History of SEIRC

The South of England Indoor Rowing Championships (SEIRC) started out in 2004 as the Oxford Schools Indoor Rowing Competition, with the aim of encouraging junior athletes to compete at a time of year when there is often disruption to river based events because of high water levels. We wanted to make it as easy as possible for new rowers to compete in a safe environment and have an enjoyable experience. Under the guidance of John Broadhurst and Tom Collins (founders of the Headington School Oxford Boat Club and Hinksey Sculling School) the event rapidly grew.

Due to the popularity of the event, and requests from schools and clubs outside the Oxford area to join in, the event changed to SEIRC. Clubs, schools, teams and individuals are all welcome to compete.

The event outgrew The Park Sports Centre and in 2011 moved to Oxford Brookes University.  Due to another large growth, in 2016 moved to the White Horse Leisure Centre in Abingdon which provides more competition space but also more milling around space for athletes and spectators. There is plenty of parking for cars and coaches.

2016 was also the last event led by Andrew Myatt, who has done an amazing job as Chairman of SEIRC over the past ten years and overseen a huge growth in the event - 2016 was our biggest and most successful year to date and a great way to end his time in charge. Thank you Andrew from all of us!

SEIRC is run by volunteers from Hinksey Sculling School, which was set up to encourage participation in rowing for all juniors, and especially those who go to non-rowing schools. Hinksey links into local schools, both state and private, to give a fun environment to learn to row – from beginners through to national competition.

We would love you to join us on Sunday 22nd January 2017.

Edward Myatt
Chairman of SEIRC