Rowers tackle Tour de Thames

 

While most of the rowing fraternity were cheering the Junior GB Team at Dorney Lake over the weekend, a group of intrepid rowers took to the River Thames for a two-day Explore Rowing tour. 

The Tour de Thames saw rowers from Reading RC, Kingston RC, Thames RC, Weybridge Ladies, Phyllis Court Club RC, and

Weyfarers navigate the Thames – setting off from Reading on Friday and arriving in Maidenhead on Saturday.

Along the way, rowers were entertained by the spectacle of the Wargrave & Shiplake Regatta, and enjoyed a hard earned drink at the Phyllis Court Club. 

The tour welcomed a variety of boats including fine boats and skiffs, but the group quickly developed a strong camaraderie and, despite their differing top speeds, rowed together for the entire 25 mile journey.

“We all thoroughly enjoyed ourselves,” said Reading rower, Catie Blundell. “It was lovely meeting the other rowers, and exploring the river beyond our home patch.”

Rich Stock, Explore Rowing Programme Manager, said “British Rowing is supporting clubs to offer first class learn to row courses and deliver different challenges and activities in rowing to people of all abilities and ages.  Everyone who tries it says rowing is addictive, so why not give it a go!”

The next Explore Rowing event will see crews spend three days touring the River Severn from Stourport to Gloucester, in the Severn Wonders challenge.

For more information on Explore Rowing and future events, please visit www.explorerowing.org.