For many rowers of all skill levels, the focus is on national events like National Schools Regatta or BUCS Regatta. The many years of hard work and dedication culminate in these huge competitions. But then you blink and you’re turning 27, triggering entry into the world of masters rowing. You might think that this is the slippery slide to hanging up the oars. Think again.
Rowers are a competitive lot, unwilling to be defined by a “masters” label, and have sought ways to keep racing.
September this year saw over 5,000 rowers descend on Banyoles, Spain, to compete on the 1992 Barcelona Olympic course for a five day regatta packed with events for all boat classes. It was an opportunity for masters rowers from across the globe to come together.
The event brought together a huge spectrum of competitors, from ex-Olympians, some who had competed in the 1992 Olympics, to club rowers. Competitors ages ranged from 27 to 96 – yes 96! The 96 years old gentleman from Brazil was competing with his grandson in a truly heartwarming family outing. This event was confirmation that competitive rowing is a sport for life.
With 51 countries represented from all continents, the local area was buzzing with rowers and their supporters. On our flight out to Barcelona, we soon realised that ALL the passengers were headed for Banyoles! Some were entered into multiple events on every day.
One rower said: “I can’t believe I chose to do this again. Two to three events every day and I need a holiday to recover!”
The whole event had a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. The organisers had arranged an opening ceremony and one evening there was a talk from Matthew Pinsent.
However, on Wednesday, racing commenced and the atmosphere changed, reflecting the pre-race nerves of so many competitors.
As well as over 1,000 boats which clubs had brought with them, there were extensive boat rental options and an immense merchandise zone. Everything rowing-related was available in this pop-up rowing village from a multitude of international suppliers.
As a masters rower, it is often a struggle to find events with any opponents. Frequently masters rowers get their entries rejected, or have to race with handicaps so that older rowers get a ‘head start’ to make races fairer. That was certainly not an issue here. No handicap times were needed at Banyoles – the ladies 60-65 doubles event, for example, had 87 entries! This was a large regatta with racing starting at 08:00 and finishing at 19:00, events set off every three minutes – precisely, throughout the day.
For those rowers thinking that post-university, there are no big events to look forward to – think again. Masters rowing isn’t a steady decline into hanging up the oars. Next year, we’ll all descend on Lake Bled and already most hotels are now fully booked! There’s clearly international appetite for masters racing so come aboard and be ready for an amazing ride!
