Date: 22nd January 2018
The Cambridge Rowing Tank opened to all on Monday 15 January 2018. The tank has been built by Downing College and is situated in the boat house at Downing College Boat Club on the banks of the River Cam. The tank is the first in East Anglia and one of only a handful in the UK. The project has taken two years from initial concept to opening and the cost has been met entirely by philanthropic giving. The tank can accommodate 8 athletes rowing one behind the other, as in a rowing eight. It can be used either for rowing or sculling. The facility comprises two 50’ pools, each holding around 10 tonnes of water. Eight video cameras and two 65” high definition TV screens allow the athletes to watch themselves while they row.
Downing College Director of Rowing, Ian Watson, said ‘The tank will be truly transformational for rowing in Cambridge. It will go a long way to making rowers technically more proficient and consequently faster. Developing rowing technique in a controlled, safe, environment is a brilliant opportunity for beginners and experienced rowers alike!’ Cambridge Rowing Tank Officer and current Post Graduate student, Charlie Slater said ‘The tank will provide rowers in schools and clubs across the region with an opportunity to develop their technique faster and more efficiently. Better still, it will encourage even wider participation in the great sport.’
More information about the tank can be found Cambridge Rowing Tank web-site and you can view a facinating time-lapse video of the construction of the tank at this link. The tank is open to all rowing clubs and schools in Cambridge and beyond and would be perfect for corporate teambuilding. For more information, please contact the Conference Team.
Photo Credit - Tim Rawle
