2024: The Year I Got Told To QUIT

[@charlie9234]

Don’t listen to those who tell you to quit. You are still in peak physical condition and seem to be as committed as ever. Your commitment continues to inspire a community of rowers to not give up on their rowing careers and encourages them to stick with it and keep improving when you may feel discouraged. We all love what you do, Cam, and you make the rowing community a better place. Cheers to 2025 and a great 2024!

[@sorcus2144]

Feels like this has easily been your best year in a long while in terms of progress in the single and performances in coastal rowing and at Brit trials, would be class seeing you in a GB vest again. Happy new year and hopefully 2025 brings lots more success!

[@CameronBuchan]

Definitely felt the progress this year. The doubling down certainly helped! I managed to win a world championships in a GB vest this year! 😅 Happy new year to you too!

[@sorcus2144]

@@CameronBuchan haha I meant it would be great to see you in a GB vest in flat water rowing again 💪🏻

[@stefanledin2342]

Well done Cameron. Don’t let anyone tell you to quit. The decision to quit is yours (to make) and yours alone.

[@thekopnut]

Dear Cameron, I just got my C2 machine. Please do not stop, you are such an inspiration and my journey just started. Great content mate.

[@CameronBuchan]

Let’s go!!! We can continue the journey together 🍠

[@TheBoarder360]

Happy new year Cam! Been here since the very beginning, I still rock the OG AIO! I was even screaming from Stewards when you narrowly lost to the Dutch 8+ at HRR in 2019 and despite the fact that COVID ended my rowing on the water days, I still like to see where you're at and follow your journey - my erging continues and I still dip deep back in to the archives for row-a-longs - you help a hell of a lot of people at EVERY level. Keep enjoying the journey!!

[@CameronBuchan]

Thanks for the support! Definitely is a good perspective to have thank you

[@CameronBuchan]

Hello Yamsquad! Happy new year! I hope 2025 brings everything you hope. I tried a new format with this video which meant I missed out a few experiences and people in the year that made it what it was. 3 big examples that stand out: - Head of the Charles Regatta, biggest regatta in the world and a huge boost to my creative side from working with @eamonglavin and @therowingnetwork - The huge supportive nature and atmosphere in 95%+ coastal/beach sprint events - Onviously the support from my family throughout the year, including the ups and downs. Listening to my constant ideas and reasonings. I hope you enjoyed the video and see you next year!!

[@samwhitmore123]

Nice one Cam! For me, 2024 has been a year of 2 lung collapses and lung surgery just 10 days ago… the road to a full comeback to rowing will be a long one, but determined to be racing at Henley in the summer despite everything! 2025, the year of the astronomical comeback I hope

[@themismint]

Well done Cam, great authentic content, wish there was more of this online. When i met you briefly at the Welsh champs (on the beach) i said i was really enjoying your journey, this hasn't changed, its the fight and earned progress that makes the win all the sweeter. Keep going, keep talking, keep rowing.

[@perrimccluskey9914]

Wow what a year! An inspiration to the Yamsquad on how important it is to believe in yourself 🤩 roll on 2025 🎯

[@CameronBuchan]

What a support team to have

[@pensandorespondo]

Keep pushing, bro! You are one of the reasons I returned to this beautiful sport.

[@kahncawte256]

Enjoyed watching the videos this year from what looked like some great adventures! Also learning some more about coastal rowing, might have to give it a go one day! Looking forward to watching more videos in 2025, and curious to see what the next adventures will be! It's easy to give in and listen to noise, but well done to staying firm and sticking to your own terms/plan, sometimes that's when the magic can happen.

[@CameronBuchan]

Once your back is sorted definitely give it a go! Me too, always interesting what pops up! Thank you as always 😊

[@garywhite6900]

Your videos and journey have helped us all stay in the game, trust in each workout as another step up to the top of where we each collectively can keep on, keepin' on! Thanx Cam...

[@TPO55]

Great, honest video Cam.. From being told to quit to becoming a World Champion.... congratulations Cam 2024 was very positive 👏 Roll on 2025.

[@CameronBuchan]

Been an interesting year for sure! I appreciate the support as always. The Yamsquad has played a massive part in keeping positive

[@adamlucas4435]

Please don't quit...... your videos have been my motivation to keep in the sport

[@carlhoward9527]

Really interesting to hear your balanced self assessment. I admire your attitude and resilience.

[@MrBradleykeith]

Onwards and upwards, keep moving forward (well backwards in the boat) and enjoy the journey. May you and yours have a Happy Hogmanay to usher in 2025.

[@SteveSinclair1]

Keep going Cam, thank you for the great motivational videos. Have a great 2025

[@peterwmiller8486]

Terrific review of 2024. Best of luck next year. Hope you have a healthy and happy New Year.

