I’m delighted to speak with Patrick “Paddy” Ryan this week. Paddy is Chief Coach of Cambridge University Boat Club (CUBC) for the women’s programme. 

Paddy has a wealth of rowing experience, having first started as a rower himself in his native Australia. After a move to the UK, he joined the Thames Rowing Club. Paddy also spent six years at London Youth Rowing (LYR) helping the small charity grow to a London-wide group, supporting thousands of teenagers every year.

Paddy began his career at CUBC in 2013 as assistant coach of the women’s programme, bringing his considerable knowledge from his rowing experiences, and most importantly, his recipe for ‘knowing how to win’. In 2021 Paddy became the CUBC chief coach for the Women’s programme.

His career highlights include, as an athlete, winning Wyfold Challenge Cup at Henley Royal Regatta, winning the first Blondie Race in 2016 as Assistant Coach and then as Chief Coach, working with the winning 2022, 2023, and 2024 Blue Boat. 

Paddy and I speak in depth about the culture he has created at CUBC.