Rowing is one of the oldest sports in Britain; its roots go back to the eighteenth century, originating as a means of transportation and warfare, before becoming the sport as we know it in 1829. That was the year of the first Oxford-Cambridge boat race, and York began its own legacy soon after. The city’s first regatta was held in 1843, then in 1865 the first “official regatta for Racing and Swimming” was held on a course from Marygate Landing to a boat moored below Ouse bridge, which was rounded by the rowers and swimmers who then raced back to the finish.
Over 150 years later, rowing maintains a strong presence in York today; the York City Rowing Club thrives with around 300 members, whilst York St John University Boat Club is the longest standing club of the university, founded in 1852 and revived to still be competing in 2025. Jessica Harris is the Head Coach at York St John University Boat Club and the Lead Rowing Coach at St Peter’s School, and she spoke with us about the joys of rowing.
From Amateur to Coach
I began my rowing journey in 2008 when a group of my friends joined Durham Amateur Rowing Club. I wasn’t particularly good to begin with, and I almost quit after 3 years of not winning a single race. At Tees Regatta as a J16 this all changed, and with my crew mates began an unbeaten 2-year streak. I went on to row at Newcastle University, and after a few injuries fell into coaching at Tyne Amateur Rowing Club. I then coached in partnership with British Rowing and Eton College to support the Slough Schools Programme, opening up the world of rowing to hundreds of young people; that’s where my passion for grassroot sport and using rowing as a facilitator for developing behaviours began. On moving to York, I embedded myself in the Yorkshire rowing community, supporting female athletes and coaches whilst reviving York St John University Boat Club with the support of my colleagues at St Peter’s School.
Rowing in York
The City of York has the River Ouse flowing through its heart and is one of the first sights after alighting the train, if not before. The city boat house is iconic on the river, always boasting its fleet bursting out of the doors onto the towpath for the locals to enjoy. Hundreds of people row in York, from York City Rowing Club, St Peter’s School, York St John University, University of York and even Guy Fawkes Boat Club, an alumni and supporters club attached to St Peter’s School. Jorvik BC is another emerging club allowing University of York alumni to continue to represent the university on the river.
Community on the Ouse
The community the rowing scene has created is a joy to be a part of – and it can get busy on The Ouse! Saturday mornings see the local club open its doors, when workers have their chance to feel their boats gliding along the river. And Wednesday afternoons can be somewhat chaotic, with beginners learning to float in singles, many racing eights up and down the river from both the school and universities, whilst avoiding the pleasure boats, open water swimmers and fishing fanatics; it’s an amazing time to soak up the atmosphere. From waving to each other on the river to offering support, there really is no bond like it, knowing the efforts each rower goes through to be the best they can.
The Joy of Rowing
I am biased, but rowing is one of the best sports anyone can be involved with. The camaraderie, and the resilience you must find, learning about yourself whilst training to become the fastest version of yourself; or perhaps just enjoying the feel of the boat cutting the water. My serious training days are over, but nothing will beat that feeling of working as a team, finding synchronicity and a shared goal of moving the hull efficiently whilst silently absorbing the morning rays.
Images – @luceatthelens
