About Rowing at Exeter
The University of Exeter Rowing Club trains on the River Exe from the boathouse at Trews Weir and competes in BUCS Rowing alongside British Rowing affiliated regattas throughout the academic year. The Exe is widely regarded as one of the best university rowing training rivers in England — tidal conditions, extended flat stretches of the estuary, and good boat traffic management give Exeter rowers a quality of water that most inland university clubs cannot offer. The novice programme is one of the most comprehensive at any South West university club: Learn to Row courses run at the start of each academic year, and many of Exeter's competitive rowers started with no experience.
Club History
Exeter Rowing Club has competed in British Rowing affiliated events for decades. The club's competitive profile grew as Exeter invested in sport through the 2010s and the rowing infrastructure improved. The Trews Weir boathouse provides good boat storage and changing facilities, and the Exe Estuary extends the training radius available compared to river-only programmes. Several EURC alumni have continued rowing at club and regional level after graduating, and the sport has a strong alumni community.
Joining the Rowing Club
Learn to Row courses run in September at the start of the academic year. No prior experience needed — the structured novice programme progresses from oar handling through to full boat rowing over 4–6 weeks. Experienced rowers contact the performance squad directly for immediate assessment. Coxes are specifically recruited — if you're lightweight, technically minded, and enjoy leadership, coxing is an excellent and often undersubscribed route into competitive rowing.
Training
Squad training runs 5–6 days per week for the performance squad (morning outings on the Exe, ergo sessions, weights). The novice programme trains 3 times per week. BUCS competition periods (BUCS Regatta, BUCS Head) require additional race preparation. The Exe Estuary outing on Saturday mornings — sometimes extending to the open estuary — is one of the programme's unique features.
BUCS Competition
BUCS Rowing at BUCS Regatta (summer) and BUCS Head (winter/spring). Exeter also enters the Head of the River Race (London), major South West regattas, and British Rowing Summer Fixtures throughout the year. The club's tidal training water gives crews experience of varied conditions — an advantage in BUCS racing where competitors from inland clubs may struggle in headwind or crosswind conditions.
Teams
Highlights & Alumni
Qualified crews for BUCS Regatta and BUCS Head. Participation in the Head of the River Race (London). The Exe Estuary provides training water quality rivalling any university rowing programme in England outside Oxbridge.
Tips for Prospective Members
- Apply for the Learn to Row programme in September — the novice pathway is one of the most structured at any South West university club
- Consider coxing — it's often undersubscribed and provides an immediate route into competitive squad rowing without needing to be tall or powerful
- A bike is essential for getting to the Trews Weir boathouse from most student areas
- Heavitree and Topsham Road give the best cycling access to the river — St Thomas is closest if you'd rather walk
- The Saturday morning estuary outings are one of the most distinctive training experiences available to Exeter rowers — don't miss them
Student Accommodation for Rowing Players
Rowers need easy access to the Trews Weir boathouse — typically by bike. Heavitree, Topsham Road, and Mount Pleasant are practical areas with cycling routes to the river. St Thomas is closest to the boathouse and popular with some squad members. Pennsylvania Road works for rowers who cycle and prioritise campus proximity for gym access alongside river outings.
View Properties Near the University →Popular Areas for Rowing Players
Most University of Exeter rowing players live in one of these student areas — all within easy reach of Streatham Campus and Sports Park:
Related Sports at Exeter University
If you play rowing you may also be interested in these Exeter University clubs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does Exeter University Rowing Club train?
On the River Exe from the Trews Weir boathouse, using the river and the Exe Estuary for extended training outings. The tidal conditions and estuary access give Exeter rowers exceptional water variety.
Can I learn to row at Exeter University with no experience?
Yes — the Learn to Row novice programme is one of the most comprehensive at any South West university. Courses run at the start of each year and take students from oar handling to full boat rowing over 4–6 weeks.
Is the River Exe good for university rowing training?
The Exe is widely regarded as one of the best university rowing rivers in England — tidal conditions, extended estuary stretches, and good water management give Exeter crews training conditions most UK university clubs cannot replicate.
What BUCS rowing events does Exeter enter?
BUCS Regatta (summer) and BUCS Head (winter/spring), alongside British Rowing Summer Fixtures, the Head of the River Race in London, and major South West regattas.
What accommodation is best for Exeter University rowers?
Heavitree, Topsham Road, and Mount Pleasant for cycling access to the Trews Weir boathouse. St Thomas is closest to the boathouse on foot.
What is coxing and how do I get involved at Exeter?
Coxes steer and direct the crew — they don't row. It's an excellent route into competitive squad rowing for those who are technically minded and enjoy leadership. Coxes are specifically recruited and often undersubscribed at Exeter.