London Otters RC is London’s LGBTQ+ rowing club. It was founded in 2014 by two friends who had struggled so settle in at another rowing club whilst being gay. Since then the club has grown quickly, as others facing similar challenges were able to find like-minded people to share their love of rowing.
Located at the Royal Docks in the East side of the city, alongside several other clubs at the London Watersports Centre next to London City Airport, the club has a busy but friendly atmosphere. This club prides itself on its five main values which are: inclusiveness, teamwork, development, sportsmanship and resilience. As part of this the club offers rowing at all levels, from beginners to highly experienced rowers.
There are three squads at London Otters RC: senior, for those who ate experienced rowers wishing to train and compete at club and national level events; novice, for those who have never rowed before; and the social squad, for those who enjoy rowing but do not wish to train and compete to a high level. Each squad operates primarily at the weekends, with varying degrees of additional commitment required during the week.
The coaching team is made up of experienced volunteers, with the senior squad having a dedicated coach to oversee the training programme, outings and events.
Some highlights from London Otters RC include:
- The club’s first international trip to compete at Bruges Head in Belgium in 2019.
- Sending 76 members to the 2018 Gay Games in Paris, coming away with 3 gold, 2 silver, and 3 bronze medals.
- Participating annually in the Stonewall Rainbow Laces by hosting the Rainbow Races, where Otters and rowers from other clubs race in eights wearing t-shirts showing the colours of the LGBT+ rainbow.
Want to find out more about London Otters Rowing Club? Check out their website.
Interested in joining? Contact them here.
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