Our LBCs are in charge of our novice intake in Michaelmas and the club’s lower boats throughout the year. If you’re looking to join the club and start rowing for the first time then do get in touch with these guys! They’ll be the face of the club at the Freshers’ fair and our taster days at the start of the year.
Sophia Bumsteinaite
Hey, I’m Sophia, a second-year Land Economist and one of your Lower Boat Captains 2024/25. I started rowing last year as a fresher and joined W1 in Lent Term. Rowing has quickly become one of the best parts of my time at Cambridge. It’s a great way to stay active and take a break from studying. The club has a lovely community, and I’ve made some great friends in the boathouse.
Whether you want to compete or just have fun, I’d really encourage you to give rowing a try. I’m excited for the year ahead and hope to see many of you on the river!
Bilal Mahmood
Hi, I’m Bilal, a second year medic and one of your LBCs this year! I started rowing with DCBC last Michaelmas after playing hockey and lifting through sixth form, and it has become a huge part of my life at Cambridge since. I enjoyed my time racing in the NM1 crew during my novice term before rowing with M2 for my first Bumps campaign in which we secured blades, also sculling in the holidays at Trentham, my town club, trying not to capsize a single! The boat club has given me a much needed break from my degree, allowing me to challenge myself physically, but also has fantastic socials with the Tribe & Camenae, meeting rowers from other clubs on swaps and boat club dinners, to name a few. I do hope you enjoy the social and competitive side of the sport as much as I have and I look forward to meeting many of you next year!
Isabel Sykes
Hi! I’m Isabel, a 2nd year Classicist and one of your LBCs! I started rowing in 2016 and immediately fell in love with it. I’ve never been a fan of sports, but strangely enough rowing stuck. I kept up the sport through my school years, and I found it an excellent escape from the stresses of studying and everyday life, especially during GCSEs and A-level exams. I joined DCBC in Lent term of my first year and I rowed in W1 for the rest of the year. If you’re even just considering giving rowing a try, go for it! There are different levels of commitment, and there is always a good balance of working hard and having fun. I’m really looking forward to being an LBC this year, and hopefully we can make rowing stick for you too!
Isobel Thornton
Hi! I’m Isobel, a 3rd year medic. Back in school, I was really into netball and loved the sense of community it brought. When I started uni, I wanted to find a sport that offered the same tight-knit social life, and rowing turned out to be perfect! It’s given me friends for life, a way to clear my head, and a place to have fun without worrying about anything else. I’m so excited for next year and can’t wait to share this amazing sport with you all!
Aside from events during Freshers’ week, our LBCs can be reached at , please do get in touch if you have ay questions about joining or being a novice at DCB