About Us
We have been producing top-flight rowers since 1867
Who are we?
Established in 1867, Glasgow University Boat Club is one of the oldest and most successful clubs in the university – we are also one of the largest! Following a historic union with the Ladies Boat Club in 2004, today’s GUBC was born.
As the only club at the university to be privileged to receive full-time professional coaching staff, the club provides rowers and coxswains with a friendly, competitive, and driven environment to train and compete in. Each year, we welcome new members who have never rowed before and also members with vast experience in rowing.
Training
We currently row out of Castle Semple Rowing Club in Lochwinnoch. In the University Stevenson Building we have access to a land training space, housing our rowing ergometers and free weights. We also have access to Olympic standard indoor and outdoor facilities at nearby Strathclyde Park.
Training on the loch primarily takes place at weekends between 08:00 and 16:00, exact time dependent on group (usually starting around midday for beginners).
Towards summer, training on the water increases. During the week, sessions include strength and conditioning, ergometer and cross training sessions – times, duration and frequency will vary from crew to crew. Our programs are lead by our full-time coaching staff as well as our volunteer coaches. We are fortunate to also receive coaching from the university's strength and conditioning coaches.
Competing
Regularly travelling throughout Britain to compete, the racing highlights of the year include the Head of the River Races in London, BUCS events, Henley Women's Regatta and Henley Royal Regatta, as well as competing more locally and across Scotland
The annual Scottish Boat Race against Edinburgh, a tradition started in 1867, is also a big part of our racing calendar and has been won by the University of Glasgow on a number of occasions, including a record 13 times in a row by GUBC's Men's 1st VIII.
Results
In the 25/26 season we had 6 members of our squad represent Scotland at the Home International Regatta, taking home 2 medals. A member of Senior Women's squad won in the aspirational single scull at Henley Women's Regatta, whilst our eight made it through to the second round of side by side racing. Four of our Senior Men's squad raced at Henley Royal Regatta, with two qualifying in a composite boat for the Prince of Wales Challenge Cup.
In the Winter Head Season we placed highly at BUCS Head, with a bronze medal in the Women's Intermediate 8+, and 4th in the Women's Intermediate 4+. Additionally, our squad saw promising results from the Tideway Heads, with a top 50 result at HORR.
Across Regatta Season, our squad saw A and B finals at BUCS Regatta. This success continued up North with our team racking up medals at the annual Scottish Championships.
Joining
Taking on complete beginners is an integral part of the club's philosophy; over half the current senior oarsmen and women never rowed before coming to university. We are also keen to hear from talented Rowers who are joining GU from a junior rowing background. The Boat Club comprises a very friendly and sociable bunch of highly committed and hardworking friends. We would love to see you at our taster day or reach out via email or Instagram (@glasgowunirowing)