Eat, Sleep, Row, Repeat: Spring Break on Quamichan Lake

Is there a better way to spend the last week of Spring Break than at training camp? While most students spent this time catching up on sleep, a group of dedicated athletes traded their free time to become the best rowers they could be. A week full of hard work, blisters, resilience and fun, which is vital for all rowers to see success coming into their competitive season. Sierra GG, Mackenzie ‘27 said, “It's the week where everything really comes together”, representing the impact this has on positively preparing the team for up-coming events.

Every day is organized to push athletes to their physical limits with three daily practices, including sprint work and long technical practices on the glassy waters of Quamichan Lake. As Mr. Carr noted, “Volume makes champions”. By emphasizing the success of teams from past years, he showed us how we could focus our attention on the technical nuances without the distractions our busy Brentwood experience can offer. 

The training was intense, but this camp was not just about the physical grind. Between sessions, the Duncan Lodge became a home away from home. Whether it was lying in the sun or taping blisters post-practice, the sense of community and camaraderie was forming. It is clear that our friendships with teammates “help catapult the rest of the season”, said Mr. Carr.

Coaches, the team wants to thank you for the constant support and encouragement you give to every athlete. All of the planning and time that goes into organizing this training camp is very much appreciated.  Carr informed me that “ The planning for camp begins around 6 months before the first day”, long before the first of many emails from Mr. Calder lands in your Inbox.

The annual rowing camp week would look completely different if the coaches were not as dedicated to the athletes and their success. Katie J, Mackenzie ‘26 has been a member of the rowing program for five years and notes that “The coaches' support makes or breaks how well we do, and if you look at the program's results, you can see that the impact of the coaches is always positive”. It's important to note that there is quite a bit of time and effort put into this camp by both coaches and athletes. Well done rowers and coaches! 

Lulu G, Mackenzie ‘26