Who are the Development/Novice Women?
Our squad was formed in May 2004 and is made up of graduates of the Learn to Row course and those returning to rowing after a few years break.

We have a strong novice squad who are always looking for new members.

Maidenhead Rowing Club is known for its high Coaching standards and the novice squad benefits greatly from this.

Our squad is also supplemented by regular coxes who do a great job of steering and manoeuvring us up & down the river safely and in races, at speed.

Our view on rowing life
The Novice Woman’s squad is a competitive crew for those that want to compete at regattas and head races and are committed to their training. We have a winning attitude and want to work hard to improve.

Despite our hard training schedule, we also appreciate the social side of the sport so we always aim to have a good time, wherever our rowing takes us.

MRC is a very friendly club with a long and proud history of achievement in the sport. There is plenty of opportunity to meet new people from all squads and make friends. The club has a varied social calendar so there should be something for everyone.

Training
Our focus is on developing basic rowing and sculling skills, working at improving technique and fitness levels.

During the Winter we train at least 3 times per week this includes ergo training on a Tuesday and river outings on a Saturday and Sunday mornings. There are also various Land training sessions including circuits and weights available for those interested.

During the Summer we train on the river at least 4 times per week; Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.

This level of commitment sounds daunting initially. It is understood that people have work and other commitments which may mean that they cannot attend every session and this we can work round although it is often the case that as your passion for the sport grows you find yourself committing to every session – you have been warned!

There is the potential (crew permitting) to train in a variety of boats including coxed fours, eights, quad sculls and 'small boats' (single and double sculls). We regularly enter crews at local regattas and head races with the aim of winning novice 'pots'.

Progression to the women's senior squad is either by achieving Senior 4 status or above through winning races at regattas or by demonstrable improvement in technique and fitness (at the discretion of squad coaches).

What have we achieved so far?