Core Cambridge at Rowing Ireland Training Camp
The Irish national Rowing squad (‘Rowing Ireland’) held a training camp at the National Rowing Centre in Cork this weekend. The camp’s purpose was to see how the athletes had progressed on their weights programmes over the past few months, to observe their technique and to carry out some strength testing….
The camp was the first time we’d seen the U23/senior squads all together in one place at the same time, so it was a great opportunity to develop technique and coach through the squad. Over the last 6-8 months, the athletes have been working on their lifting technique and strength, so the idea was wanted to check form, look at progress and do some strength testing.
The camp was held at the National Rowing Centre in Cork, with the specialist focus of lifting and strength testing. It was also the first opportunity to get a look at the athletes after their performances at the 2010 Rowing world cup series at lake bled, Slovenia.
You’ll see the facilities aren’t exactly luxury at the moment (the lifting is taking place in a cleared out rowing bay :), but that’s because the centre is in the process of being remodelled. Once the works are completed, there’ll be brand new athlete’s quarters, an erg room and a lifting room.
“The technical ability of the athletes has dramatically improved, which’ll serve as a platform for future strength development to carry over into the boat,” said Ed Hallam (our Director of Performance), “We got through some great lifts – and then had a bench press competition at the end for some fun.” “Overall, the guys have developed really well and made some great progress.”
When asked if this means there was likely to be any emerging cross-over from the athletes into powerlifting, Ed’s reply was “I would expect at least as many athletes that cross-over from powerlifting into an elite-level 2K erg sprint.” :)
I’ll put up some more photos of the lifts when we get the videos back and annotated, and of the new facility when it’s complete. The next camp is in September.
