[2] Rowing at Oriel is carried out from the college's own boathouse across Christ Church Meadow, on Boat House Island.

[3] In men's rowing at short races, bumps, this is the most successful Oxford college boat club.

[citation needed] In 2006 Oriel claimed the first ever double headship in Torpids, rowing over as Head of the River in both the men's and women's first divisions.

[4] The women's and men's second boats have long been in "fixed divisions" in the bumps charts and, as such, are guaranteed a place in racing each year.

[citation needed] The boat club's colours are the same as the college's: two white stripes on navy.

[citation needed] Until 2009 the wearing of Boat Club Jackets (ivory with navy blue piping and cuff rings, bearing the three ostrich feather emblem on the left breast) was limited to the 1st and 2nd Summer VIII's and Torpids and the Oriel College Boat Club Committee.

[citation needed] The purpose of the Tortoise Club is two-fold: the recognition and celebration of outstanding Oriel rowing; and the financial support of the OCBC.

A grant of a Badge was made to The Provost and Scholars of the House of the Blessed Mary the Virgin in Oxford commonly called Oriel College of the Foundation of Edward the Second of famous memory sometime King of England, for the use of Oriel College Boat Club, the Tortoise Club and the Oriel Society, by Letters Patent dated 20 April 2009 of Garter, Clarenceux and Norroy & Ulster Kings of Arms.