Club Committee

2001 - 2002 Manifestos

Tom Rose for Women’s Captain

Me

I am a third year studying physics and will be doing a Diploma in Computer Science next year. I noviced in 1998, and have rowed for the club ever since, in successful boats at all levels, including the 4th May VIII 1999 and Lent VIII 2000 both of which were awarded blades. In 1999/2000 I was a Lower Boats Captain for the men, and during 2000/1 I have been Secretary for the club.

The Squad

This year has seen a lot of fantastic groundwork within the women’s squad. We saw the highest ever placing for a 1St & 3rd novice VIII in the Fairbairns, and the success has been well capitalised as the rowers moved into senior boats. There is now a kernel of dedicated rowers who may not be that ex~ierienced yet, but will form the backbone of the club over the next few years.

Development

In the upper boats I would like to begin a more structured training plan in order to enable this years’ intake to approach their maximum potential. With this in mind, I would aim to have a system in place for the entire year, not just a single term. Rowing here in Cambridge is very stunted due to our short terms and long holidays. It can be difficult to maintain momentum between terms, and ground is quickly lost, both technically and physically. I plan to use a week or two in summer to hold a small training camp on the Cam for anyone who can attend. We will enter some regattas in order to provide a focus, but the main aim is to stop the loss of technique over the summer. I will also help any individual construct a training plan for themself over the summer, based on how much time they want to spend, and what facilities they have available.

The academic year will begin with a training camp. This will lead into the University IVs and other small boats races. I would like to use this time to improve the standard of watermanship amongst the rowers, such that we can have effective outings in small boats for the rest of the year. I see small boats playing an increasing role, as I believe that the average life of any fixed crew is limited. After five or six weeks crews tend to stagnate. I would therefore like to keep people out of VIIIs until nearer the bumps in both Lent and May terms. Scratch small boat outings needn’t be a waste of time if the rowers are aware of what makes a boat move efficiently. I would hope to develop this instinct in all senior rowers.

Land Training

Bill Watterson said (through Calvin) “If your numbers go up, it means you’re having more fun”. Whilst this is not a perfect philosophy to maintain, quantifying the training you do is important since it enables you to see how you are improving, and also which areas of your physiology need improving. This year the Women have started using a training log; something which I am keen to see continue. I would also like to see more speed testing on ergos — end of term 2k tests being a prime example, but also an increased use of harder pieces along the lines of ATs. In addition, some endurance weights sessions similar to the 30 reps done by the men would help to improve toughness which can sometimes be lacking. If you get used to the pain, it becomes easier to break through!

Other Policies

No matter what anyone else will have you believe, jelly babies and jaffa cakes do not help boats to go faster. I would like to see some of the soppiness associated with Women’s rowing in this club move away from the boathouse. I am happy to support any social activity outside of training, but I believe that part of the reason we are seen as playing second fiddle to the Men’s club is that we behave that way. The successful Women’s clubs on the Cam are serious enough about their rowing that crutches are not needed. I would like to see this club moving in that direction.

The Punchline

I want to see the Women’s club build on this years’ strength. The Men have enjoyed some success in recent years. I feel that I could bring part of that system and combine it with fresh ideas to move the club on. Help me build on our new base by electing me Women’s Captain for 2001/2.

Proposed by: Sarah Cochrane
Seconded by: Anna Ferguson