The first records of a University of London Boat Club date back to the 19th century, but it wasn’t until after WW2 that ULBC really took shape. Following the wars, with a new formal home in Chiswick, and under the care of coaches such as Freddie Page, Andrew McEldowney and Alan Watson, ULBC rocketed to domestic and international success, which cemented the foundations of the high-performance club we are today. UL women’s boat club picked up in the 50s (with similar international success), and ULWBC and ULBC merged in the 2000s to form the one ULBC.

With 45 Henley wins and hundreds of World Championship, Olympic and Paralympic medals to date, the club is one of the UK’s leading student rowing clubs. Each year we target Henley Royal Regatta wins in the student and open events, BUCS medals, HoRR/WEHoRR pennants and international selection for the GB U23 and senior teams. The club is open to those who study at any of the 17 University of London member institutions, and comprises a squad of 40-50 student-athletes each year, supported by three full-time coaches, S&C and Physio support, and numerous volunteer coaches. We are still based at the (since expanded) Chiswick boathouse on the upriver section of the tidal Thames in London, with gym facilities on site.