As the rowing world turns its eyes to Holme Pierrepoint once again, the Open Beginner Eights category promises one of the most unpredictable showdowns of the 2025 BUCS Regatta. With several standout crews showing serious form across BUCS Head and the Head of the River, the battle for gold is wide open — but a few frontrunners are beginning to emerge.
Exeter – The Ones to Beat?
Coming into BUCS weekend, University of Exeter must be seen as the favourites. After clinching the academic beginner pennant at this year’s Head of the River with an almost staggering margin, Exeter’s novice eight looks both technically sharp and mentally prepared. If they can translate their time-trial dominance into the chaos of side-by-side racing, they’ll be incredibly hard to stop. After all they stormed to gold at last year’s BUCS Regatta, so they have some form.
Surrey – Perennial Podium Finishers with a Point to Prove
Just behind them are the ever-consistent University of Surrey. Silver medallists at both BUCS Head and last year’s BUCS Regatta, they are no strangers to high-stakes novice racing. Their start-line aggression and strong base pace have made them a regular threat to more favoured crews. They’ve built a novice program that doesn’t just develop rowers — it prepares winners. Can they go one better and take gold?
Queen’s Belfast – The Dark Horse
The wild card in this year’s field is undoubtedly Queen’s University Belfast. With limited appearances outside of BUCS events due to travel logistics, they’re harder to gauge — but what we do know is promising. They placed first in this event at BUCS Head, and their reputation for rising to the occasion suggests they could seriously disrupt the top of the podium. Expect them to arrive ready, rested, and dangerous.
Nottingham – Capable and Rising
University of Nottingham have been tough to pin down in recent seasons. They got a fair result at BUCS Head, finishing just off the podium, followed by a very strong showing at the Head of the River. That bounce-back performance shows what they’re capable of — but it also raises questions about consistency. If Nottingham can keep their heads in the pressure cooker of side-by-side racing, they might just steal a medal.
Imperial College – Thames Powerhouse on the Rise
Imperial College London have a real shot at the podium and maybe even gold. Third at BUCS Head a few months ago and led by experienced Head of Rowing Peter Hardcastle, they’ve built a program known for technically proficient, fast-starting crews. Don’t be surprised if they take the lead early and hold on.
Predictions
Exeter may prove too strong and too consistent to bet against, but we can expect Surrey to bring the fight to them. Other contenders like Queen’s and Imperial show potential for the remaining spot on the podium, but home crew Nottingham should not be underestimated. The only certainty in novice rowing is unpredictability — and with Holme Pierrepont’s infamous crosswinds and packed lanes, anything can happen. But if the form holds true, Exeter could be about to seal back to back golds. We’ll find out soon enough.
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