Durham College Rowing

Durham College Rowing (commonly abbreviated to DCR) represents all sixteen college boat clubs in Durham University and organises some rowing activities on behalf of all member clubs.

In February 2020, together with Durham University Boat Club, DCR members made up c.30% of the rowers, scullers and coxes in the British Rowing northern region. The intake of freshers each year attracts large numbers to take up the sport with typically around 500 joining learn to row courses each autumn.

DCR organises inter-collegiate competitions, trailers to competitions off the River Wear, training courses (learn to cox, coaching, launch driving), swim tests, Senate Boat Club, and an annual ball for rowers across the university.

DCR also provides a forum for college captains to meet and discuss current rowing events, particularly safety issues, with each other and with the executive committee.

The River Wear in Durham is amongst the most crowded waterways in England, with sixteen Colleges, the University, several Schools and the town club, plus hired dinghy's (Brown's Boats), the Prince Bishop river cruiser and other watersports (eg canoeing and Dragon Boat Racing) all within a 2.5km stretch. To manage this congestion safely, DCR represents college clubs at Durham University Rowing Board, and in turn implements and enforces the regulations as set out by the Board.

DCR is led by the Captain of Colleges, who represents college rowers at a university and regional level, supported by a wider exec including secretary, press officer, Water Safety Officer and Treasurer. The regatta secretary sits on the executive committee and also leads the regatta committee, who are responsible for DCR competitions.