2017 British Rowing Coaching Conference: Who will be speaking about what?

A host of inspirational coaches and medal-winning athletes will be at the British Rowing Coaching Conference on 21 January, book your ticket now

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The 2017 British Rowing Coaching Conference is fast upon us, taking place in Wokefield Park, Reading, on 21 January. We’re delighted to reveal further details on what our day’s guest speakers will be discussing, with some true standout presentations on the schedule.

Women’s high performance coach James Harris will share his experience of transitioning from a Start programme coach into the elite senior setup. He will discuss how you can effectively develop yourself as a coach and how he trained the women’s eight to win their first ever Olympic medal at Rio 2016.

Sir David Tanner, who has overseen Great Britain’s Olympic and Paralympic dominance since taking up his current role in 1996, will share how his team delivered medal table-topping results at Rio 2016. Such success requires constant review and evolution of the coaching practices, which Sir David will discuss.

Laurence Whiteley was one of the stars of the Rio 2016 Paralympics, winning gold in the TA mixed double sculls. He will share his journey alongside Paralympic Programme high performance coach Nick Baker. Nick will also discuss how the team integrated novice and experienced rowers to great success leading up to the Rio 2016 Games.

Professor Tony Ghaye, of Hartpury College, will deliver a fascinating insight into positive psychology. Tony has experience of working with several big sports to help them develop their young athletes, and will discuss how to inspire rowers to be the best they can be, whatever their aspirations.

British Rowing’s chief medical officer Ann Redgrave will join junior coach Robin Dowell on stage to talk about simple ways of monitoring your rowers’ response to training. Using data and experience, coaches should be able to modify training to know when to stop or ease off training, and when to push on.

Additionally, Paralympic Pathway manager Louise Kingsley will chair a panel of rowers and coaches to discuss how best to integrate adaptive rowers into your clubs.


Coaching Conference details

Date: 21 January 2017

Location: DeVere Hotel, Wokefield Park, Reading, RG7 3AE

Time: 09.30 – 17.00

Tickets: £65 (British Rowing members), £94 (non-British Rowing members)


Lunch and refreshments will be provided on the day. Tickets are available to purchase from the course’s website.

Full list of speakers

Kate O’Sullivan – National Coaching Committee chairman
Nick Baker – High performance coach, Paralympic programme
Laurence Whiteley – Gold medallist, Rio 2016 Paralympic Games
Louise Kingsley – Paralympic programme manager
Tony Ghaye – Director of reflective learning, Hartpury College
Dr Ann Redgrave – GB Rowing Team chief medical officer
Robin Dowell – Lead coach for juniors
James Harris – High performance coach, women’s eight
Sir David Tanner – Performance director