Boathouse

The Oxford Brookes University Boat Club has a boathouse at Cholsey, near Wallingford, and a land-based indoor rowing facility at Brookes Sport, Headington.
Brookes Rowing boathouses

The boathouse, built in 2013, features land-based training areas, extra boat storage and large changing rooms for the growing elite crews. It sits on a 10km stretch of the River Thames and is classed as one of the best non-tidal stretches of water in the country. 

From head race-style distances to a 2km markered course, the length, width and quality of water has been a key factor in Brookes’ success over the years – allowing both the men’s and women’s squads to train together, in an enjoyable yet highly-competitive environment. When combining this style of training with our steadily-growing world class fleet of boats, winning has become second nature.

Brookes has one of the finest rowing hull fleets in the world, consisting of Olympic-standard racing shells for every boat type – men and women, heavyweight and lightweight, sweep or sculling.

Constant maintenance and upgrading allows each athlete at Brookes Rowing a seat in an elite racing machine. The shells are kept in immaculate condition and kitted out with top-of-the-range equipment and peripherals, allowing the potential of an athlete’s performance to be maximised.

The fleet is constantly added to and improved each year, further increasing the number of athletes we can cater for season to season.

Brookes rowers preparing the boats
Brookes rowers using the ergs

The gym is at the heart of the Brookes Rowing machine, where top-end physiology and mental strength are forged in this fiercely competitive atmosphere. 

The land program is structured perfectly to fit in around the university’s academic lifestyle so as not to clash with any course’s lecture timetable. 

As well as over 40 ergos and 30 static bikes to pick from, there is also a fully-kitted strength and conditioning facility in the room next door.

Three Brookes Rowers celebrating after race

5 July 2023

7/7 at Henley Regatta 2023

Brookes Rowing secured the biggest ever trophy haul of any rowing club in a single Henley Royal Regatta at the 2023 rowing competition.

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