Paddy Ryan, Chief Coach of Cambridge University Women’s Boat Club, shares insights on fostering a culture of care and respect in rowing. Topics include developing conscientious athletes, creating player-centered environments, and the history of the Oxford vs. Cambridge boat race.
Empowering student leaders to shape culture and mission, fostering communication and resilience.
Prioritizing care, respect, and inclusivity for female athletes to excel in rowing.
Utilizing biomechanics and collaboration to optimize training methods, focusing on learning and growth.
Deep dives
Paddy Ryan: Rowing Coach at Cambridge University
Paddy Ryan, born in Australia and coaching at Cambridge, shares his journey from a rower to a coach, embracing the unique culture at Cambridge University. He highlights the late start in rowing for some and discusses the importance of learning the sport at any age. Reflecting on his rowing career, the transition to coaching, and the evolution of women's rowing, Ryan emphasizes the growth and challenges faced in the sport.
Building a Supportive Culture at Cambridge
Ryan emphasizes the focus on culture within the rowing program at Cambridge, empowering student leaders to shape workshops and contribute to a mission statement. The culture encourages communication, resilient attitudes, and challenges the status quo in rowing. Creating an environment for constructive feedback, care, and continuous improvement sets the tone for success both on and off the water.
Empowering Female Athletes in Rowing
Ryan's coaching approach prioritizes nurturing female athletes to excel in a male-dominated sport like rowing. By emphasizing care, respect, and inclusive training methods, Ryan fosters a supportive environment for women to thrive and explore their potential. He promotes a balance between competition and cooperation, empowering athletes to challenge traditional norms and embrace their unique strengths.
Leveraging Expertise and Inclusivity in Coaching
Ryan utilizes expertise in biomechanics and collaboration with experts to enhance training methods and optimize performance. By encouraging curiosity, questioning traditional norms, and addressing physiological needs of athletes, Ryan creates a space for learning and growth. Balancing data-driven approaches with individual differences, he ensures inclusivity and progress in the sport of rowing.
Future of Rowing and Personal Growth
With a focus on resiliency and continuous learning, Ryan prepares athletes for the inevitable losses in rowing. He aims to instill values of self-improvement, teamwork, and personal growth, emphasizing the journey over just the outcome. By creating a supportive culture that embraces challenges, Ryan cultivates an environment where athletes can reflect, learn, and evolve both in sport and as individuals.
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.
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