though luckily, I’ve managed to mostly stick to outings this time, which helps a lot. But to be honest, there’s truly nothing more beautiful than gliding across the water at sunrise, watching the mist rise over the spires of Oxford. For all its early mornings and aching muscles (as well as a vast number of blisters on your fingers), rowing in Oxford has a magic that’s hard to describe until you’ve been out there yourself.