FAQ

So you are considering rowing for The Hall? Fantastic! It's probably the most rewarding activity you will ever undertake during your time in Oxford.

We welcome all students at St. Edmund Hall, from experienced rowers seeking to compete to a high level to novices simply looking to keep fit and have fun. With an extensive social calendar including crew dates, formal dinners and barbecues, the Boat Club forms integral part of the student experience for many at the Hall.  

We've compiled a selection of most frequently asked questions to find out more about rowing at our Boat Club. Not what you're looking for? Ask a question by contacting us here.

Rowing FAQ

How many sessions do we offer per week?

The number of sessions we offer varies according to your experience. If you're just starting out, one can expect approximately 3/4 sessions per week - although how many sessions you wish to attend is completely up to you. As you become more experienced or wish to be considered for selection in one of our 1st or 2nd boats then naturally you will expected to commit more of your time to the sport. At the business end of the university rowing season you can expect the Men and Women's 1st VIII's to be training daily for successive weeks in preparation for competitions.

How do we train at SEHBC?

Training at Teddy Hall Boat Club consists of a mix between outings on the water, ergo sessions, strength training and technical coaching in a rowing simulator (the 'tank'). Each sessions lasts between 60-90mins according to the training programme issued by the coach.

Where do we train?

Training takes place in a number of locations in and around Oxford according to your crew. Land training sessions occur at our Boat House on the banks of the Isis in Christ Church Meadow or in the OUBC tank facility in Iffley Sports Centre. Water based outings are mostly undertaken in Oxford from our boathouse on the River Isis, although our First VIIIs typically train in Abingdon during the winter.

What competitions do we take part in?

The Boat Club primarily trains to compete to the highest level possible in Torpids and Summer Eights regattas, the most important competitions in college level rowing. Torpids is held annually in Hilary term and Summer Eights in Trinity term. Novice rowers are also encouraged to compete in Novice Regatta held annually in Michaelmas term. The Boat Club also takes part in external regattas from time to time, including the famous Head of the River Race from Mortlake to Putney and Henley Royal Regatta.

How do I get Involved?

The Boat Club undertakes a heavy recruitment push around the time of Michaelmas term weeks 0, 1 and 2 each year, however new members are always welcome throughout the season. Be sure to check out our stall at the JCR's Freshers Fair held in college in week 0. Here you can meet the committee, ask us questions and we'll get you signed up on our mailing list. Alternatively, you can sign up by registering your interest with the Captains via social media at any point during the season and we'll do our best to integrate you into the programme as soon as possible.

Do I need to complete a swim test in order take part?

Yes. A swim test is mandatory in accordance with the rules set out by the college boat club governing body, OURCs. Do not be put off by this requirement however. To find out more about swim tests, speak to one of our Captains or the Boat Club's Safety Adviser.

How much does it cost?

Rowing at St. Edmund Hall is extraordinary value for money. At just £32 per term, rowers can expect quality coaching for up to 6 sessions per week and use of all boat club equipment including ergos, boats and blades.

Coxing FAQ

How many sessions does a cox do in a week?

This is completely up to you! Unlike rowers, coxes do not need to attend the erg sessions (but they can if they want to). Most novices start out with 1 or 2 sessions a week and can continue like this or increase it if they want. For those training with a first boat for one of our main regattas (Torpids and Summer Eights), you would normally be doing around 6 sessions a week, but for lower boats it is a lot less so you can choose how much you want to commit.

Does it fit in around my lectures/ labs/ degree?

Like rowing, coxing shouldn’t get in the way of any of your contact hours. The morning outings are designed to be done in time for you to get to a 9am lecture if you need to. We also run weekend outings, and sometimes weekday evenings in the summer, so these shouldn’t clash with any of your work either.

I’ve never coxed before, how will I know what to do?

Teddy hall is a great place to learn how to cox. Before your first outing, you attend a university wide coxing briefing. This teaches you the basics: the rules of the river, what the different parts of the boat are, and some basic calls. During your first outing, you will have an experienced rower at stroke (the seat closest to you), who will help you out with exactly what you need to do and say. 

I’ve coxed before, how do I get involved here?

Get in touch with our captain of coxes to introduce yourself and tell them your experience. Unfortunately, if your coxing experience is from outside Oxford University, you will need to attend the coxing briefing to be registered as a cox here. They will go over the local rules, but you’ll be allowed to leave before they go on to teach the basics. After that, you’ll be able to get out onto the water!

Do I need to take a swim test?

Yes, to be able to cox with us, we do require that you take a swim test. For more details about this, please get in touch with our water safety officer.

What clothing or equipment will I need?

We provide all the equipment so all you need to do is make sure you’re suitably dressed. This will depend on the time of year: in winter, lots of layers are advised and whereas in the summer you may want to remember to bring a hat, sunglasses and suncream along. Since we are in England, it’s also always worth checking if it’s forecast to rain and if so bring along some waterproofs.

How much are subs?

Free for your first term of coxing and £14 each term after that.