BRIC 2024 is just around the corner, and with what feels like a never-ending swathe of on-water cancellations, it will relieve those competing in Birmingham to engage in friendly competition finally. BRIC will host several hundred athletes at the NEC on the 7th and 8th of December, but many will not be traditional rowers or have conventionally found the sport. The rise of online rowing clubs – supported and empowered by technology from providers like EXR – is an interesting new growth channel that British Rowing would love to bring to the water. Blade Rowers are one such example; their members will compete across the full spectrum of categories of BRIC. We caught up with Rob Mayes, the club’s coach and British Rowing Club Development Coach of the Year in 2021.
How did Blade Rowers come about?
During lockdown, I delivered live rowing sessions via Instagram to engage those with rowing machines, bikes, and ski ergs in coach-led sessions. I had such a good response that I continued delivering these sessions, which I still do now. The team is 30-strong. Some use it for fitness, some for high performance, and some for socialising. Whatever the goal, there’s a place for everyone.
How do you support a full range of athletes from beginner to experienced?
We have monthly erg sessions, two weekly live online classes, and two in-person classes locally in the village hall. Sessions are designed to hit several targets. Live (and in-person) sessions are timed intervals, meaning everyone finishes together to avoid leaving anyone behind. Those targeting competitions, such as BRIC, are prescribed additional ergs based on their competition. The workouts include a technical focus to improve efficiency. While working hard improves fitness, there is also so much extra speed to be had by being as technically efficient as possible and of course, this also helps avoid injury, which is why all workouts benefit everyone from social rowers to high-performance
How does EXR help you bring varied and dynamic training modules to your community?
EXR has been a brilliant addition to the team. It’s so much more engaging and motivating than always staring at your erg monitor. Once (sometimes twice) a week, we have a scheduled team session where we meet at a selected venue. I set the workout (usually rate-restricted), and we set off with the slowest boat first with a timed gap between ‘crews’. This engages everyone so no one feels left behind and everyone feels part of the session. The EXR split element also levels the playing field, which is a big plus.
What are you competing in at BRIC and where does that competition rank for you?
Most of the team are competing in the relays, which have played a key part in engaging more people in the sport. Racing/competing with others brings a fantastic team element to rowing, which engages people and adds a great social dynamic.
What are the key training focuses ahead of BRIC and how can people get involved?
The key focus is always to unlock everyone’s potential. BRIC is a big end of year goal but not the end goal. What we do is sustainable. Technical elements coupled with hard work. We continue, we improve, and we enjoy.
How do you train both the physical and mental demands for indoor rowing?
By making people feel like they are part of the team. The variety of group sessions, the WhatsApp group, the kit and the socials help create that feeling. There are so many occasions when you don’t feel up for anything, but then a screenshot from a team member following their session can be the kick-up the bottom you need.
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