[@Nomads_Rowing]

Despite the naysayers, you’ve proved with the right mindset you may not control but guide your destiny and where you’re going. Henley, METS, Queensland, The Charles and throw in a World Cup Gold, you’ve set a standard very few could achieve. Never quit, keep pushing and make your own calls 😎 Have a Fantastic New Year all YamSquad around this planet 🥳

[@stevenkessler8655]

Hi Cam. Great wrap-up of 2024. Glad you’re sticking with the program. I love the vlog. See u in ‘25.

[@HenleyJamesRowing]

Cam, you have fueled my rowing journey, and have found your 2k row along videos useful! Keep going!!

[@billlittle53]

Thanks for sharing Cam. I think it's fair to say that comparison is the thief of joy. Always enjoy the moment regardless of the result. You have nothing to prove to others, only yourself. Glad you didn't walk away. Just keep doing what you do and stay true to yourself. Your passion is inspiring and so is your willingness to openly share with us all this rollercoaster journey that you're on. Never quit. Never give up. Have a humdinger of a 2025 my man! 🍻🔥🚀

[@rowingwolf7]

The best is always when they tell you to stop or quit as the revenge tour is always that much sweeter

[@wavide]

Loved the videos this year cam! Keep on yammin! One thing I’m curious to learn about would be how you generally go about crafting long term training plans and what changes from season to season in terms of 2k/5k/conditioning. Happy new years!

[@supermanhills]

Well done Cam. Let's keep pushing on.

[@JohnnyLukyoutube]

You are a real inspiration to the rowing community. I hope this gets more recognised!

[@oc367]

You have inspired my rowerg training more than anyone! Keep pushing!!! Greetings from Sweden

[@simonalexander9308]

Another great year of videos! Always positive and a great inspiration! Many thanks Cam!

[@markh2711]

If you still have the fight then don’t give up on the dream! With the right partner, mixed doubles coastal rowing! You are great inspiration.

[@Simon65946]

Just remember, the effect of positivity through difficult times, spreads and helps all of us in our own battles. Thanks Cam 💪

[@simonwhiting4571]

Been following your journey for a few years now, seeing the success and failure which is what makes you who you are......keep on keeping on, always support here for the Big Fella👍🙏 #yamsquaud

[@CameronBuchan]

Thanks as always Simon!!

[@iancosgrove8069]

good luck in the new year cam, looking forward to the videos!

[@christopherbrown6513]

Only you can decide when to hang up the oars, Cam. And when you do "quit" I hope you will view it as a retirement (much better word) from a long, productive, successful, and inspiring career (of which you have already achieved). And after you retire (hopefully a long time from now) I hope you will consider coaching. You would make an amazing coach.

[@CameronBuchan]

Agreed! I have also been coaching already for the last 10 years. More seriously in the last 5 or so

[@donnachapman1752]

Great video Cam really enjoying your journey... The end is definitely not insight. Looking forward to sharing your accomplishments in 2025. I only discovered rowing recently being a late to the party road cyclist who uses gym versions when the weather is poor. Massively inspired by your podcasts and wanting to improve my 2K and 5K timings respectively and better technique. I will be aiming at the elite times for 65..70 year olds. Thank you Cam Iain

[@CameronBuchan]

Good luck Iain! Let us know hope your journey progresses in 2025

[@darkblueyank]

You've got it right - listen to yourself, which doesn't mean to ignore what others say to you (in person, not via internet) but in the end the decision has to be yours. I've been curious as to whether you have a coach who is giving you a training program and reviewing technique videos and you answered that here, telling us that you have constructed your own training program based on your long experience with training programs at elite levels. I do wonder if it would be beneficial to have an elite coach review it and give an outsider's view of what could be useful tweaks in your program. And it's got to be tough to not have a training partner! Best wishes to you and your family for 2025.

[@CameronBuchan]

For sure is merits to taking on board some advice and not others! I generally have a lot of coaches looking over what I do and many coaches are happy to take a look if asked!

[@alexanderkerr3433]

Been a great year. Hope I meet you next season. And happy new year🎉

[@magpiedob993]

Please keep going. Not all of us are 6’8” Olympians with an infinite lung capacity. There is so much for all us normal rowers to achieve, at whatever age and at whatever standard. Your continued efforts inspire all us club rowers who just want to make a crew for Head of the River or their next regional event. Keep doing it for as long as you can🙂

[@CameronBuchan]

Love that!

[@davidculliton2615]

Great attitude bud 👌💪 great comment ( I’ll quit when Iam ready) well done

[@emilyhops2566]

HAPPY NEW YEAR CAM!!

[@neilready6331]

Great mindset Cam-have a great New Year

[@thomasfitzgerald5086]

Love the videos Cam, keep it going

[@TysonIke]

Everyone should always remember that you control your future. Others can’t change you unless you let them. Your passion will go however you work for it

[@JohnJLund]

Good stuff, Cam! Keep fighting!

[@scottstw456]

Great video, thanks Cam!

[@markpayne5451]

Cam- I've enjoyed your vedios all your ups and down. Continue to listen to yourself- ignore the experts- you know yourself better than anyone. At 5'10 and 180lbs (heavyweight) and being 65 (old fart...) I can't come close to guys like you- so I've found what I can be competitive. Keep it up- you've inspired me!

