Captain's update, 25th November

Morning all, 

It has been a busy few weeks since I last did an update but here are the main things to update on:

Racees. 
It was disappointing that the fours head races this weekend were cancelled, but definitely the right decision. Our focus will now shift to the head races after Christmas, and in particular the head of the river race on 22 March. I’m hopeful that we can get two eights out for this- and will base the selection based on the training that has been done, the scores achieved, and the technical progress. 

Training.
We continue to see real improvements across the board. Our consistently full shed for weights is paying dividends, and erg scores are continuing to improve- as shown by everyone improving their 5k scores. We will look to do one more erg test before Christmas - details shortly. 

On the water, two things to update on. First, for those with relatively less experience- whether on the LTR this year or last, or just without experience of small boats- please do sign up to the sessions with Simon at the weekend. We have bought special floats (essentially stabilisers) for single sculling. I can’t recommend this highly enough- you improve your technical skills far quicker in a small boat. 

For those with more experience, we’ve now rigged up two of the boats as pairs, and two as doubles- with the intention of doing more battle paddling between now and Christmas. 

For the water sessions, safety is paramount at this time of year- and so please do accept my apologies if there are any last minute change of plans!

Coaching.
Just so you are all aware, Wes is going back to spend the next few weeks with his family and will be back after Christmas. But fear not, he will send me the programme for weights and ergs, and Simon will be with us for some of the water sessions.

Christmas social.
Hopefully you’ve all seen the email from Charles with the latest social info. Please do sign up!

Think that is everything, but please do drop me a line if you have any questions!
Thanks, Dom