Kia ora koutou
Another update on happenings in October-Nov and with highlights from 2023.
New Rowing Simulator
Our Club Captain Jono Debbage found this machine listed locally. The erg is in excellent condition and originally cost more than 4 x concept 2 ergs, or about 12k. The committee approved the purchase for $1500.
Click these links to read about the erg and see a video of it in action. The benefits of this rowing simulator are:
– for sculling, the handles move in an arc as they do on the boat. Linear or straight-pull ergs like the concept 2 can create bad habits
– similarly for sweep, longer handles can be inserted and allow rowers to practice sweep rowing, with the arc, on both sides.
With the concept 2 ergs, the sliders, converted (old) shells and now this rowing simulator, our club is extremely well set up to teach the correct rowing patterns on land.
And with coastal boats, and a stable training single in addition to multiple rowing skiffs, we provide great platforms to then learn on the water.
New sign out station
Our safety systems were audited by Rowing NZ (as part of Rowing NZ national check to comply with Maritime NZ exemptions given to rowing clubs) and there were only minor issues to sort.
But a big thanks to coach Nick Teare who used his carpentry skills to make this new boat sign-out/sign-in station. The station has a clock and is located by the exit of the club, to help remind the stroke to sign out the boat.
Stereo
There’s also a second hand stereo system now in the gym! Feel free to connect to the Bose dock or the stereo.
Club Sponsored Shirts
A big thanks to Life Member Richard Sheppard and his business Sheppard Section Services LTD (www.sheppardsectionservices.co.nz) for sponsoring Club shirts for all the competitive rowers.
Nov-Dec Regattas
We attended 3 regattas. The Norton Cup at Petone, Jury Cup in Whanganui and The Christmas regatta at Lake Karapiro, Cambridge. The last regatta was an eye opener for the novices. 2403 competitors, racing on a international rowing course with lanes, a starting block, officials, umpire boats and a commentator. A great experience for the new rowers.
For the Christmas regatta we had some great results: 2 x A finals – Leila and Jack C in U17 1x’s and 3 x B Finals – Leila, Int 1x. Jordan & Albert, Mens Nov 2x. Jack J, U16 1x. A final – Leila in the Petone composite 8+ and came third.
Other highlights for 2023
- 15 novice (first-year rowing) school kids joined in 2023
- 58 adults completed learn-to-row in 2023
- Our own Porirua Rowing Club Goodwill regatta raised $4k. We were happy with this given this was a postponed date (blown out on the original date) and a lot of competitors already had away training camps planned. $600 was raised from food sales. A big thanks to parents and members helping run the regatta, bake or cook and sell the food. See images here https://poriruarowing.co.nz/oct-23-update/. Our club is run by volunteers and relies on fundraising. If you have any ideas for fundraising, please get in touch with the club!
- Introduced coastal rowing boats to the Club in March. See images below.
- Purchased 2 new concept 2 ergs.
- Are hosting the NZ Coastal Rowing Beach Sprints Champs, to be held at Titahi Bay in May 4-52024 (in less than 4 months!!)
Here’s to a great 2024!
Nga mihi
Tony Tikiku
