X-Press Boat Club is a successful Cambridge based rowing club for adults, with membership open to all. We offer recreational rowing and competitive racing for all abilities, from complete beginners to National Masters Champions.
We train on a stunning stretch of the River Cam, where you'll often spot us on the water with our distinctive black blades marked with the club ‘X’. At X-Press, we offer a wide range of activities, providing something for everyone:
A wide range of crew outings and flexible training times.
A full fleet of quality boats.
High quality coaching including a beginner learn-to-row program.
Opportunities to become involved in running the club and encouragement to those that want to put crews together.
A full racing schedule, on and off the Cam, including opportunities for international regattas.
Have you ever wanted to try out rowing but didn’t know where to start? Our Learn-to-Row program is designed for complete beginners. Over the course of a few months, you’ll learn rowing techniques, water safety, and the basics of teamwork on the water. No prior experience is necessary—just bring your enthusiasm to learn and enjoy rowing in Cambridge!
Courses run on a rolling basis throughout the year - read more here →
Are you a sweep rower who has never had the chance to learn sculling in singles, doubles or quads? We run a summer sculling school, and offer tuition on a limited basis to small groups throughout the year. This is popular with students who normally only get to row in eights with their college boat clubs.
We have a full fleet of sculling boats (four 1x, four 2x, and two 4x) which covers all rower weight categories.
Contact membership@xpressbc.org.uk for details on private sculling tuition.
We warmly welcome coxes of all experience levels. Whether you're new to coxing or have prior experience, there’s always a place for you with our crews.
Joining as a cox offers a unique chance to develop leadership skills, work closely with rowers of all levels, and enjoy the excitement of rowing from a different perspective.
Membership is free for coxes!
Contact membership@xpressbc.org.uk for details on coxing.
Team spirit plays an important part of our club; many of us enjoy the “crew” aspect of rowing, and the opportunities that this gives for socialising, whilst at the same time making sport a regular part of our lives. It is the memorable experiences we get to share that bond us together as a team, with valuable life-long friendships created along the way.
We offer a range of programs to match your skills and rowing goals:
Competitive team: Train with like-minded rowers and compete in regional and national regattas.
Masters age group rowing.
Recreational rowing: Enjoy the sport at a relaxed pace with our recreational rowing program. It’s perfect for those who want to row for fitness or social enjoyment without the pressure of competition.
Novice level and beginners.
Read more about our crews to find the right fit for your skill level and interests →
We offer tailored corporate membership options, perfect for companies looking to foster team spirit, promote wellness, and engage employees in a unique and rewarding activity. Through corporate membership, companies can establish their own crew, giving employees the opportunity to train together regularly and represent their organisation in local races, including the CRA Town Bumps.
We also run single day events for companies - these sessions are designed to be fun, engaging, and accessible to all fitness levels, with team-building exercises.
Contact membership@xpressbc.org.uk for details on corporate membership options.
We participate in various events and races on the River Cam and beyond. Our Competitive and Masters Crews regularly compete in local and national regattas, and our club also organizes social outings and training camps . Some of our rowers participate in overseas events, giving them a chance to experience rowing in new locations. See the full calendar of races and social events here →
Maybe you no longer row but miss the social side of the sport? If you would like to be involved with the club on a social basis, please keep in touch. There are opportunities to not only enjoy social events, but also to help with organising.
Away from the river we have various meet ups: most frequently this is a ‘second breakfast’ in a local café after early morning outings, or re-hydrating pub trips after evening outings. The July bumps party, Christmas party, and the January ‘Bailey burn’ are the major events on our social calendar that everyone looks forward to.
At X-Press Boat Club, we aim to make rowing accessible and enjoyable for all, fostering a community of rowers from various backgrounds and skill levels. Whether you're new to rowing through our Learn to Row in Cambridge program, an experienced competitor, or someone returning to the sport, X-Press offers a welcoming space where you can grow, connect, and take part in Cambridge’s long-standing rowing traditions.