The Senior Programme builds on the club’s heritage as a premier regional rowing centre. Its focus is on developing talented athletes through a competitive, performance-oriented programme built around national events such as the Fours Head, Tideway Heads, Henley Women’s Regatta, Henley Royal Regatta and the BR National Championships.
Led by Head Coach Dez Atkins and supported by Digger Johnson, the squad fosters a welcoming atmosphere, boasts outstanding facilities and features the best fleet in the region. We mostly train on the 9 km of water on the Trent, one of the best rowing rivers in the country, but also have access to the 2000 m multi-lane course at Holme Pierrepont.
While there are no strict entry requirements, we prioritise commitment and enthusiasm for training over prior experience or erg scores.
Our program includes 12 weekly sessions – comprising coached water sessions, ergs, and strength training – tailored to accommodate a range of schedules from students to full-time professionals. We also organise an annual 10-day training camp, typically overseas, across the Easter weekend.
Coaches
Dez Atkins
Head Coach
Level 3 Coach
Digger Johnson
An international coach
The club enhances camaraderie through regular social events, fostering both athletic and community bonds within the squad and across the club.
Recent seasons have seen:
- Top 40 finishes at WeHORR and second in the Provincial pennant
- Top 60 finishes at HoRR and top 10 in the Jackson Trophy
- Quarter-finalists at HWR
- Pre-qualification at HRR in both men’s and women’s club events
- Medals and A-final performances across both men’s and women’s squads at the newly reinstated British Championships, including gold in W4- & W4x, silver in M4+ and bronze in W1x and Mixed4+.
- Home International Regatta representation
- Representation at National squad trials
Coxing:
We welcome coxes of all experience levels and actively support their development within the senior squad. Coxes are valued members of our team, both on and off the water, and we provide opportunities for gaining experience. We offer free membership, along with access to GPS cox boxes and speed coaches to enhance training.
Performance Development Academy