Rowing Programme

Rowing is the most popular sport at Cambridge. Approximately half of the University population tries out rowing during their time here. This is a much higher level than you would expect to find elsewhere in the country, other, perhaps, than Oxford. For this reason, rowing is important in the competitive, recreational and social senses, and never more so than during the College 'Bumps' in spring and summer. Steeped in tradition going back to the early 1800s, every College has its own Boat Club and rivalry is intense and enjoyable at all levels. Women and men participate in equal numbers.

High-level Competitive Rowing

For those who want to go further, however, there is the chance to Trial for the University crews and to race against Oxford in the famous annual Oxford and Cambridge University Boat Race, held on the London River Thames Tideway in the spring (click here). The CUBC is for representative heavyweight men and selects, coaches and trains the Blue Boat and the reserve crew (Goldie) for this event.

There are separate clubs for Women (CUWBC) and Lightweight Men (CULRC). They also race against Oxford in a special match held each year on a Sunday afternoon in March at Henley.

CUBC Blues and Goldie colours frequently achieve distinction at international level, both for GB crews and overseas crews.