COACHING
Cygnet has an established coaching set-up, as befits a club known for bringing on new oarsmen, as well as competing at a wide range of events. Coaching is part of the package offered to active members, and is paid for from membership fees. Our philosophy is based on the following:
- Cygnet enjoys rowing
- Cygnet continues to be well-represented at Heads and Regattas
- Those that are willing and able to commit are supported in going as far as they can (including HRR)
Our head coach is Wes Ma.
Learn to Row courses are lead by vice-captain Mustafa Özyurt and cox Clara Fennessy.
TRAINING
At Cygnet we don't expect you to arrange your life around your rowing but we do ask for a certain amount of commitment to training and outings, especially if you want to race.
We typically train together 5–6 days per week, with three evening sessions during the week and weekend mornings.
In the winter our weeknight training programme is predominantly land focused with coached weights, strength and conditioning and set ergs to complete on site in The Shed or in your own time.
When we're not in the shed, we are, of course, on the water, in boats of all class, developing technique and fitness on Saturday and Sunday mornings (and weeknights in the summer).
AVAILABILITY
We do also understand that you can't always make every session, so in order for the coaches and captaincy to manage your availability, we have an easy to use on-line system called FitClub.me. You simply log-on and enter your availability as far in advance as you can. If your firewall does not allow access, please contact the coach or captain.
- Availability for weekends must be done before noon on Wednesday
- Availability for weekdays must be done before 18.00 on Sunday
- If you don't enter your availability by these times you won't be considered for crews
- If you change your availability after these times you will be expected to find a substitute yourself
The training plan is also detailed on this system, as are races. Erg scores may be entered into FitClub.me to both keep a record and enable the coaches to assess your progress.
FITNESS TO ROW
Rowing is a strenuous sport. If you are in any doubt about your fitness to row, you should consult your doctor or therapist.
If you have a medical condition that may require special assistance or possible intervention please let the session coach know. This is particularly important if you are asthmatic (requiring an inhaler), have a severe allergy (requiring an Epi-pen) or are taking any other medicine (e.g insulin).
Please do not attend training if you are taken ill. Training while ill will not help you recover any quicker and there is no sense in spreading an illness to your crew mates.
Report any training injury to the session coach who should be able to advise on the best course of action to deal with it. Avoid training with a pre-existing injury.
You should also be able to swim 50 metres in light clothing or rowing kit. We are obliged to test members' swimming ability.
