2024-25 Novice Squad
A novice rower is basically a first year rower. You technically become a novice when you are entered in your first race and will only be a novice for that season. This means all the people you met and went through the learn to row course will be your novice squad.
The 2024-25 Novice Squad compete at various inter-club regattas in the Wellington region, and around the North Island, culminating in Twizel at the New Zealand Rowing Champs in February 2025. Local regattas are on Saturdays, the away regattas will require a weekend away. Training starts off with three sessions per week, increasing up to five in January. Depending on how many rowers are from the same secondary school, crews may also be able to be formed to compete at secondary school regattas in February and March.
Coaches will provide all rowers and parents with a detailed training plan that outlines training dates and times, training camps, and regattas.
The training plan is designed to develop all-round physical development with emphasis on mobility exercises, aerobic endurance, and general strength to promote health and development of various systems and organs. Rowers will be taught the techniques so they can move a boat efficiently on the water, without straining their body. They will also learn elementary tactics and information on racing rules and regulations.
Rowing is a team sport, so when you’re learning, you’ll be in boats with 4 or 8 others on Te Awarua o Porirua Harbour. That’s why it’s really important to show up.
The training sessions from September to December are at the following times(tbc):
- Tuesdays and Thursdays 5.30 – 7.30pm
- Saturdays 8.00 – 10.00am
Public transport is very accessible with the main bus route having a stop only 220m from the club. Rowers will have access to high-speed internet to do homework or relax. This means parents will only have to do one pick up, after the training session.
Rowers will get a Summer Holiday Break from Saturday 21 December – Tuesday 7 January 2025, it is recommended that rowers participate in 2-3 land-based training sessions during this time to maintain their fitness. A compulsory 4-day Summer Training camp will be arranged between January 9 – 12. Exact dates and venue to be confirmed.
The training sessions from January to March are to be confirmed, please use the days and times below as an indication:
- Tuesdays, Wednesday and Thursdays 5.30 – 7.30pm
- Saturdays and Sundays 8.00 – 10.00am
Our club aims to allow people to be the best they can achieve but without sacrificing fun and balance. What this means practically is the final number of sessions will be set in consultation with rowers, parents, and coaches.
Please be aware when you become a member of PRC and join the 2024-25 Novice Squad you are committing to the training sessions, as well as training camps and regattas as listed in the training plan and in the 2024-25 Rowers Handbook.
Link to 2023/24 book here. The Handbook will be updated for the 24-25 season soon.
Registrations to join the 2023-24 Novice Squad will be open at the end of the 2024 Student Learn to ROW course.