Racing at Southsea Rowing Club
“Self-belief is probably the most crucial factor in sporting success. The bodies are roughly equal, the training is similar, the techniques can be copied — what separates the achievers is nothing as tangible as split times or kilograms. It’s the iron in the mind that wins medals.” — Sir Steve Redgrave
Community of respect
The common bond and respect among competitors at the races is so strong, you’ll often feel like you’re part of one big club.
Dedicated to competitiveness
You’ll soon fall in love with rowing and before you know it, you’ll be dedicating yourself to maximizing your competitive strength and stamina.
After months of hard training, racing is a chance to put your skills to the test, to put it all on the line and push yourself harder than you thought possible. There’s nothing quite like the adrenaline rush at that moment when you’re sitting on the line and hear the starter shout: Go!
How racing works
The race seasons begins with head races (5k time trials) in March and April. May–September is regatta season, with head-to-head competition on a 2k course. Races are held Saturdays and Sundays.
Once crews are formed, members decide which races they will enter together. In addition to racing in a four, some members also challenge themselves by competing in a pair, double, or single.
The racing day itself is a fun day of competition, of cheering on your fellow rowers, and being a part of the local rowing community. There’s always plenty of food and drink for sale, including homemade cakes. We welcome family members and friends of rowers to come along and support the team.
