Category: News

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.

Learn to Row 2026

On Tuesday 12 and 13 August, members of Goring Gap Boat Club enjoyed an unforgettable two-day rowing adventure along the River Thames. Setting off from St Edward’s School, Lower Wolvercote, just north of Oxford, we took to the water in three coxed Charles Stanley quad rowing boats, ready for the challenge ahead.

The route took in a beautiful and varied stretch of the Thames, with members enjoying both the challenge of steady rowing and the pleasure of the surrounding scenery. Passing through locks, bends, and historic riverside villages, the crews worked together with great spirit and teamwork, making the journey both rewarding and enjoyable.

The trip was brought to a triumphant close as the boats returned to Goring Gap, marking the end of a memorable shared achievement for the club.

This trip would not have been possible without the tireless effort and organisation of Sarah and Sean Crane, whose leadership ensured everything ran smoothly. We also owe huge thanks to our invaluable support team: Matthew Crowder, Andrew Hyde, Jonathan Pelly-Fry and of course, Richard Berkley, who kept us safe and supported throughout.

Here’s to many more river journeys ahead!

On Saturday 9 August 2025, more than 50 enthusiastic rowers from Goring Gap Boat Club traded in their oars for brooms, power hoovers, and the occasional cloth in a mission to give the boatshed a sparkling makeover. Armed with their “cleaning weapon of choice,” crews attacked stubborn stains with the same grit they’d use in a head race. Buckets sloshed, brushes swept, and someone may have attempted a power-wash sprint. By the end, the boatshed gleamed like a freshly polished hull, ready to welcome rowers to the boat club. This wasn’t just about cleaning—it was about team spirit, community pride, and proving that when rowers pull together, even the dust bunnies don’t stand a chance. With the shed shipshape and shining, the club is now set for another season of rowing, racing, and making waves—both on and off the water. Thank you to Richard for organising the event.

Another memorable day by the water at Goring Gap Boat Club. This year’s Waterside Festival for Sport in Mind was GGBC’s most engaging yet, with 45 attendees in total — including around 30 Sport in Mind participants — coming together to enjoy the calm, connection, and joy that time on the water can bring. It was truly inspiring to see 35 people take to the rowing boats and 27 try paddleboarding, many for the very first time. The sense of community, support, and shared experience was tangible throughout the day. A heartfelt thank you to the GGBC volunteers and The SUP Life team for their time, energy, and warm welcome. Moments like these remind us of the power of sport to bring people together, uplift spirits, and create lasting memories.

Sport in Mind is the UK’s leading mental health sports charity, using the power of physical activity to transform lives. Dedicated to improving the lives of people experiencing mental health challenges, the organisation delivers free, inclusive, and supportive sport and physical activity sessions in communities across the country. Whether it’s yoga in the park, football on a local pitch, or paddleboarding on calm waters, every session is designed to boost mental wellbeing, build confidence, and combat isolation. At its heart, Sport in Mind believes in the power of movement — not just to improve fitness, but to restore hope, spark joy, and create lasting connections.

Thank you to Melvyn Newman for his beautiful photography!

A great start to the Regatta

The first day of Henley Royal Regatta on Tuesday 1 July 2025, unfolded in a blaze of sunshine, spectacle, and style—and Goring Gap Boat Club’s spectators were right at the heart of it. Sporting their distinctive cream blazers with blue and terracotta trim, they brought a refined flair to the riverbank. Among the champagne flutes and the flutter of straw hats, GGBC stood out—not just for their enthusiasm, but for their elegance. From the Stewards’ Enclosure to the towpath, the club’s colours were worn with pride, perfectly capturing the spirit of Henley: timeless tradition, spirited support, and impeccable style. Well done!