Warwick Rowing Club to take on German challenge

Warwick Rowing Club has joined forces with a river team from Düsseldorf to cover the huge distance over two weekends.

All to build lasting links and raise money for Medicines Sans Frontiers - one of the charities working to help Syrian refugees in Europe.

On September 20, a crew from the German rowing club came to Warwick to join members and complete the gruelling 50km marathon race from Lincoln to Boston.

After a successful weekend on the water, the Düsseldorf team will repay the hosting favour and complete the challenge when members of the Warwick club fly out to take part in the 42km Rhine Marathon on October 2.

Completed in traditional German ‘gig’ style rowing, boats will come from all over the world to compete on the water tomorrow (Saturday).

Rower Edward Walker said despite being experienced in their sport, the rough conditions and larger boats mean they have a very different challenge ahead.

He said: “It will be very difficult in a different type of boat and with a German cox.

“Rowing is all about leg strength and we will need new skills to control a much bigger boat in such rough conditions.

“The river is over four times as wide as what we are used to, with a lot of traffic with barges and the waves. I am a bit nervous knowing what we are in for, but it will be exciting to get out there.”

The final row, which will take anywhere up to five hours for the mixed team of eight, will help boost a fundraising target of £1,500 to help refugees.

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