Getting more women into boats

This was held in Bled, Slovenia last week in the lead up to the Bled International Regatta and the first World Rowing Cup.

A joint-effort by the World Rowing Federation, FISA, the International Olympic Committee, IOC, and in conjunction with the Rowing Federation of Slovenia, the camp was attended by 14 young women rowers from seven European nations, chosen for having a small percentage of women on the national team. The camp targeted rowers from European countries that struggle to meet the average women’s rowing participation in Europe of 37 per cent.  

The training camp was the first step in FISA’s long-term strategy to develop women’s rowing worldwide and it utilised some of the world’s best coaches including FISA Development Director Thor Nilsen, Italian coach Giuseppe de Capua, Slovenian coach Jan Ilar and Slovenian Olympic Champion and coach Iztok Cop.

The camp was a great opportunity for the athletes to not only improve their technical stroke, but also to learn from one another. As well as on-the-water training and erg testing, the athletes listened to lectures on rowing, training and nutrition.

Kristine Putnina from Latvia took part in the camp and commented that in her country rowing is considered a sport for men.

“I don’t know why but maybe because of the history (of the sport) as men did it first. So we just need to tell everyone and advertise that it’s not only a sport for men,” said Putnina who believes it is a good sport for women. “First of all because it makes women beautiful and everyone wants to be beautiful, right? It can also make you stronger, not only physically but mentally as well.”

Many of the rowers who participated in the camp said that in training in their home country, they are one of just a small group of rowers or they train alone at their local club. The camp thus gave them the opportunity to meet other athletes facing the same challenges, but also the same successes.

“I talked to other coaches and other girls so I learned how they practice and also how they manage, how they get the stress out, how they prepare for a race, how they motivate themselves on a daily basis, because sometimes it is hard,” said Bulgarian rower Kristina Boncheva.

Ultimately the goal is to increase the number of women participating in international regattas and at the World Rowing Cups.

 “This training camp dedicated for women is part of our project to develop women’s rowing. It was a fantastic experience both for the girls and their coaches. This is a good step for the future,” said FISA President Jean-Christophe Rolland.