Give Rowing a GO! – Free Open Days

Come and try rowing for FREE at our Give Rowing a GO! open days.
No need to book – just turn up and see what rowing is all about!

📅 session dates

  • Thursday 28 August 2025 – 5:00pm

  • Saturday 30 August 2025 – 10:00am

🎯 Who Can Join

  • Open to secondary school students (Year 9 and above)

  • These sessions are for school students only

  • Adult rowing taster sessions will be run later in the year

🌊 What to Expect

You’ll experience the unique thrill of rowing on the water and get a full introduction to the sport:

  • Learn basic rowing techniques on the ergs (indoor rowing machines)

  • Tour our club facilities

  • Jump in a boat with our experienced rowers for your first on-water experience

These sessions are perfect for complete beginners or those with a little prior experience to see if rowing is for them.

🚀 Next Steps – Learn to ROW

If you enjoy your taster session, you can sign up for our four-week Learn to ROW course in September.
This course teaches the skills needed to join the 2025–26 Novice Squad.

📖 Learn more about the course here: Learn to ROW Information

🏆 About the Novice Squad

  • Training starts at the beginning of Term 4 with three sessions per week, increasing to five in January

  • Final training schedule is set in consultation with rowers and parents

  • One session per week will be on Saturday – either training or competing at a regatta

  • No early morning sessions during the school week

  • Easy access by public transport – bus stop just 220m from the club

Competitions:

  • Inter-club regattas in Wellington and across the North Island

  • Season finale at the Rowing NZ National Championships in Cambridge (February 2026)

  • Possible entry into secondary school regattas (February–March) if enough rowers attend the same school

🎒 What to Bring

  • Close-fitting shorts & t-shirt

  • Polyprop or base-layer long sleeve top

  • Jacket or windbreaker

  • Beanie or sun hat

  • Crocs or water shoes (essential)

  • Socks (to wear in the boat)

  • Towel & change of clothes

  • Water bottle

🏅 About Porirua Rowing Club

Porirua Rowing Club is proud to have been named:

  • Sports & Leisure Category Winner, Supreme Winner – 2024 Wellington Airport Regional Community Awards (Porirua)

Porirua Mayor Anita Baker:
“I congratulate Porirua Rowing Club on the supreme award – you are a small, but mighty club.”

Read more here: Porirua City Council Awards News

We follow Sport NZ’s Balance is Better philosophy – helping young people be their best without sacrificing fun and balance. Parents: there are no early morning trainings!

📍 Where to Find Us

Porirua Rowing Club
2 Onepoto Road, Titahi Bay, Porirua