Issue 109 - July 1998

Project Oarsome

Young male rowers

All the boys were competitive rowers and enjoyed racing,

'racing on water gives a buzz.'

Most boys enjoyed family support and some had family members who were currently rowing or had done so in the past. Some of the younger boys in school boat clubs thought it was good to join an outside club as well. All boys thought that rowing was time consuming and this can lead to conflict around GCSE and A level times. Several mentioned that they thought loss of motivation, due to high commitment level needed for racing, could lead to drop-out.

Several boys said that they disliked early starts, cold weather, blisters and hard work, but if they are going to win these were necessary. All thought rowing an expensive sport, and some thought it was seen as 'snobbish', but that this image was changing. Most boys thought that other watersports, notably canoeing and windsurfing, were more exciting.

A number of boys were sensitive about their image as rowers, including suggestions from their peers that rowing is not 'cool': rugby players were mentioned as being particularly derogatory. All thought that their peers underestimated the physical requirements for rowing. All boys said that sports which receive more television coverage were more popular, with football again being the prime example of this, but also rugby.

All the boys enjoyed being coached, as they wanted to do their best in races. Their ideal coach was enthusiastic, fun, patient, a good rower and able to enjoy a joke.

Young female rowers

All of the girls in these focus groups competed, and they enjoyed competition, the 'buzz' factor of racing being mentioned by several. One group mentioned that they get real satisfaction from a 'smooth row'. All girls liked sculling. All felt that rowing helped their fitness, and they were aiming to be 'toned', rather than muscular. One girl said that rowing had helped her lose excess weight. Those in coastal setting felt that coastal rowing was more varied and they liked that.

All girls enjoyed the team spirit of their crew. They all felt that there was a nice atmosphere in their club, whether it was in a school, university or club setting. They all felt they meet lots of people through rowing, especially boys.

All of the girls felt that there was a strength threshold that had to be reached before trying rowing. Some felt that there could be a long time learning on land before getting into a boat, although they appreciated that this builds technique and strength.

All the girls thought rowing was an expensive sport and several thought rowing had an elitist image. All felt that people outside the sport only knew of the Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race, as the sport was not well advertised.

The knowledge base of top rowers in these groups of keen rowers was not extensive; all knew of Redgrave and Pinsent, but few other leading rowers were recalled.

All girls thought that there was less participation in sport due to computers. One group felt that the government did not allow enough time for sport at school.

All girls thought a coach should provide structured goals. Their ideal coach would be enthusiastic, a good rower, patient, firm and good at explaining.

© Copyright Regatta Magazine, 1998.