Masters (Veterans)

Masters (Veterans) 2010/11

The terminology for the more mature rower in the UK changed in 2010 from ‘Veterans’ to ‘Masters’ – and at the same time the age at which you can compete as a ‘Master’ was reduced to a tender 27.  EERC have a lot of members who can officially call themselves ‘Masters’ and as you can imagine the group is a diverse one, including experienced rowers and scullers, (IM3 upward), and also a number of novices.

The EERC Masters is well established and has enjoyed success at club and national level. Masters is suitable for experienced athletes who are able to organise themselves.  Athletes new to the club who may be of the right age need to join the Novice squad initially to learn the basics of competitive rowing before moving to Masters.

The key events for the more experienced althletes at this level are the Henley Masters Regatta, The National Masters Regatta and the FISA International Masters Regatta.

For those racing at Novice Masters category in either sculling or sweep oar, an increasing number of Regattas and Head races are running events in this category. We are likely to see Novice Masters competing in doubles, singles, quads and fours.

Masters Racing

In Regattas and Head races arranged under British Rowing rules you become a Master when you reach the age of 27.  This doesn't mean that you can only compete in Masters events, but doing so may level the playing field somewhat!  Masters events are held mainly according to age (see table) and gender. The age restriction is the lower limit for the average age of the crew (excluding coxswain), measured in whole years attained during the current "calendar" year i.e. if you are 40 on 1 June 2010 then you would be deemed to be 40 (or Masters B) for all events between 1 Jan and 31 Dec 2010.

Racing as a Master used to carry the risk of meeting some ex-Olympian simply because they were the same age as you. With the introduction of new 'Intermediate Masters' categories, the racing is a lot fairer. The 'Novice Masters' category is now well established and regularly available.

Many Masters come to rowing as a result of seeing their children training and competing and there is a special web site created to espouse the Masters' cause.

New Recruits

We are always happy to welcome athletes into the Masters group, so if you have previous rowing or sculling experience please contact  the Club Captain who can discuss in more detail what we offer and can discuss in more detail what we offer and how your skills and ambitions might be accommodated.

Due to the range of levels at Masters - whether you rowed 20 years ago, a few years ago or just last season, EERC can provide you with what you need to regain that rowing feeling!

How to apply?

You have 2 choices. If you are unsure about joining up there is a 1 month trial period, alternatively, you can join up as a full member. Either way please see Club Membership & Fees for the relevant forms. Both forms are to be completed in full and fees submitted to the Membership Secretary at the EERC Boathouse.  Cheques should be made payable to Eton Excelsior Rowing Club.

Coaching

The Masters coach is John Spencer.  John is a very experienced coach with many years of success under his belt.  Like almost all the coaches at EERC, John is a volunteer.  Rowers at Masters level are expected to be more experienced athletes and therefore not all water outings are accompanied by a coach. 

Training Plans

In the winter (September to March/April) the Masters will train on the water together at weekends.  Training sessions on Saturday and Sunday mornings begin at 7.30am and finish by mid day.  In the summer (April/May to September) the evenings are light enough to allow water outings on week nights, and the weekends are often taken up with regatta racing.  Evening outings in the summer are normally organized by crews in preparation for specific events.

Throughout the year, land training opportunities are available at the club four evenings a week.  In the winter, land training is more structured.  Club nights intended for all athletes are on Tuesdays and Thursdays.  These usually include circuit training and an ergo training night.  These sessions are planned and/or led by a coach.  Additional training on Mondays and Wednesdays is usually aimed at more experienced athletes.  In the summer, land training becomes less formal and athletes are expected to organize their own training to fit in with water outings and regattas.

Racing Plans

The Masters plan to compete in a number of key Head Races, over the winter, including those on the tideway championship course (between Putney and Mortlake). As to the summer the Masters will be represented at most Regattas where the Club go, as well as targeting the Masters only Regattas at Henley, Nottingham (the Nationals) and also the highlight of the year - the FISA Masters!