Training Like Champs!

With the Belize Trip, the Eswatini Trip, the Taiwan Trip, and a training camp to Quamichan Lake, Brentwood students have been busy over Spring Break. During the final week of spring vacation, the rowers were occupied with intensive training sessions, covering 30 km each day and consistently exerting maximum effort with every stroke.

The camp took place on Quamichan Lake, about 30 mins from the Brentwood campus. At the lake, we were welcomed by calm water as well as a prestigious 6-lane buoyed course that we got to compete on every session. Along with the calm water and desired course, Brentwood rowers also got a chance to brush shoulders with the Canadian National Rowing Team. Our senior boys 8+ was lucky enough to do pieces against the Men on March 30th. Both men’s teams pushed each other, going bow on bow for 250 m sprints. The senior men got to row at a calibre that will push them into the future of their rowing careers. 

Alongside the Senior Men, the Senior Women also had an effective and purposeful training camp, with multiple seat selections completed and extensive workouts that will shave seconds off our race times. Boathouse Captain Florence T, Hope ‘24, says “It was great to see people improve over the training camp. Speed was gained extensively.” It was also great to see how well the team recovered after each workout, focusing their efforts on nutrition and recovery. 

Ms Spencer Manton, Coordinator of the rowing team, who set up and organized the camp said “There were many improvements in the camp, and it was great to see collaborative effort put in from all parts of the club.” 

The Junior Women put in tremendous effort during the 6 training days, making significant progress in preparation for the CSSRA (Canadian Secondary School Rowing Association) regatta in early June. It was inspiring to witness their improvement over just a few practices on the water. Chloe D, Alex '26 commented, "The Junior women are an amazing crew to train with, and they made the long miles so much more enjoyable." Meanwhile, the Junior Men focused extensively on refining their technique during this training camp, aiming to harness their already impressive power on the water.

The coaches' organization was truly impressive, and I want to express my gratitude to the rowing faculty for orchestrating such an efficient and impressive training camp.

Now, the countdown begins and the rowers can't wait to showcase the work they have put in. Brentwood Regatta opens in 10 days - Friday, April 26.

Isabel H, Mack ‘25