KAS boats battle it out in 21-mile rowing race
24th September 24
Two of The King Alfred School’s boats took to the Thames on Saturday (21st September) as KAS students took part in the 36th annual Great River Race.
The two crews, each made up of five students and one KAS staff member, rowed the 21.6-mile route alongside 268 other boats from all over the world.
The charitable event attracts a mix of both experienced rowers and novices hailing from organisations including schools, rowing clubs, youth groups and the armed services.
Running from Millwall in the East to Richmond in the West, the crews were treated to amazing views of some of London’s most iconic sights, including Canary Wharf, Tower Bridge, the Shard and the Houses of Parliament.
“It’s a unique view of the city, and one that very few people get to see,” says DT and Forest School teacher Chris Raymond, who coxed one of the boats. “It’s a genuinely special experience.”
The School’s three boats were originally built by staff and students, with help from boat designer Nigel Irens, and are named after King Alfred’s three daughters, Æthelflæd, Æthelgifu, and Ælfthryth.
It was the second year of taking part in the race for Year 13 student Luke, who was pleased to be handed a hard-earned trophy – humorously topped with a rubber duck – after his crew finished ahead of their KAS counterparts.
In addition to the light-hearted rivalry, Luke particularly enjoyed the sense of KAS spirit. “It’s cool to talk to people you don’t usually see, especially those in the lower years.”
The event has also inspired him to take up rowing when he goes to university next September. “It’s a great way to get up and out,” he says. “Even if you’re not a ‘proper’ rower, you can still get into a boat, have a good time and achieve something.”
For teacher Chris, the outing was a real-world opportunity to underscore a key KAS principle. “We teach students about resilience in the classroom, but events such as this put that teaching into action. When you’re out on the river, the only option is to keep going.
“It’s hard work but ultimately very rewarding. The students get an enormous sense of achievement at the end, and it was great to see how much they enjoyed themselves.”
Congratulations to all who took part for battling through blisters and the warm September sunshine to finish the race! Take a look through the gallery below to see the KAS boats and crews in action on the Thames.
