UQ Boat Club

There is nothing more peaceful than the sound of the soft dip of a eight oars slicing through a still river, with the stars fading and the sky lightening. You feel that your crew are the only people on the river, until you notice the flashing beacons of other boats in the distance. As the mist settles, and the sun breaks through the horizon, the river comes to life with rowers, canoes, jet boats and City Cats.
The UQ Boat Club caters to all levels of rowers, from beginners right through to the advanced; some of whom are in training for the London Olympics. And it welcomes members from outside of the university as well. The Learn to Row programme encourages university students and adults who aspire to become budding rowers (I did a course with people aged from 18 through to 55). The coaches are surprisingly patient and very friendly — I can guarantee they’ll become your friends almost instantly. Though they do push you hard if they know you have it in you. They are always on the scout for newbies who show signs of potential, so if you think you could become the next Oarsome Foursome, then get into it!
Training sessions generally commence before the crack of dawn (5am) and last roughly 2 hours. It’s up to you how much effort you put in, and if you want to just row for fun, there are numerous social squads that head out for a paddle later on in the mornings.