Learn to row or cox
Most SSBC members had never stepped into a boat before joining. Undergraduates and postgraduates are equally welcome, and there's no membership fee.
Novice rowing
Our season starts in Michaelmas Term with a fresh intake of novices and new members. Within eight weeks, novices who have never stepped in a boat before become competent rowers, racing in events like Queens' Ergs, Emma Sprints and, at the end of term, the Fairbairn Cup: a rite of passage for all novices.
Sidney usually puts out six to eight men's and women's novice crews. You'll be in a crew with people at the same stage as you, taught from the very first stroke. Whether you want to race hard or row for fun and fitness, there's a place for you.
Postgraduates welcome
The Boat Club is for every member of College, not just undergraduates. Postgraduates are just as welcome as undergraduates, as complete beginners in a novice crew or, if you've rowed before, in a senior crew. Whether you're here for a one-year master's or a PhD, come and give it a go.
Coxing
The cox is the voice of the boat: they steer, call the race and run the outing. No experience is needed, as coxes are trained from scratch in Michaelmas just like rowers. Have a look at our novice coxing guide and what a week as a cox looks like.
After Michaelmas
Lent Term brings the chance to row as a senior and race in the Lent Bumps, and Easter Term ends with the May Bumps. Find out how Bumps works, or read a week in the life of a rower.
Already rowed at school, university or a club? Find out about senior crews →
