It’s been a challenge within the rowing community for some time now to debunk the myth that the culture in the sport is of elitism and exclusivity. People who participate in rowing will tell you that the atmosphere is not of elitism at all.
Packing for anything can be stressful. Especially a sporting event... you always ask yourself: have I got everything? Did I pack a water bottle? Do I have enough money? So what should you pack for a rowing regatta?
Not all of us are blessed with natural height, strength and technique. But if we work at it, we can overcome some of our supposed failings and can punch above our weight.
I’ve had depression for quite a while. It was first noticeable to me halfway through secondary school. I had recently taken up rowing and used it as a temporary cure. A strong training schedule kept my mind distracted from the rest of my work and home life. Time away, with friends on the water worked well as a distraction, however as the winter months came, as for all people, training became tougher and less light-hearted.
We focus on the power of rowing, using Schuyler as an example of how the amazing charitable work by FRBC can lead to opportunities with the potential to change a young person's life. There wasn't a school that would support Schuyler, and whilst being homeschooled, his father came across a council ad by chance. He found a welcoming community that stood by him at FRBC and this has enabled him to grow in many ways, both in the boat and beyond it. Picking up a few British ergo records along the way, Schuyler has shown us the rewards of hard work and will start this autumn at Eton College on a full scholarship.