[@CameronBuchan]

Let’s keep going together Mark 💪 #yamsquad

[@cognitionman]

Mee too!!!

[@mikemalloy1681]

Look. I have been an athlete for 60 years (running, distance swimming, bicycling, marksmanship and yes even rowing (open water) and want to try kayak racing (age 77). But, I am way past my prime and I don't care. I love what I do for the sake of exercise and nothing more. Medals have no meaning to me anymore. I just like physical movement, and I think you do to. The problem is, I am not understanding what your overall objectives are at this point???? Do you still want to make the Olympic team? Which event? Individual scull, flat water, individual open water, or pairs/doubles, quads, open water? Flat water? I am not sure, every time I watch your video it is something different. That is not a criticism, but I don't see a focus on one event??? No matter what you decide, don't "quit". You have invested too much into this sport. I would suggest rowing for the sake of rowing. I ride (bikes)for the sake of riding and nothing more. At my age I could care less about another medal. I have a drawer full of medals in multiple sports and I am proud of my work over the years, but now I just love physical movement. You could coach, write books on the subject and train like hell but not worry about the results. But whatever you do don't "quit". You have invested too much capital into rowing and it shows in ways you may not realize. Your stroke (can always be improved) but it is pretty close to perfection. Why not pass that knowledge on to the next generation and just compete for the fun of it???????

[@CameronBuchan]

Interesting you say that! As always I think there’s a lot to be missed out because the videos only show a snippet of what’s going on. They can be weeks or months apart and it may look like quite abrupt shifts but most of the time everything is linked and as I said in this video, pretty much everything I have done this year has helped me improve in some way or another. On my Instagram I post regularly which may make it more coherent. As you said though, why can’t I do things just to do things and then make videos about it. As I said in the video and have done in many others, it is about enjoying the process and having fun with it, like you said it’s not about the medals. My aim has always been to improve and feel like I’m getting faster which I have definitely done this year. I appreciate you think my stroke is close to perfection but it is far from it, a lot to improve there and a lot of speed to be gained. I’ve seen too many athletes aim purely at an event and even if they make the event and win they are disappointed with the outcome. I’ve also been coaching for the past 10 years or so and passing on everything I know. Think that covers what you said! 😅 hope it makes sense

[@wochee]

Very best wishes to you always. Will we be seeing you in Queensland in early 2025? If so, I would love to interview you for Hear The Boat Sing.

[@EyanTait]

Keep pushing Cam!!

[@seanmiller7091]

Way to go Cam. You continue to inspire as ever. I’ve taken the better part of this year off, and have found the will to train again through watching your channel. As for those who told you to quit - “Frangas non Flectes” Happy New Year!!

[@CameronBuchan]

Sometimes you just need a break. Good to hear you’ve found the will again and long may it continue. I’ve never heard that phrase before but I really like it! Thank you 🍠

[@Simon-xi8tb]

It's the process, enjoy it. Give it all in 2025 and if it doesnt work out, try again and again. You are still young. Olaf Tufte was 40 when he retired, wasnt he ?

[@CameronBuchan]

That’s all I can do! 😊 He was, Drysdale into lates 30s, Sinkovic brothers mid 30s for Paris and aiming for another in La!

[@rugby0]

Good man. Well done

[@neillgowans4350]

Cam, what are your goals? Simple ask but its coaching 101. You can’t chase two rabbits etc… Asking as a genuine fan? You’re in shape keep going until you know you can’t get there anymore. A simple change slight change in emphasis might get you to your ultimate goal.

[@CameronBuchan]

Someone else asked something similar. It is interesting because the goals haven’t changed in the past few years and am making progress towards those goals. Especially this year, I’ve made massive strides forward

[@marcwilson9389]

Advising anyone to quit rowing is diabolical and can only come from someone who doesn’t truly enjoy the sport (and does it only for clout) Even when you’re 40, 50, 60.. if you enjoy it, keep going at the highest level you can because… why not?

[@CameronBuchan]

Exactly, Marc! sport and rowing can be enjoyed at all ages!

[@TheNinjaSqaud]

You're definitely not too old, there have been world class athletes in their late 30s and 40s. You also have the right height and fitness.

[@ShimiHalperin]

💪

[@l.m.s55]

🔝

[@nathansmith7153]

Drysdale was older

[@CameronBuchan]

Yes indeed

[@nathansmith7153]

@@CameronBuchanI wonder, being an engineer, if there is a possibility that longer blades and wider riggers would be of any benefit because of your height. Having blades at higher angles to flow would seem to be less efficient if you have greater movement.

[@CameronBuchan]

@ I’ve tried a lot of variations of lengths of blades and spans. The iteration I’m using now seems to work for me. One of the reasons I don’t row “full slide” is because I would be “too long” and pinching the boat. Most likely still more to be gained though!

[@nathansmith7153]

@@CameronBuchan Thanks for the response. Always have to ask.