The J14 and J15 Squads are run separately but ultimately are our development years. Our rowers are usually introduced to our club from our Learn to Row courses and then graduate into the J14 (third from or school year 9) and J15 (fifth form or school year 10) squads.
The emphasis is to build technical skills and progress on the water while learning about the fitness aspect which is integral to the sport. Members are asking to attend three sessions a week at J14 (combination of water and land fitness) and up to four at J15.
J14s begin by learning to scull (two oars on each side) and is the foundation to progress well in the sport. Upon starting J15 rowers can then also learn sweep rowing (one oar on each side) but often will continue to scull.
Both of these squads will attend competitions when they have become competent and effective enough to do so. This includes local Head races and several regattas including the National Schools Regatta. The end goal is to see rowers from each group continue to graduate up the years so they move into J16 and then the Senior squad.