Bumps, Blades, and Bowballs- Cambridge Boatie Chat

Fair enough I was just saying that catz isnt necessarily a bad choice of college for rowing

Certainly so, but judging from previous results they aren't nearly always that good - this year they had a blue (George Nash) and at least one lightweight returning. But that runty little specimen was staking his reputation on a boat he does not row in.

Good to see we aren't getting personal. I wasn't staking my reputation, I was just making a point - I don't think it's great form to be slagging off other boat clubs to people who aren't even here yet when yours isn't any better.
Also, with regard to this Mays - we're confident that we're capable of holding our own based on results - except for Pembroke. Where we're starting is a bit unfortunate.

So the college I'm heading to is St. Catharines. Last 2k was in march. went 6:52. Definitely gotten fitter/faster since then. Do most people tend to shave a lot off 2ks during the trialing/training period?

In view of how Catz have been doing, you'll definitely make their first boat in that case. Not the greatest of picks college-wise, though I'm sure they're lovely people, they aren't particularly renowned for being fast on the river - fairly low in the Lents bumps charts atm and they spoon-barged during Mays last year (got bumped on every night). In fairness, their first boat is pretty high in Mays at the moment. They'd be lucky to have you.

Re: lightweights, if you've definitely improved on that 6.52, you're in a pretty decent position to shoot it into CULBC - you might even make the actual boat in your first year if you're lucky. Regardless, it'll give you some time with quality rowers, so you'll get a good experience either way.

Regarding improving 2ks, I'm in my first year of rowing myself so can't really offer any perspective. I would imagine so - I know a few people who dev-squadded with CUWBC and they got a massive boost out of it, both technique and fitness wise.

Re catz, their boat this year is actually pretty good, and is stacked up with triallists and blues from both the lightweights and heavyweights, I don't think they have anyone in that boat above 6.40, and I certainly know of someone who pulls well below 6.40 who didn't make Catz m1. But their May boat is generally a lot stronger than their Lent boat, and their Michaelmas boat often doesn't exist.

is it true what they've been saying that girton m1's average 2k is 6:29?

OK, hopes of getting on have been swiftly scuppered by a spectacular ejector crab one minute into the race. It was admittedly going quite well until that point, then I just saw a pair of legs in the air and that was it. We just had to pull in whilst everyone else sailed passed us.

Fortunately the whole thing has been caught on camera though.

It's surprising how many coxes steer grassy like they've never seen it before...

Like your M5? That was an impressive escape from Fat VI.

is it true what they've been saying that girton m1's average 2k is 6:29?

tomorrow I plan on bumping twice (three times if you count the M4 I coach )

Delightful, we're attempting the same going from the M3 to the M2 division. Good luck! Which boat are you?