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Latest News
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23 April 2013
Thomas Keller Medal - 2013 shortlist decided
Katherine Grainger features on the shortlist of five athletes nominated for the most prestigious award in rowing. It recognises an exceptional international rowing career, the 'type' of career, technical mastery of the sport, sportsmanship, and the 'legendary' aspect of the athlete.
22 April 2013
Strathclyde Park Regatta
St Andrew BC is strongly represented in what is likely the largest overall entry at SPR in recent years. Check out the draw here.
22 April 2013
Strong Scottish performances at GB Trials
Imogen Walsh led a strong Scottish contingent at the weekend's GB Rowing Trials in Caversham. She won W1x emphatically. Various other Scots performed well too.
21 March 2013
Sydney Stage is set for Opening World Cup
Sydney provides the backdrop to this season's opener in the 2013 Samsung World Rowing Cup Series this weekend (22-24 March). Scots Polly Swann, Imogen Walsh, and Alan Sinclair are representing GB respectively in W2-, WLtwt2x, and M4-.
11 February 2013
Katherine Grainger hoping to row at Rio Games
Quadruple Olympic medallist, Katherine Grainger, is "seriously considering" competing at a fifth Olympic Games in Rio in 2016. She's been chatting with David Tanner who reported that Katherine has been back doing some training and, although not yet fully-committed, she is looking towards 2016.
11 February 2013
GB Rowing 2nd Winter Assessment Trials
Established rowers took victories in all five disciplines at the GB Rowing Team Second Winter Assessment Trials at Boston, Lincolnshire on Saturday, but newer names also made their mark.
09 January 2013
Will it make the boat go faster?
I make no apologies for respecting Drew Ginn's views. In this, another of his blogs, Drew challenges rowing (and rowing coaches') dogma and 'traditional' views about rowing technique. He applies the 'acid test': will it make the boat go faster? This thought provoking VT is worth a watch!
09 January 2013
Reflection on Katherine Grainger's Olympic Gold
Spotted over the holiday period, this reflective article mixing interview and commentary. It's worth a read if only to reminisce and gain an insight into the emotions.
20 December 2012
Training video
Check out this cool training video from Aksel Lund Svindal, Olympic champion skier. Thanks to Iain Rice for spotting it.
26 November 2012
Katherine Grainger to deliver RSE Christmas Lecture
The Royal Society of Edinburgh is delighted to announce that Katherine Grainger will deliver the RSE Christmas Lecture in 2012. She will talk about the challenges she has faced along with with her successes over the last twelve years.
14 November 2012
Inverness Fours and Small Boats Head
This weekend sees the biggest ever entry at the Inverness Fours weekend and St Andrew BC is represented by members across the club's spectrum. Good luck, fair weather, and decent tail winds to all........
Check out the full entry list and essential info here.
UPDATE: full results available here
14 November 2012
Rowing skills: carve the blade out
Drew Ginn is widely recognised as a supreme technician. In this blog he talks about carving the blade out around the finish and explains, subjectively, how the back turn can be rowed.
12 November 2012
Katherine Grainger voted 'Olympian of the Year'
Two awards in one glittering week have recognised Katherine Grainger's dedication to rowing during a quest for gold that spanned four Olympic Games. Last night Katherine picked up the second award when she was voted 'Olympian of the Year' in the Sunday Times Sportswomen of the Year awards. On Saturday 3rd November the Olympic gold medallist, together with her crew Anna Watkins also received FISA's Women's Boat of the Year award. Last weekend Grainger said, "I honestly didn't think this year could get any better. But winning the FISA crew of the year has just added an extra layer of happiness to an already dream come true summer." Well - things have just got even better - congratulations Katherine!
12 November 2012
Glasgow Fours Head
Only one St Andrew BC representative was available for Saturday's Glasgow Fours Head, rescheduled from the previous weekend. Racing a 4+ with her Clyde RC crew mates, Captain Sarah won WR2 in a time 10 seconds faster than the winning WO boat (in the same division). Nice one.
Full results are available here.
30 October 2012
Glasgow Fours Head
Scotland's most prestigious fours head is this weekend, run over a 5000m course from Belvedere to Glasgow Green on the River Clyde. St Andrew BC's Captain is racing with Clyde RC in WR2 4+ while our MC4+ is shooting for a good start to this season. Check out the full draw here.
30 October 2012
New Zealand M4x - training video
Catch this video of the NZ men's quad in training on mirror-smooth water. Watch how they move nicely together and little they disrupt the flow during recovery.
16 October 2012
A General Guide to Pot Hunting
Verb - the process by which rowers visit regattas known for (i) lower than average standard of competition; (ii) an element of chance in the outcome of races; (iii) shorter race distances (enabling rowers to enter many many events so they'll win one sooner or later); or (iv) all of the above. Also, a noun, as in "We're all going on a Pot Hunt".
16 October 2012
Top 10 ways to kill time waiting for head race results
OK, so you've done a couple divisions hammering down the Clyde or up the Caley Canal; you've earned a slice of cake and a rehydrating refreshment; but what do you do while you're waiting for the organisers to get their computers in gear, microphones revved-up, and the results published?
