Oct 2023 Update

Kia ora koutou

It’s Tony Tikiku, the President and a coach with an update of happenings in October 2023.

New novices and Intermediate’s traIning camp

About half of the new student novices were able to come away for a Labour Weekend training camp as well as a few intermediate rowers. They were able to row twice per day Saturday and Sunday, and Monday morning. They were introduced to the roster system where everyone helps with cooking and cleaning. And there was heaps of time to relax. It was nice to see the kids off devices (by choice) and playing card games, or going to the local Saturday market which was only 50 meters from the Club where we were staying.

Big thanks to the Union Boat Club for letting us stay. It keeps costs down and everyone was comfortable with mattresses on the floor; there is a great kitchen and ablutions and people were respectful when waking up early or going to sleep.

Adults Learn to Row

24 adults have signed up for the learn to row which is running over November. Basically we put word out to members and our newsletter and boom – booked and paid. Then a few parents of new rowers wanted to join (4!) so of course we included them.

Please sign up to the newsletter if you want to know when the next learn to row for adults will be held. https://poriruarowing.co.nz/contact/

Porirua Goodwill regatta

What a magic day! Last year both the main and backup day for the regatta got blown out. This year we had to postpone and we luckily had a beautiful spring day. Warm, sunny and flat water!

Congratulations to all who competed for the first time. The accumulated points tally, which is calculated using all placings from rowers within a Club, were:

Horowhenua 12, Star BC 52, Porirua 55, Petone 77 and the Wellington Rowing Club at 142!

The trophy was presented by the new Novice Zoe Collins, who also turned 14 years old. Her new club mates sung her happy birthday and there was such a great buzz with the kids. As her Dad, I was so happy to hear her say at home ‘this is the best birthday ever’. Kids love being active, even if it takes a nudge from us parents!

The buzz was also reflective of all the parents and adult rowers who just came down to help out the Club. A couple of families (who don’t want to be named) also pitched in a bought the club a new BBQ! So generous and grateful and we’ll be using this at away regattas!

Of course, a big thanks to the Sponsors for the regatta. A social media post is going up about them.