2026 Squads & Training Schedule

All times indicated above are when rowers are to arrive at the shed. Rowers are expected to be on the water approximatly 15 minutes after the allocated session start time. Novices may take longer off the water however should still expect to spend approximately 60 minutes on water per session.

Land sessions should take approximatly 1.5 hours and they will begin at 6pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays

Novices

A Novice rower has no rowing experience. They require constant supervision both on and off water and have limited knowledge of the rowing community. 

The Novice coaches role is to teach new rowers the fundamental skills of rowing both on and off water. Their main focus will be on getting rowers rowing in crews and working together as a team. They are also there to help educate rowers about the wider rowing community and are integral in promoting the culture of CUBC.

This squad is for our first-year rowers or anyone from the previous year’s inters squad who nominates. These athletes are expected at, at least, two sessions a week, anything less than that and it is very difficult to learn the skills required for rowing and racing. There is no expectation for land session attendance however you are more than welcome.

Opens

Opens demonstrate acceptable performance and have had prior experience rowing either at another club, at school or at a CUBC in the year prior. This may have included a year of racing experience however this is not essential. He/she is efficient and skilful in parts however still requires occasional supportive cues. Their knowledge of the sport of rowing and its technique is still developing and they still require supervision on water. They have two sessions a week as their own squad and one mixed with the Open squads on a Friday to allow for more experience in sweep boats. 

This squad is intended for rowers who are wanting a more casual and lower workload compared to the competitive squad. Members of this squad are not expected to do land/weekly sessions but are more than welcome. 

Competitive

These rowers are considered to be competent both on and off water and have had up to two or three years previous rowing experience minimum. They are able to demonstrate efficiency, are coordinated and are confident in their actions. They are able to follow a supplied training program and are able to row unsupervised.

This squad is for rowers who are wanting a higher workload and aiming to compete at a B grade level. The expectation for these rowers is that they are doing two sessions a week with one land session (or equivalent) expected as well. 

High Performance

This group will train four water sessions a week and two land sessions. They are expected at both respective competitive squad mornings and the Thursday HP session, the Monday or Saturday morning will also be coached for these athletes. From February until June these athletes will train exclusively singles, and pair/doubles where required. Before camp there will be a crew selection process involving an erg, scull trial and potential seat racing (if needed) for seats in what will become the High-Performance Quad aiming for success in B grade. From camp until states these athletes will train the quad.

Masters

Any rower aged 27+ who wishes to compete in the Masters pennant season. These rowers are competent and have aspirations to compete at state championships. They can row unsupervised and are able to commit to the provided training program.