On the 5th of March 2023, Durham University Boat Club (DUBC) attended the prestigious Women’s Eights Head of the River event, on the famous Tideway course. 18 members of the women's squad travelled down south a few days before competing, to train on the Tideway's conditions and practiced racing lines. This event was hoping to tie off a long winters graft and step on after a great BUCS head.
The first 8+, coming off a strong BUCS victory, rowed hard to come 12th overall. The race began just behind home water rivals, Newcastle University, who were worked hard on to gain upon. Hot on Durham’s heels came Leander D, who gained up until Hammersmith where a great shift was put in, holding the attacking crew off until the finish, demonstrating an exciting basis for the upcoming regatta racing. With a lot learnt and a renewed fire, the women’s squad will be hungry knowing there is much more speed to come in the summer.
Next up was the turn of the second eight. This crew produced their best performance yet, rowing hard and long, to finish a strong 32nd; complemented by an excellent line. This demonstration of the dedication and work put in over the dark winter months resulted in them achieving the fastest time in their category by an impressive 28 seconds, which was also a course record within their category. This was an exceptional performance and one that the whole crew can certainly be proud of. It bodes exceptionally well for the future of DUBC with many freshers being included in this crew.
Now, the squad's attention turns towards their next block of training and the subsequent regatta season, post Head of the River, where they will soar in some side-by-side racing.
/prod01/prodbucket01/media/durham-university/wider-student-experience-/team-durham/86040-hero.jpg)