Founded by Sam Wood, Rob Mayes, and Dawn Smith, our mission is simple: to help you prepare for whatever the water throws your way — with skill, strength, and a healthy dose of laughter.
At Row Resilience, we don’t just train rowers.
We train resilient humans — strong in body, steady in mind, and ready for whatever the water throws their way.
Our approach combines three elements that turn good crews into great ones:
Wherever you are in your rowing journey, we’ve got a camp for you.
All sessions are led by Sam Wood, Rob Mayes, and Dawn Smith (Aurora Sea School) — a coaching trio combining GB Rowing expertise, ocean experience, and a healthy sense of humour.
Because between us, we’ve done it, coached it, and lived it.
Three coaches – One mission : to help you move better, feel stronger, and meet the water — with confidence, courage, and a grin.
Between us, we’ve spent more hours on the water than most people spend deciding what to watch on Netflix.
We’ve rowed through storms, sunrise sessions, and the occasional existential crisis — and we’re still smiling (mostly).
At Row Resilience, we believe great coaching isn’t just about drills and data.
It’s about people, connection, and keeping perspective when the going gets tough.
We take rowing seriously — just not ourselves.
Here’s who you’ll find in (or occasionally swimming around) the boat with you
Founder, RHF & Row Resilience
Ocean rower, founder of Resilient Health & Fitness, GB Rowing Coach, and women’s coaching specialist — brings the physical and mental grit that turns training into transformation.
GB Rowing Coach & Founder of Blade Rowers
GB Rowing Coach, technique whisperer, and master of well-timed banter — turns chaos into crew rhythm (and keeps spirits high when the lactic acid hits).
Aurora Sea School | Ocean Training Specialist
7 time ocean rower & world record holder, RYA Yachtmaster Examiner, and professional “let’s make this fun” coach — delivers the real-world ocean expertise that only comes from facing 40ft waves and still smiling about it.
Together, we create training that’s structured but supportive, performance-focused but full of humour — because progress should feel empowering, not intimidating.
We believe in evidence-based coaching, honest feedback, and a lot of encouragement.
Whether you’re preparing for your first regatta or a 3,000-mile crossing, we’ll meet you where you are — and get you ready for what’s next.
“We can’t control the weather. But we can help you control how you handle it.”
Because our coaching is about people, not just performance.
We bring expertise, experience, and empathy to everything we do — with a dash of humour and a lot of heart.
Whether you’re training for the toughest row on Earth, improving your technique, or finding your strength again, we’ll help you get there — one stroke, one session, one small win at a time.
We came in as colleagues and left as a team. The rowing coach created a space for us to
challenge and support each other in equal measure.
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Whether you’re dreaming of an ocean crossing, chasing a PB, or just want to feel fitter and stronger,
RHF Row Resilience has a programme for you.
