Over the last week I was lucky enough to go on school lead trip to Sous-ton rowing camp. The centre Is located in the south of France near Bordeaux, and is based around a large lake double almost double the size of Dorney lake. Equipped with a 2k course with 6 lanes and large areas of water to practice technique for all watersports apart from rowing including the likes of windsurfing and kayaking, the centre and lake is not selectively based around rowing despite the sport being its aquatic focus; for not only is the lake with an enormous 17km circumference but a rugby pitch and woodland park area situated near itself and the main town of sous-ton itself.

 

This rowing camp was the first camp of this year for us j15’s and the first with other years apart from ourselves, with years ranging from us to the oldest being j18’s. As of this we were faced with a high standard and intensity of rowing previously not heard of on the water for us, but we were all to happy to take it. As of the centre being in the south of south France it was much hotter than we were accustomed to, coming from England, and thus sessions were often limited to two in the morning and one in the late after-noon, these sessions were regularly competitive with the 2nd and 3rd mornings being taken up by consequential seat-racing in coxed fours. Thus, leading to a calm technical paddle in the afternoon, however, the rowing was not the highlight for some, but the town and the brilliant food provided at the centre, of which had a variety of options to choose from, with a plant-based option alongside the main meaty one. Foods were never the same and were maintained at a high quality that were always enjoyed by us rowers, known for eating anything given to us anyway. However, what was also new was the always freshly stocked lidl only a five minute walk away from the centre.

 

Finally, the smoothness of the water on the lake made rowing (a simple sport) much easier. We all loved the camp and look forward to coming back next year!