Boat Club (RUMS): President

Hi, I’m Sam :)

After 3 amazing years in RUMSBC, I’m running for President!! 🇺🇸🦅

In my time in the club so far, I have tried to incorporate myself into as many different parts of it as possible. From learning to row as a young, silly fresher to learning to cox as a less young and silly third year, I’ve loved every minute. 

Through my two years on committee, I’ve also gained an understanding of how the club is run. I’ve dabbled in boat (and engine 😬) maintenance and know what it takes to keep the club chugging along. 

My Main Goals 

1. Revamp land training - a year with plenty of fun, varied land training options will be a year RUMSBC clean sweeps every medal on offer 🥇
2. Invest in the future of the club. As Boatswain, I’ve seen how spending money on improving equipment prevents cancelled outings and protects our fleet. Prioritising sustainability is an important goal to me. I will work with the treasurer to secure sponsors to fund this. 💰
3. Increasing our cox population. By running multiple cox training and try-out days at the start of term, we can secure enough coxes to reduce pressure on the small number we have. 
4. Encouraging the social aspect of RUMSBC. I fell in love with the club because of the socials and I want to help the social secs come up with new ideas to keep things fresh. Increasing fresher-senior integration from the start of the year is important and will help encourage the friendly culture of the club. 

RUMSBC thrives on its dedicated people; my aims are to ensure its members can thrive with structured support, greater flexibility and targeted development.

1. Smarter outing flexibility. This year has shown how cox availability and tide times can DERAIL Saturdays. I propose a planned, case-by-case Sunday contingency when Saturdays aren’t viable: protecting water time, reducing cancellations, and maintaining consistency. Quieter rivers also create ideal conditions for cox development and technical focus.
2. Targeted senior weekend coaching. The men this year have come a long way. I feel their development has, in part, come from technical and detailed individual feedback. When athletes feel seen, they improve, feel motivated, and have more fun. I want to formalise this approach across squads on weekends — strengthening coaching structure and supporting captains.

3. A “Phone a Friend” system. Committee roles can feel overwhelming, particularly for newer members. I’ll introduce structured links with previous role holders to provide guidance, reduce stress, and ensure no one carries responsibility alone. A supported committee is an effective committee.

   Most importantly, I care deeply about this club. I’ve celebrated, clubbed, and screamed on ergs with you. Those connections inspire me to run.

With two years on the Small Council and captaincy experience, I understand how RUMSBC works and areas it might grow. If you want a proactive, supportive President who delivers change, you know how to vote.