Rowing

Rowing is a hugely rewarding sport which requires a great deal of commitment in both training and competition. It is an excellent way to improve fitness and strength as well as being an enjoyable team sport.

The St Andrew's College rowing team is incredibly supportive, yet highly competitive, with our crews consistently placing in the top 10 in New Zealand. In 2023 our team won 3 national titles and a silver medal at the Maadi Cup regatta.

Rowing is open to all students from Years 9–13. No level of ability is required to begin, just enthusiasm. Students new to rowing must complete a ‘Learn to Row’ programme, which is offered in Term 1 and/or Term 3. The competitive season starts in September and runs until March.

Training takes place at Kerr’s Reach on the Avon River. Training camps occur at Lake Ruataniwha near Twizel and competitions are at Kerr’s Reach, Lake Hood, Lake Ruataniwha and Lake Karapiro.

Rowers begin with some small regattas, before progressing to four major regattas at Lake Ruataniwha. Maadi Cup, the national secondary schools rowing championship, is held in March in either Twizel at Lake Ruataniwha, or Cambridge at Lake Karapiro.

Our rowing programme is supported by top-level coaches, high quality boats, and an active parent committee, who assist with logistics and fundraises to help with costs. Competitive rowers are expected to train at least four times per week, which includes some gym work.

There are many benefits to being part of the rowing programme at St Andrew’s. Students can gain a high level of fitness, improve their time management skills, become more focused and self-reliant, and gain lifelong friendships. 

With a combination of commitment, dedication and talent, they may even be highly competitive at national level. Some of our rowers have had the opportunity to be a part of a national rowing programme, and several of our Old Collegians are in the USA studying and rowing.

Successes

In 2023, our rowing teams gained the following awards:

• Winner NZSS Girls’ U18 Single Sculls;
• Winner NZSS Boys’ U17 Coxed Four;
• Winner NZSS Girls’ U15 Coxed Quad;
• Silver NZSS Boys’ U17 Coxed Eight;
• Seven medal winning crews at the SISS regatta.

Co-ordinator: Mr Guy Williams – GWI@stac.school.nz