With excitement, anticipation, and a pack of cards, the CUWBC embarked upon their Ireland training camp. Staying in the beautiful town of Kinsale, on the south west coast, and training at the National Rowing Centre in Cork.
The focus of the week was on small boats and the skills required to row them well. Despite a shaky start for Emily and Claire (“The wave came out of nowhere!”), all athletes were soon demonstrating much-improved skill and boat-feel. These newly-acquired abilities were ably displayed in the last outing of the week, when they got back into an eight. The improvements in technical ability were really felt by everyone, and it was a great way to end the week’s rowing.
As well as rowing on the stunning lake, they also kept up with our weights sessions in the gym, and several took part in some all-important cross-training by surfing in the afternoons (or repeatedly falling into waves, in some cases…).
The squad also took time to visit the attractions of Kinsale (the swing boats proving very popular), and to sample to local cuisine (fish and chips). The week ended with a whole squad trip to the Blarney Stone, which legend says bestows upon those who kiss it the ‘gift of the gab’. It remains to be seen whether the chat improves, but Rob doesn’t seem to be too optimistic.
Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the camp and it was a great way to relax and unwind with one other whilst improving their rowing. Maybe somewhere less rainy though next year, Rob?!
