ROW WITH SURC
Our Squads
Novice Squads
Our Men's and Women's Novice Squads are for those new to rowing who want to learn, train and race as part of SURC.
Following novice trials at the start of the first semester, our Novice Captains will teach you everything from rowing technique to training and racing as a crew. The squads also take part in a Novice Training Camp, providing more time on the water to develop together.
Those with some previous rowing experience may still be eligible, provided they have not held a British Rowing membership for more than one year. Throughout the season, novice crews compete in beginner categories at races, putting everything they've learnt into practice.
Senior Squads
Our Men's and Women's Senior Squads bring together our more experienced rowers, from those who learnt to row at SURC to those joining Sheffield with previous experience.
Led by our Senior Captains, training focuses on developing technique, fitness and crew performance, with additional coaching from external coaches throughout the year. If you already have rowing experience when you join, you can go straight into the Senior Squad — becoming what we like to call a "frenior" (a fresher senior!).
Senior crews compete throughout the racing calendar, with crew selections and boat line-ups decided by the captains, including seat racing where appropriate.
Coxswains
Our coxswains are an essential part of SURC, working with both novice and senior crews throughout the year.
No previous coxing or rowing experience is needed. New coxes learn on the water with experienced crews, developing the skills to steer, give commands and communicate effectively with the boat. As they gain confidence, they can take on more responsibility and have opportunities to cox at races.
From steering to keeping the crew focused when it matters most, the cox is the brain of the boat and a key part of every crew.