Rowing

In March of 2020, with a week to go before the Schools’ Head, Covid struck. It was to be the first time in over 20 years that Clifton College had been in a position to enter a boat into the event and it was a great blow to the crew when the race was cancelled. However, it is with great dedication and determination that two years later, the boat club still found itself in the position to race. And what an experience it was. Leaving the confines and relative safety of the river in Bristol, the crew found the Tideway in London a whole other beast. As we pushed them off at Barnes Bridge to head to the start, there was clear nervousness but an hour later they raced past looking strong and in control; another hour later they returned to the landing stage, full of smiles and stories. Their result was, in many ways, secondary to the positive experiences and foundations that their achievements were to lay. Well done to all who raced and challenged for a seat in the boat.

On return to Bristol, the crew set about leading and improving the dynamics of the club, realising that it is possible to mix with the best and hold their heads high. It was with this in mind that we headed to Avon County Regatta and Bridgnorth Regatta. At both events, many new members were racing for the first time. There were finalists in J16 2x, WJ15 1x, J18 4+ and more firsts when we were able to boat a WJ15 4x for the first time. At Bridgnorth Regatta, Poppy Janke and Louisa Hall capitalised on having a total of nine races across the day, and won their WJ15 2x event. Henry Packham and Edoardo Giovarruscio also reached the final in their event having never raced together before.

As the club rebuilt after Covid, it was clear that there was a real desire to push the club forward. The leading members for next year, Evie Calhaem, Izzy Copeland, Philip Clark and Harry Huby all attended Henley Royal Regatta for an inspirational day out. Conversations on the way home spoke of early morning ergos and extra gym sessions, something that can only help to move the club forward. Girls’ rowing has also really taken a step forward over the year, and hopefully with Evie and Izzy at the helm, this will continue.

Thanks must go to all the coaches. Unfortunately we lose two this year as both Simon Hewitt and Hannah Clarke move on to new jobs. Their help has been greatly valued by all and they will be missed. Well done again to all members of the club. Rowing is a demanding sport that takes much time and effort. All members make a commitment away from the main buzz of the College, but it is the sanctity of the water that many enjoy. It has been a hard year: the challenges the students faced taught them humility and the need to subsume individual egos for the sake of a boat as a whole. Here’s to next year and further success.

Rob Beever

Awards

Captains 2022/23

Novices:

Evie Calhaem and Philip Clark

Seniors:

Izzy Copeland and Harry Huby

Oarswoman of the Year

Poppy Janke

Oarsman of the Year

Harry Huby

Novice of the Year

Louisa Hall

Cox of the Year

Evie Calhaem