One of the highlights in the school’s rowing training calendar is the highly-anticipated trip to the stunning Lake Sarnen in Switzerland every April. Staff and boys alike look forward to this trip as it offers boys miles and miles of wide-open waters on which boys can perfect their technique and build their stamina against a backdrop of white-tipped mountains and emerald-green waters.
This drone footage of the 1st VIII showcases the beauty of the lake and our 1st VIII in action.
Temperatures on arrival were hitting the dizzy heights of 28 degrees – short sleeve weather! However, a cold front quickly descended, bringing temperatures down to 3 degrees with persistent rain in the valley and snow on the mountains.
Once at the Swiss National Rowing Centre, the boats were swiftly rigged and a daily routine established. Each day followed a similar pattern: morning outings at 6.30am breakfast at 8.00am a second outing at 9.30am followed by exam revision, lunch, more revision, and a final outing at 4.30pm. Dinner was served at 7.00pm and lights out was at 10.00pm. The boys rowed in a variety of boats, ranging from small boats to eights, taking full advantage of the 8km stretch of lake. Although the water was mostly calm, it occasionally mirrored the challenging conditions of the Tideway!
Telemetry technology was used on the camp, allowing coaches to measure various parameters, such as the forces applied by individual rowers, oar angles at entry and release, and the wattage produced by each rower. Sensors in the boat provided real-time data to both the coach and crew members via screens attached to each footplate. The true benefits and marginal gains were realised when coaches and crew members utilised this data to make improvements to their technique and performance, as well as optimising rigging and equipment. Throughout the camp, crews dedicated time to analysing the data and making subtle adjustments to their technique.
The camp concluded with three VIIIs (1st, 2nd, and Colts VIII) competing against each other in 4 x 1,000- metre pieces, all with improved boat speed and technique, validating all the hard work invested by the boys and coaches during the camp.
1st, 2nd and Colts VIIIs racing on the last day.
You can see the results of the boys’ hard work at the Bedford Regatta on Saturday 11 May.
