President's update - September 2023

A new year has begun for UOEBC and a new name isn't the only change the club has undergone! After a strong effort from this year's committee on Forum Hill during Welcome Week, club membership has skyrocketed to over 200 members and the atmosphere down at the boathouse is constantly buzzing.
​I would like to use this forum to update you all on the ongoing work of the club and provide insight into future plans.

With the recent announcement of Beach Sprint rowing's addition to the LA 2028 Olympic Games, a large part of the club's development plan is to launch UOEBC's involvement with Coastal and Beach Sprint rowing. With new members having already represented Great Britain at the U19 European and World Championships in these disciplines, we are exploring opportunities with Exmouth Rowing Club to be a leader in identifying and developing talent in this new element to our sport.
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Another project in our aim of widening participation has been the introduction of ergo trial memberships with plans to run our own "rock up and row" courses on campus. This aims to increase the accessibility of rowing and provide the opportunity for students and the people of Exeter to give rowing a go when they may have never had the chance before.

I am pleased to announce the return of the 24 Hour Charity Row, this year in aid of the British Heart Foundation. Please look out for us in December and support our members in their efforts. Perhaps even pop into The Forum on campus and contribute some miles yourself if you can!

​UOEBC continues to be a highly competitive club, this year's fixtures will begin with The Fours Head on the 5th November where we will have 5 crews racing down the Tideway. Any supporters from the bank are highly encouraged. We also have four of our athletes attending GB Rowing Team Senior and U23 Trials in Boston in November. Jamie Pollock, Issey Barnes and Issie Magee are currently preparing with the help of cox and Head Student Coach, George Farthing and we wish them the best of luck.

I am massively excited for a strong turnout at Vesta RC on Saturday, 14th October for the Student vs Alumni Boat Race. 9 students have been carefully selected to see if they can reclaim the coveted trophy blade from the alumni crew. Updates will follow soon!

Charlie Griffith

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