The nature of our sport, coupled with the geography of South Africa, results in rowing taking place at venues of incredible beauty and solitude. Fresh water bodies which are deep enough and which are sheltered by wind are hard criteria to meet in the Western Cape and such we often have long distances to travel but with great reward!
Open the drop down accordion below each description and click the link to open up maps to find your way to any camp or regatta!
Photo: Buffelsjag Dam, our January Camp destination, just outside of Swellendam!
Camp & Regatta Locations
Buffeljags Dam
Buffeljags Dam
Photo: The cloud tipped Langeberg, towering over Buffelsjag Dam, our daily pleasure on January Camp.
January rowing camp is held at the Buffeljags dam, a beautiful body of water nestled against the base of the Langeberg Mountain range.
The dam is a peculiar shape but catches the early morning and late afternoon light – a rowing coaches delight. Words cannot quite capture the beauty of the view from Umshanti. Coupled with this view is extraordinary flat conditions, dorms for the boys, excluding the grade 8’s who camp, and food for the masses!
Click here to navigate to the – Umshanti
Robertson, Nerina Gust Farm, Breerivier
Robertson, Nerina Gust Farm, Breerivier.
Photo: Coach Kirby, Mr Smiths side kick, wondering when is breakfast?
Nerina is a 5 kilometre stretch of water, hugged (unfortunately) by alien vegetation. This provides the shelter technical rowing requires along the twisting meander. Staggering our Spring Camp dates means all age groups and coaches to interact, whilst enabling all age groups to have sufficient time and quiet water ways. A perfect place to do a sculling tip test!
Click here to navigate to the – Nerina Guest Farm
Regatta Directions
Zeekoeivlei
Zeekoevlei
Photo: The Sleeping Giant, Table Mountain & Devils Peak, catching the morning rays from Zeekoevlei!
Zeekoevlei, fondly known as the Vlei, Grassy Park side, where we find our home, our boat shed. Tucked away in the smaller bay, SACS, Grassy Park and Alfreds Rowing Club (the oldest rowing club in South Africa) are our neighbours. Bishops Rowing Club visits the Vlei 2 to 3 times a week depending on the age group.
Click here to navigate to the – Bishops Rowing Club Shed.
Elgin – Eikenhof Dam
Elgin – Eikenhof Dam
Photo: The U15’s clinching victory in the Quad at Western Cape Champs
Cox – Veer Daya, Stroke – Jack Breslin, 3 – John Van Der Watt, 2 – Cameron Redfern, Bow – Matthew Maurel
Eikenhofdam is set between the rugged and rocky Hottentots-Hollandberge & Groenlandberg Nature Reserve. This breathtaking scene is home to the majority of Western Cape Regattas due to the ability of the dam to facilitate both 2 & 1-kilometre races. Elgin Country Club hosts the rowing community and Somerset College, Maties and Elgin Rowing Club call the Eikenhofdam home.
Click here to Navigate to – Eikenhofdam.
Misverstand Dam
Misverstand Dam
Photo: Bishops 1st 8 cruising through the mist on a winters morning in Misverstand!
Misverstand Dam, Missies, is dry all hell in the summer and in winter morphs into a wonderland. Green and yellow rolling hills full of canola and when cold enough the Grootwinterhoek Mountain range is capped in snow. Rowing up the river can easily clear 10 kilometres in one direct
Click here for Club Elani – Misverstand