CUWBC Summer Development Squad 2008

General Info (please read!):

CUWBC runs a Development Squad at the start of the summer holiday for rowers and coxes interested in the opportunity to improve their rowing in a slightly more intensive environment than college rowing allows, without the added pressure of academic study.

We are looking for anyone who has had some experience of rowing or coxing and is interested by the possibility of receiving more individualised coaching and competing for the university in the summer regattas. Dev Squad is a fantastic opportunity to enjoy rowing when the weather is at its best, the Cam is least crowded and the stress of exams is over. It is a great way of meeting and rowing with a range of people from different colleges with varying levels of experience. While we obviously want to maximise the number of people who come back to trial for CUWBC this year we are also keen to help improve the standard of college rowing and attendance at Dev Squad by no means implies a commitment to return to trial next year.

Dev Squad will run from Monday 23th June to Sunday 20th July. All training will take place in Cambridge and will consist of two sessions most days – morning and evening (as well as some all important social stuff!). They will include at least one water session, as well as weights, ergs and video coaching. The timing of these sessions will be arranged so that those who wish to get a job during the middle of the day will be able to do so. We also plan on all crews competing in at least two regattas.

We are keen for you to attend the whole of Dev Squad, and preference may be given to those who are available for the whole period. Though please let us know if there are dates that you really cannot make, and we’ll see what we can do.

There will be two introductory/selection sessions on the Monday and Tuesday mornings of May week as well as a pre-dev squad meeting (date tbc).

In order to help us organize/finalise numbers could you please complete the online form asap (deadline 1st June). We will probably have 3 or 4 VIIIs (tbc). Also don’t stress about your 2k time on the form, this is purely for records and as everyone knows, ‘ergs don’t float’ – there is no cut off time! Much more important is a desire to improve and listen to coaches!

This year, we are also running pre-dev squad erg sessions. These are intended for people who wish to take part in Dev Squad or trial next year, though there is no obligation to do so! The aim of these sessions is to introduce you to the way we do things at CUWBC and they will include some advice on 2k strategy. They will not be important for selection, though will definitely give you a head start once Dev Squad starts! These will probably run on Friday mornings (starting Friday 16th May), though depending on numbers we may add more sessions. Coxes are also welcome at these sessions.

If you would like more information about the erg sessions, or have any questions or queries about Dev Squad or trialling in general please don’t hesitate to get in touch by dropping an email to Harriet Eldred (President) at hme26.

If you are unable to attend Dev Squad at all but are interested in trialling for CUWBC next year please also complete the form. Coxes, please fill in all the relevant sections.

Good luck in bumps!