Thank you to Mel Newman for capturing this special day.
On 17 June 2026, Goring Gap Boat Club was delighted to welcome participants from Sport in Mind for a memorable Waterside Festival, bringing people together to enjoy the wellbeing benefits of spending time on and beside the River Thames.
Supported by dedicated Sport in Mind staff and GGBC volunteers, participants had the opportunity to try a range of water-based activities, including rowing and paddleboarding, while enjoying the relaxed and welcoming atmosphere of the club. The afternoon also featured badminton, archery, and plenty of time to unwind with riverside picnics in the sunshine.
Our volunteers were pleased to keep everyone refreshed with tea, coffee, and homemade cake, helping to create a friendly space where people could connect, build confidence, and simply enjoy being outdoors.
It was a privilege to support such an inspiring event and to see first-hand how sport, nature, and community can have a positive impact on mental wellbeing.
To find out more about Sport in Mind, the Reading-based mental health charity using sport and physical activity to transform lives, visit www.sportinmind.org.
Sport in Mind will be at Goring Gap Boat Club after a successful day in 2025, we can think of no better place to be than paddling out on the water.🛶 🚣♂️
The annual Waterside Festival will once again be taking place on Wednesday 17th June 2026 between 11.30am-3pm at Goring Gap Boat Club.
This is a fantastic opportunity to try a variety of on water based activities including rowing, canoeing, paddleboarding- more info on how to sign up go to https://www.sportinmind.org/
Thank you to everyone who has joined our 2026 Learn2Row courses, all our courses are now full but please email us at L2R@goringgapbc.org.uk and we will put your name on the waiting list for the 2027 courses. Let’s get you on the water!
On Sunday 12th April, Goring Gap Boat Club hosted six other clubs from across the Thames Valley for a fun and welcoming day of rowing on the River Thames. This is very much a community focused event, with an emphasis on participation, enjoyment, and trying something challenging in a friendly club environment.
Seventy competitors took part in the Goring Gap Lap, a timed race that tests both fitness and rowing skills, with a series of technical challenges placed along the 3.25 kilometre course. Crews worked together to steer clean lines through each section while keeping a steady rhythm and maintaining speed. The format rewarded teamwork, communication, and determination, making it an exciting experience for rowers of all abilities.
Throughout the day, the river saw a steady flow of boats moving through the course, with crews cheering each other on between starts and finishes. The atmosphere stayed relaxed and supportive, reflecting the inclusive spirit of the event. For many participants, the Goring Gap Lap offered a chance to build confidence on the water, try something new, and enjoy friendly competition with other clubs in the region.
After finishing their rows, exhausted competitors returned to the clubhouse to refuel and recharge. They quickly made their way to a well earned spread of butties and homemade cakes, sharing stories from the course and celebrating their efforts together. The social side of the event proved just as important as the racing, helping to strengthen connections between visiting clubs and Goring Gap members.
Some of those taking part had only started rowing in 2025, highlighting how quickly newcomers can become involved in club life and events. With the first of this year’s Learn2Row courses starting at Goring Gap next weekend, the club expects even more new rowers to join, helping to grow participation in future events and strengthen the wider rowing community.
Visiting crews shared their appreciation for the day:
“Fantastic event at Goring today. Huge kudos to everyone at Goring Gap who made it happen, also to everyone who took part. A fantastic start to our 2026 season.”
“Thanks so much for organising this, Goring Gang!!” Danny from Molesley
“On behalf of the Phyllis Court Crews, I would also like to thank all those involved for making it such an enjoyable event! Including all the scrummy cakes!! Really appreciate the time and effort you all put into this!”
“Big thank you to all at Goring. Such a friendly and well organised event. Lots of fun!” Weyfarers
Goring Gap Boat Club would like to thank the team of volunteers whose hard work made the event run smoothly from start to finish. Their support on and off the water ensured everything ran safely and on time, and created a welcoming experience for all visitors. Special thanks also go to our Captain of Rowing, Richard Berkley, for his leadership and organisation, which helped make the day such a success.
Anyone interested in getting involved with Goring Gap Boat Club can join one of the Learn2Row courses held throughout the year. Full details are available on the club website.
