My name is Calum Cumming and I’m currently in my third year of Uni studying Biomedical Science. I’m from Aberdeen and moved down to Dundee for University, partly because of the great reputation the Uni has for Life Science courses but also to move out and see another city. I joined Boat club in my first year as I wanted to try something new after playing multiple sports when I was at school, with football being the primary one.
I am the Men’s Captain this year and help organise training and the running of sessions along with the other captains. I picked up rowing completely fresh in my first year, after having a little previous knowledge of the sport but never having tried it before. If I had to pick my proudest moment in rowing, I’d say it’s been the consistent level of training and progression I’ve been able to maintain with minimal hiccups despite covid and the disruption it caused, but my friends tell me it should be my British record.
When I first joined the club, I was really keen to train and improve as much as possible in a competitive environment in order to see how far I could progress in the sport. Now having a coaching role I’m really enjoying helping others train and develop their skills and seeing everything from the other side. One of my favourite things about DUBC is the environment and the social side of things. Having been a complete beginner everyone was very welcoming and helped a lot, which in turn was great for outside of training just getting to know a lot of people.
Outside of rowing, I really enjoy travelling and hill walking and also playing football with friends when I get the opportunity. I’ve been fortunate that I’ve been able to visit a few countries and see what the world has to offer. My course helps me find a work/sport balance with it being a pretty intense course, and things having ramped up in third year. Rowing and the socials involved aids in helping me switch off from working and provides a great relief when things get difficult or stressful.
I work when I’m back home during the summer to earn money to help with living when I’m away at uni, but during term time I’m very busy with rowing and my course to work whilst allowing time to switch off and relax too so I get as much work in as possible when I’m away from Uni. I’ve played 5-a-side football a couple of times with the medics’ team which has been good fun, and was involved with the life science society a little in first year although I’ve not been to any events recently.
I think DUBC is more than just a rowing club due to the members and the effort put in to continue the running of it. The ability to have productive training sessions with people willing to put in the training and having the balance of a great social aspect makes DUBC unique in my eyes. I’ve loved every minute of being in this club and can’t wait to see how it progresses in the future.
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