In August this year, Seth Garewal, attended a rowing course at Eton Dorney Lake, in Windsor. It was an unforgettable experience and privilege for Seth to row and train at the very 2012 Olympic Rowing venue. Eton college rowers are lucky to call this their home training venue. Facilities are stratospheric!
Very hard work ensued to get the most out of the grueling training 9 am- 5 pm during a very hot English Summer. The course ran from Monday to Friday. After rowing, it was time for schoolwork. Seth learned a lot, in particular, to sweep row and some “weard” British rowing terms. He showed his grit to the English attendees from across the UK, in the Ergo trials. On the water, he stood out with technique and was often the only one wearing a tri suit. Off the water, he definitely stood out, being the only one wearing Crocs with SA flag socks and playing football “footie” barefoot. With very little time for sightseeing, a quick visit to the Leander Club in Henley- on- Thames was a must. This is the venue of the Henley regatta and is considered the most prestigious rowing club in the world. Founded in 1818, Leander Club is a private Members’ club that boasts an unsurpassed record in rowing achievements. It is home to heroes such as Sir Steve Redgrave CBE, Sir Matthew Pinsent CBE, triple gold medallist Peter Reed OBE and double gold medallists James Cracknell OBE, Steve Williams OBE, and Alex Gregory MBE, Victoria Thornley, and the champions of tomorrow.
An opportunity lent itself and it was taken- it is not necessary to attend a course in the UK, but the excellent inspiration was taken, curiosity and passion fueled.