14 October 2012
Katherine Grainger unsure over rowing future
In an article by BBC Sport, St Andrew BC's Katherine Grainger says that she remains unsure about whether to aim for competing at the 2016 Games in Rio. "It's just too unreal a time to make any decision about Rio or my career. Everything is on hold at the moment", she said.
11 October 2012
Warming-up and Cross-Training
Warming-up properly is essential and be a significant factor in racing (and training) performance: yet how many of us do it effectively, every time? This blog article offers views from the 'standard club' routine (pick drill etc) through to routines adopted by international athletes. On the same blog site, there's a good article about the benefits, and choices, of different cross-training regimes. Particularly at this time of year, cross-training can be hugely beneficial in a number of ways. Check out this article to find out how it might benefit you.
09 October 2012
Red Bull XRow 2012
The third Red Bull Xrow event, on 06 October, tested the rowers and burned the legs; over land (7km) and water (19km) to Lucerne. For the first time, the eights crossed the finish line in the middle of Lucerne's old town: the home team took top honours. Watch this action clip of the event. Full details are available on the event website.
08 October 2012
Scullers Head Results
Full results of last weekend's Clydesdale ARC Head of the River Race for Scullers are available here. Congratulations to St Andrew BC crews who achieved wins in Vet B-D 2x (Alex Heald and Antoine Reguis) and WNov 1x (Neilia Pallot). A selection of photographs is available here.
06 October 2012
Highlights from Zurich City Sprints
FISA is determined to bring rowing to an even wider audience and to broaden its spectator appeal. The recent Zurich City Sprints saw exciting racing over a 450m course in the middle of the city. Catch some of the highlights in this short film:
03 October 2012
Why We Row
A montage of rowing-related clips........
03 October 2012
Seven Minutes
Lindsay Jennerich, Canadian national team member, writes about her experiences at London 2012 Olympic regatta. This is worth a read, not least because it offers a different perspective on training, competition, and expectations.
02 October 2012
Clydesdale ARC Head of the River Race for Scullers
The draw is published for this weekend's scheduled Scullers' Head at Glasgow Green. A healthy entry is evident including a solid contingent from St Andrew BC (particularly our juniors). Good luck and fair conditions to all participants.
01 October 2012
Backwards
This is the official trailer for the latest Hollywood rowing-related film, "Backwards". Written, produced, and directed by Sarah Megan Thomas, this movie seems to be garnering reasonably favourable reviews. See for yourself.......
25 September 2012
Rowing news articles today
Rowing NZ looks to set out its plans for Rio 2016 which might include their mighty 2- and 1x Olympic champions moving into a 'super' 8! Read the full article here. Also, in others news, Heather Stanning, GB's W2- Olympic champion is interviewed on film by Forces News: her return to Afghanistan and Rio 2016 beckons........
24 September 2012
Rowing For All video
Some chilled out and uplifting tunes accompany this Russian video encapsulating different aspects of rowing: juniors to elite athletes, water practice to training room. It's worth 2 minutes of your time. It's filmed in Svetliy, near Saratov (on Volga river).
20 September 2012
Rowing New Zealand
Check out another RowingRelated Video of the Week: this time, an excellent montage of RowingNZ team's build-up to the London Olympics with some exemplary technique. Take a look at the blade release (M2x around 3:00) - clean and easy; sweet.
19 September 2012
Club circuit training
For the upcoming autumn and winter, we are resuming club circuit training as an important part of our preparations for next season. The sessions, which are open to everybody, start promptly at 7pm (and will finish around 8pm) -- they will comprise the usual general strength and conditioning circuits alongside a fair bit of core work, and will finish-up with a good flexibility work-out.
Time is limited so please arrive punctually and be fully warmed-up ready to go by 7pm.
This can be a really valuable part of our training regime but we need numbers to be able to offer this facility so please support your club by participating.
19 September 2012
Sibling rivalry - sisters in rowing and cycling
It's no secret that elite athletes usually have some stellar DNA in the gene pool. So, it should be no surprise that siblings might share the same gift of athletic potential within a sport-oriented family. Check out this interview with Canadian sisters, Leah and Krista Guloien, who compare what it's like to be elite rowers and cyclists.
11 September 2012
Clydesdale Scullers Head 2012
The Clydesdale ARC Head of the River Race for Scullers will be held on Saturday 06 October 2012 starting at 12:00. It covers a course of approximately 4000m from Dalmarnock Bridge to the Monument at Glasgow Green. The race for double scullers starts at 14:30. Full details are available here. For entries, watch out for the Hon Sec's email very soon.
11 September 2012
South African Men's Lightweight 4-
Catch this video of the Olympic gold medal winning SA MLwt 4- in practice shortly before their trip to Dorney. There's some steady state footage alongside race pace and 'go for home' efforts. Worth watching!
22 August 2012
Scottish Rowing - Annual Awards and Dinner
With Olympic successes still fresh in our minds it is time to celebrate those who have made a significant contribution towards Scottish rowing and whom we feel deserve a wider recognition. Full details, including award categories and how to nominate, are available here.
