Captain's Log
Latest news, requests, moans and cajoling from the skipper
Captain's update 8th September
8th September 2024
And we are back!
Great commitment from all those who did the start of the season 2K yesterday. I was really impressed by a number of the scores, and also by the desire by all to push themselves. This start of the season test is critical to provide a good benchmark for the season ahead, so well done all! For those who couldn't come down - you will have another chance either on Wednesday or for the second session next Saturday – no hiding!
We had a really good squad meeting yesterday - which I've summarised and circulated by email. Any questions, please let me know.
Training times. The times for training until Christmas are now confirmed as follows:
Monday 7pm - Coached weights and HIIT sessions with Wes
Wednesday 7pm - Squad ergs
Saturday 0800 Long row (uncoached)
Saturday 1000 - Cross training (erg/run/cycle/HIIT)
Sunday 0800 and 1000- Coached sessions with WesThe Sunday sessions will be key for progressing technically. I found this morning's training hugely beneficial as I try to remember how to single scull. They will be two relatively short sessions with a strong technical focus - with West alongside in the launch. I'm even going to break the habit of a lifetime and try weights as my new season's resolution - so please come down on Monday if you want to see me almost certainly fail at squats....
S'camp is taking place 27–29 September, please do sign-up if you are free. It is a great chance to get people in smaller boats, and to escape the Tideway for a weekend. Tom C is the man if you have any questions, but sign ups are here.
Races. The races for this year are both in the attached doc and also on FitClub. Please do sign up as early as possible so that we can organise crews with as much prep as possible.
Finally, we had a great End of Season Dinner last week, so huge thanks to Charles for doing such a great job organising! And a belated well done to all who showed up to training the next morning!
Thanks team - let's go!
DomCaptain's Update 18 August
19th August 2024
Afternoon all,
Hope you are all having a good summer so far. I’m currently on my way back from the alps, albeit with a bit of a limp after learning the hard way that I’m probably too old for downhill mountain biking!Anyway, few things from me:
Start of season meeting.
I’ll post on the WhatsApp group but I’m keen to get as many of us down at the boathouse in early September for a short meeting about the year ahead. This will be followed by an erg test so that we can get an idea of where everyone is. Possible dates are Saturday 7th September or the 14th at 0800.S’camp.
Tom has been hard at work organising September’s camp at the bungalow (28-29 September). All the details on the website, including sign up details- please see herehttps://www.cygnet-rc.org.uk/sspage-news__amp__events-rowing_stuff-sculling_camp52.htmlLogging sessions.
It’s been great that we’ve maintained a good regular training pattern through the summer but if you are taking a boat out- either in an organised session or independently- please make sure the steer signs the boat out in the book in the changing rooms as well as on the board in boathouse. This is importance for us to log usage, and if there are any issues with boats. Speaking of which, please make sure boats are washed down after sessions. Important for maintenance but also a courtesy for the next users!LTR.
Got a friend who would be interested in learning to row, or inspired from the Olympics? Then please send them a link to the LTR page on our website! Bonus points if they are at least 6ft4, can squat over 100kg and have less than 10% body fat!Thanks all,
DomCaptain's Log 4th August
4th August 2024
Afternoon team,
Short update this week so I won’t keep you from watching the Olympics for too long…End of season dinner
Charles has sent out a final call. Please do respond by tonight - I’m sure it will be a great evening.Steering
I’m keen to get more people signed off as steers. Going out in small boats is going to be a big part of the programme in the autumn, and so once we restart the coache sessions in a few weeks, I’ll be making sure as many as possible get practice. Here is a helpful short video https://youtu.be/j9ENJdm4emU?feature=shared And here is a helpful long video….https://youtu.be/GHeJ0M3L4ok?si=oI_LKjGRiJ9XzA00Training
Some really good sessions from the novices this weekend, making the most of the water and weather to get lots of drills done. Well done to all. I’ll be around this week but will miss the next couple of weekends as I’ll be doing some pre season training in the alps…Others in the captaincy will set the crews for these sessions.Club blazers
There is an option of getting a club blazer (pictures of which can be seen on the website). Cost is £175. Please get in touch with Charles if interested.And speaking of the Olympics, there has been some absolutely fantastic rowing. If you can watch the highlights of the men’s 8, I’d highly recommend it – the way the GB broke away in the third 500 was amazing, particularly whilst still looking so damn relaxed. That’s the aim!
Thanks,
Dom
