Reggie Bare showed exception skills as an oarsman at Westminster School, and soon established himself at stroke at the Thames Rowing Club. He helped them win the Thames Challenge Cup at Henley in 1920, and was part of the successful Thames team that won 41 races in 1922 and 1923. One of those victories was the 1923 Grand Challenge Cup at Henley. It was Thames’ first Grand win of the 20th century, and came after Bare and fellow crew members suffered disappointment after finishing second to Leander the previous year. The Thames eight represented Great Britain at the 1924 Paris Olympics and, despite setting an Olympic best time in their first round heat, missed out on a medal after finishing fourth, just half-a-length behind bronze medallists Italy. Bare was also a single sculler and canoeist on the Thames.