Boathouse

The Oxford Brookes University Boat Club has a boathouse at Cholsey, near Wallingford, and a land-based indoor rowing facility near Brookes Sport, Headington.

The Boathouse

Brookes Rowing boathouses

The boathouse, built in 2013, features land-based training areas, extra boat storage and large changing rooms for the growing elite crews. It sits on a 10km stretch of the River Thames and is classed as one of the best non-tidal stretches of water in the country. 

From head race-style distances to a 2km markered course, the length, width and quality of water have been a key factor in Brookes’ success over the years – allowing both the men’s and women’s squads to train together, in an enjoyable, yet highly-competitive environment. When combining this style of training with our steadily growing, world-class fleet of boats, winning has become second nature.

The Fleet

Brookes has one of the finest rowing hull fleets in the world, consisting of Olympic-standard racing shells for every boat type – men and women, heavyweight and lightweight, sweep or sculling.

Constant maintenance and upgrading allows each athlete at Brookes Rowing a seat in an elite racing machine. The shells are kept in immaculate condition and kitted out with top-of-the-range equipment and peripherals, allowing the potential of an athlete’s performance to be maximised.

The fleet is constantly added to and improved each year, increasing the number of athletes we can cater to from season to season.

Brookes rowers preparing the boats

Land-Based Training

Brookes rowers using the ergs

The gym is at the heart of the Brookes Rowing machine, where top-end physiology and mental strength are forged in this fiercely competitive atmosphere. 

The land program is structured perfectly to fit around the university’s academic lifestyle so as not to clash with any course’s lecture timetable. 

As well as over 40 ergos and 30 static bikes to pick from, there is also a fully-kitted strength and conditioning facility in the room next door.

Brookes Rowing

With an outstanding history of rowing success, Oxford Brookes University Boat Club’s High Performance Programme is recognised and supported by the GB Rowing Team and funded through the National Lottery.

Oxford Brookes University Boat Club has a track record of coaching rowers to challenge for a place in the GB Rowing national team and is committed to British Rowing’s World Class Performance Strategy. 

Starting in 2022, the club now operates a Learn to Row programme which provides opportunities for students who are not in the performance squad to row while at Oxford Brookes.

News

Three Brookes Rowers celebrating after race

5 July 2023

7/7 at Henley Regatta 2023

Brookes Rowing secured the biggest ever trophy haul of any rowing club in a single Henley Royal Regatta at the 2023 rowing competition.

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