Scottish Rowing's annual dinner, including the awards ceremony, will be held at The Crown Plaza Hotel, Glasgow on Saturday 03 November 2012.
13 August 2012
Life After the Olympics
There's been a feast of sport over the last couple weeks - what do we do now? If you think that's a hard question to answer, what's it like for the athletes? How do Olympic champions cope with life-after-gold?
One or two blogs and interviews are coming to light which ponder these questions. If you spot any more, let me know (and I'll publish them). Meantime, you might be interested to check out the following:
Bryan Kitch - an American journo's view
13 August 2012
Success for St Andrew BC at Inverness Sprints
In glorious sunshine with only a light head-wind on Saturday, St Andrew members enjoyed a great day's racing on the Caledonian Canal. With an excellent entry including crews from the North, the Central Belt, and from Northern England, St Andrew performed well to achieve wins in Men's R1 4+, Men's Vet 4+, Men's Vet 2x, and Mixed 2x. Full details on the Inverness RC website and on the Winners' Board.
05 August 2012
Best Olympic Regatta Ever for Team GB
Team GB closed out the 2012 Olympic Regatta with the best ever results achieved by a British team at any Olympics. Among the outstanding results was St Andrew BC's Katherine Grainger winning gold with Anna Watkins in the W2x: a 4-Olympiad odyssey fulfilled. Now she's the 'bride'!
Photo: Getty Images
Congratulations to Katherine and the entire GB Rowing team for such an outstanding regatta.
Some thoughts from Steve Redgrave
27 July 2012
London 2012 Olympic Games - Regatta Draw
The draw is published for the Games Regatta. Among others, the GBR men's 8 will face GER and CAN in the first round. Fast times are expected for the first day of racing as the weather forecast is for a tailwind and 20C.
26 July 2012
Who to watch at the London 2012 Olympic Games
Everything is ready at Dorney to host the 2012 Games. Huge grandstands seating up to 30,000 line the final 300m of the course. The boat park is alive with activity. Serious athletes are looking serious. Everybody is debating who will win?
25 July 2012
Interview with Katherine Grainger
Katherine enters these Games as the most decorated British woman ever to wield an oar in anger. "Of course, there is only one result I want; there is only one that I am in this for".
24 July 2012
French M4x
Another solid training video with some chilled out tunes showcases the French men's quad as these athletes enter the final stages of training the Games in London.
22 July 2012
Australian M4-
Check out this training footage featuring the Aussie 4-paddling on mirror-smooth water of Lago di Varese. Notice that the hands are real slow around the back-turn but there is a reason for that: they've been working on many things during Olympic preparation and have played around a lot with ways to make the boat go faster. Sweet.
17 July 2012
A fine video of lightweight pairs rowing
This video, in the style of inimitable Drew Ginn, features Adam Freeman-Pask (a Windsor protege of Chris Morrell OBE) and Chris Boddy. It's well-worth watching, for its fine tunes and for an excellent example of pairs rowing at its best.
17 July 2012
Home International Regatta - Scottish team
Scottish Rowing has announced the team to participate in the Home International Regatta in Cardiff on Saturday 21 July 2012. St Andrew BC's Beth Simmonds has been selected for the JW8+ and JW2x. You can check out the team details here and follow progress on Twitter @ScottishRowing
12 July 2012
Analysis of Olympic gold medal winning M2x
Invest eight minutes of your time in watching this video: a helpful summary demonstrating not only good video analysis but appropriate use of slow motion, pause and rewind.
29 June 2012
Profile of Olympic rowing events - the men's eight
The last in a series of event profiles looks at, arguably, the blue riband event: the men's eight. It's a big deal; it's the fastest boat; it is known as the ultimate in team sport, combining grace, power, and synchronicity.
18 June 2012
Read all about it - reports from Munich World Cup
GB Rowing had mixed fortunes as this weekend's Samsung World Cup Regatta in Munich, the last time that crews will meet before they go to Dorney Lake for the Olympic Regatta. For once, the women's squad came out on top leaving the men with a largely disappointing performance. That said, it is not unusual (historically) for GB crews to disappoint in the final pre-Olympic regatta, then come out all-guns-blazing at the Olympics. Jurgen Groblar's infamous 'finishing school' training camp in Austria now beckons.
James Cracknell's thoughts
14 June 2012
Who to watch at Samsung World Rowing Cup III
The third round of this year's World Cup competition is in Munich, German, and is the last chance for crews to race each other before they meet at Dorney Lake for the Olympic Regatta. Watch out for the action 15-17 June.
11 June 2012
Scottish Rowing Championships - report
St Andrew Boat Club entered 26 crews for this year's championships. Over the two days of racing in mostly clear and still conditions, results were mixed. The most epic race was, arguably, in the M4x when - despite leading by a bow-ball at 1500m - our boat (Bryan, John, Pete, and Ross) was edged out by little more than a canvas on the line by a strong composite crew. St Andrew wins came in the Masters categories, 1x, 2-, and 4+ (see Winners' Board for details).
© St. Andrew Boat Club, Edinburgh. All rights reserved.
"Scotland's Oldest Open Rowing Club 1846."
