Rowing enthusiasts can now enjoy the iconic River Cam and experience the sport like the legendary ‘Boys in the Boat’. This unique tour offers a chance to learn the proper rowing technique on ergometers before taking to the water in an eight-boat. Navigating the picturesque river, you will capture the essence of Cambridge’s rich rowing heritage while taking in the sights of the historic college boathouses. The tour promises to provide a thrilling and memorable encounter for those seeking to uncover the essence of this time-honored aquatic discipline.
Key Points
- Enjoy the iconic River Cam setting and row an eight-boat like the legendary ‘Boys in the Boat’ during this three-hour rowing experience for beginners.
- Receive personalized instruction on proper rowing technique on Concept2 ergometers, then apply your newfound skills as you navigate the river and historic college boathouses.
- Tour the boat club, learn about boat maintenance, and gain insights into the rich rowing heritage of Cambridge during this comprehensive introduction to the sport.
- Coordinate with seven other rowers to propel the eight-boat, fostering teamwork and camaraderie as you experience the thrill of rowing on the River Cam.
- Suitable for adults within the specified weight and height range, this experience may not be recommended for children under 12, pregnant women, or those with mobility or back issues.
Rowing Experience Details
This three-hour rowing experience offers complete beginners the opportunity to row in an eight-boat on the iconic River Cam.
The program is designed for those who’ve never rowed before, with an initial erg session to learn proper technique. Participants will then tour the boat club and get hands-on experience lifting and maneuvering the eight-boat before taking to the water.
For one full hour, novice rowers will apply their new skills, navigating the river outside the historic college boathouses. Whether you’re looking to try a new sport or simply want to experience rowing like the famous ‘Boys in the Boat’, this is the perfect introduction to the world of competitive rowing.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Cambridge England.
Highlights of the Rowing Tour
The highlight of this rowing tour is the opportunity to row in an eight-boat on the River Cam, as featured in the popular book ‘The Boys in the Boat’. Participants will have the chance to apply their newly learned rowing techniques while navigating the iconic waterway, taking in the sights of the historic college boathouses along the way.
After a warmup session on rowing machines, you will lift the eight-boat with the help of their fellow rowers and embark on a one-hour journey down the River Cam. This unique experience allows complete beginners to feel the thrill of rowing like the legendary ‘Boys in the Boat’ on one of the most famous rivers in the world.
Itinerary Overview
Kicking off the experience, participants begin with a 30-minute introduction and group session on a rowing machine to learn the proper technique. This lays the foundation for the hands-on practice that follows.
The itinerary then takes the group on a tour of the boat bay, where they’ll learn about the fleet. Next, they’ll apply their newfound skills by rowing in pairs on the water for an hour. The finale of the experience is a one-hour row along the iconic River Cam, outside the college and town boathouses.
Time | Activity |
---|---|
10:00-10:30 | Introduction and group erg session |
10:30-10:40 | Tour of boat bay and fleet |
10:40-11:40 | Rowing in pairs on the water |
11:50-12:40 | One-hour row on the River Cam |
What’s Included in the Experience
Experience ROWING Like the Boys in the Boat in Cambridge!
The experience includes a full tour of the boat club and boat bay, where participants can learn about the fleet and the history of rowing in Cambridge.
After the tour, the group will have a chance to get hands-on with the Concept2 rowing machines, learning proper rowing technique.
Then, it’s time to put those skills into practice as the group works together to lift an eight-boat and row on the iconic River Cam.
This 3-hour experience is perfect for complete beginners looking to try rowing in the historic setting of Cambridge.
The experience includes:
- A tour of the boat club and boat bay
- Technique instruction on Concept2 rowing machines
- Rowing an eight-boat on the River Cam
Restrictions and Considerations
Experience ROWING Like the Boys in the Boat in Cambridge!
While the rowing experience offers an exciting opportunity, there are some important restrictions and considerations to keep in mind.
This activity may not be suitable for children under 12 years, pregnant women, individuals with mobility or back issues, and those outside the specified weight and height range. Participants should carefully review these guidelines before booking their session.
For safety reasons, the experience isn’t recommended for those with physical limitations that could impact their ability to row or maintain balance in the boat. Plus, the eight-boat requires coordination and teamwork, so participants should be prepared to work together closely with their fellow rowers.
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Tour of the Boat Club
Stepping into the boat club, participants are treated to a guided tour, offering an in-depth look at the facility and its impressive fleet of rowing boats.
The knowledgeable staff shares insights into the club’s history, the different types of boats, and the maintenance required to keep them in top condition. Participants have the opportunity to examine the boats up close, learning about their unique features and the role each one plays in the sport of rowing.
The tour provides a valuable behind-the-scenes glimpse, deepening the participants’ appreciation for the dedication and care that goes into the upkeep of the club’s equipment.
Key highlights of the tour include:
- Exploring the boat bay and admiring the variety of eight-boats, singles, and other specialized craft.
- Learning about the importance of proper boat maintenance and storage.
- Gaining an understanding of the club’s role in the local rowing community.
Rowing Technique on Ergometers
After the tour, participants gather on the ergometers, where they dive into learning the fundamental rowing technique.
Under the guidance of the experienced instructors, they learn the proper body positioning, the sequence of the rowing stroke, and the importance of synchronized movements. With hands-on demonstrations and personalized feedback, the participants gain a solid understanding of the mechanics that drive the powerful glide of a rowing boat across the water.
The instructors break down each phase of the stroke, emphasizing the importance of leg drive, a strong back, and a smooth recovery. As the participants practice on the ergometers, they start to feel the rhythm and flow of the rowing motion, preparing them for their on-the-water experience.
Rowing on the Iconic River Cam
Once the participants have mastered the rowing technique on the ergometers, they’ll venture out onto the iconic River Cam, where they’ll row in an eight-boat as featured in the acclaimed book ‘The Boys in the Boat.’
Here, they’ll have the opportunity to apply their newfound skills and experience the thrill of coordinating with seven others to propel the boat forward. The River Cam offers a picturesque setting, with the famous college boathouses lining the banks.
The experience culminates with a full hour of rowing outside these historic structures, providing a truly memorable encounter with this storied sport. The session aims to capture the essence of Cambridge’s rich rowing heritage and inspire participants to continue their journey in this iconic pursuit.
Recap
Set out on a thrilling rowing experience in Cambridge, enjoying the rich heritage of the ‘Boys in the Boat’.
Hone your skills on ergometers before taking to the iconic River Cam, gliding past historic college boathouses.
Capture the essence of synchronized rowing and witness Cambridge’s renowned rowing culture firsthand.
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