Rowing Camp 2026

Easter Camp 2026 - Temple Sur Lot

From J14s enjoying team bonding over a quiz night, to J18s capping off their last HSOBC camp with a leavers dinner, Easter camp 2026 was thoroughly enjoyed by all. Returning to the magnificent setting of La Base in Temple-sur-lot, France - camp was kicked off by the senior squad, who were delighted to be back and start their 10 days of focused training and academic work, with the J14s and J15s joining 3 days later.

Easter camp is an essential time of year for all - solidifying crews and gaining crucial technical and physiological development to transfer into speed for the sprint race season. It's invaluable to the boat club and plays a crucial role in the success of crews later on in the season. Each day typically consisted of 2 sessions, both on the water and in the gym, utilising the outstanding facilities which included; 16 miles of uninterrupted water, a fully equipped gym, and a 1000m buoyed race course. 

Alongside this hugely beneficial training for crews ahead of the summer racing season, this camp also maintains the balance of the important academic commitments of our scholar athletes. With over 74 hours of revision and rest scheduled (an additional 15 hours compared to previous years) over the course of the camp, allowing everyone to stay on top of their work whilst also making the most of the physical and technical improvement attained from the intense training. Some of this technical refinement was brought to fruition by senior rowers, who took turns coaching ‘skills and drills’ to junior age groups, aiding the development of both themselves and those they coached.

The most exciting sessions on camp this year were undoubtedly the long row and the ‘GMT’ afternoon. The long row consisted of a 13km technical row up with a short break to have a pastry, before completing the challenging 13km time trial back to La Base with the last kilometer having both eights cheered on by the shouts and calls of the squad on the bank. This year both the 1st and 2nd eights completed this taxing event, speaking to the whole team's high standards and incredible squad depth. Later on in camp the ‘GMT’ event was a fantastic afternoon with all age groups (J14-J18) racing side by side against each other along the buoyed course. Having been set up like a proper race, this key experience put on an excellent display of sportsmanship and gritty racing while simultaneously helping to prepare crews for upcoming summer racing.

Camp not only aids training but also the boat club's community as a whole with an emphasis on developing camaraderie with girls throughout the age groups with a whole host of activities and unforgettable experiences. From the easter egg hunt 

around the grounds, completed in Little Horses (mentoring) Groups with Twilight Sparkle snatching the win, to the minion fancy dress session, a fun filled afternoon of bonding, fun, and games. The entire club got kitted out in bright yellow paint, pigtails, and glasses with the signature HSOBC blue racing uni to complete the outfit!

Bringing camp to a close the J18 Leavers Dinner took place on the final evening. The whole year group alongside the senior coaching staff went for a poignant meal at a restaurant local to La Base, having a lovely evening of reminiscing, sharing memories, looking back on their time at HSOBC but also to the future and what lies ahead next on their journeys.

These events brought with them a renewed sense of team spirit, camaraderie, and fun, with camp overall being a truly special experience, filled with joy, lasting friendships, and improved performance. An enormous thank you to all the coaches for such an incredible time.