Club Squad in Coimbra
19 Furnivall members, including coaches Alan Murphy and Craig Leaper, travelled to Coimbra, Portugal, in September for a three-day sculling camp. The camp was a great success, with everyone returning home having made significant progress on the water and carrying many happy memories of a fantastic time away.
Coimbra was the perfect setting for a sculling camp. The weather was glorious throughout, allowing us to make the most of our time on the water (and for some, occasionally in the water!) The conditions were excellent, with long stretches of smooth water that gave us the opportunity to focus on technique. While the occasional breeze reminded us that no venue is perfect, the water was mainly kind to us and ideal for developing our sculling skills.
Under the expert guidance of Alan and Craig, members of all sculling levels saw their confidence and ability improve. By the end of the camp, everyone was rowing more efficiently, more confidently and with a much better understanding of how to move a boat. It was clear that everyone's skills had come on in leaps and bounds.
Of course, the camp was about much more than the boats. Coimbra is one of Portugal's most beautiful cities, and there was plenty of opportunity to wander through the historic streets, and taking in the panoramic views over Coimbra from the university perched on the top of the hill.
We were also fortunate to enjoy some delicious Portuguese food and drink, from fresh seafood and local specialities to the inevitable strong coffees and pastéis de nata. The combination of hard work on the water and relaxed social time made for an excellent balance throughout the long weekend.
Everyone contributed to making the camp an enjoyable experience, both on and off the water, but an especially huge thank you goes to Alan and Craig for their patience, enthusiasm and coaching expertise, and to Sandrine for her unflappable organisational skills. We returned home tired but inspired, and looking forward to returning next year.
