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Rowing

Introduction

Auckland Grammar School has a long and illustrious Rowing tradition. Since Rowing was first introduced to the School in 1952, the Auckland Grammar Rowing Club has developed and nurtured boys from all walks of life by focusing on the School’s values. Our number one priority is to build great young men through the sport of Rowing.

Our purpose is to develop and build excellent young men, who have the character to be excellent contributors in every aspect of society – now and in the future. To achieve this, we work together to create an environment of inevitable excellence in which we are better together.

We are proud of our Club Culture and take pride in the young men we help to produce. To do this, we seek to develop and maintain a positive culture that is aligned with the values of the School of integrity, excellence, respect, courage, pride, commitment and humility.

Rowers from all levels can train at the facilities at Auckland Grammar and compete at the various competitions and traditional fixtures on offer. These include two training camps ranging from 5-7 days in length and over five major regattas at Lake Karapiro.

The club size is around 65-75 and this leads to the unique environment where there is a mixture of students across all year levels who through the same facilities. Our Novice rowers are mentored and shown the way by our senior students in a supportive environment. The club has a comprehensive array of resources from over 30 skiffs, 20+ ergs and its own rowing club in Panmure. During the 2020/2021 season, the club recorded its best results with seven teams winning Gold as the North Island Secondary Schools Champions.

In the 2021-2022 season, due to COVID-19 restrictions, a reduced number of athletes attended the Maadi Cup. The School achieved Gold in the Under 16 Four, Silver in both the Under 17 Double and the Under 16 Four, and Bronze in the Under 17 Four.

Interested in taking up rowing? We are always on the lookout for students who want to be part of a successful team. It is a fun and competitive sport where many friendships are developed and we would love to have you on the team.

2022 Captain of Rowing Dougal Rutherford-Levien spoke to President of the Headmaster’s Heritage Committee Vishwas Iyer about this season, his admiration for 2019 Captain Tommy Barrell and his ambitious plans for 2023 – watch his interview below.

Our Learn to Row programme runs from Term 1 -3 and students can enter at any time. This program is designed to get students to try out the sport and also provide them with the skills to trial for the Rowing team in Term 3.

General Information

Terms played:

  • Term 4 (of previous year) and Term 1: regattas and camps, finishing in late March
  • Term 2 and Term 3: optional training, students can participate in other winter sports and resistance training continues for those interested
  • Learn To Row Programme: Terms 1-3
  • Term 3 (Week 8) – the season starts for those selected
  • Term 4 – first regattas and training camp held

Game days: Regattas are held in the weekends (not every weekend). Regattas are published annually with a total of 20-30 nights away with the rowing team, usually at Lake Karapiro.

Practice times:

  • At least three to four on-the-water sessions per week (before School and on weekends)
  • At least twice a week in the gym and one erg session
  • Learn To Row: two mornings per week offered on ergs and in the gym (7am-8:30am in the Old Gym). Attendance is optional but recommended. There is also on-water training starting in Term 2

Costs:

  • Learn To Row (Terms 1-3): $300
  • Full club membership: approximately $4,000 due in August (plus uniform). Financial assistance is offered if needed

Equipment: All is provided

Registration: Early in Term 1 for Learn To Row or anytime up until trials in mid Term 3

Trials: Trials are held early in Term 3 for selection into the competitive squad. Crew selections are ongoing until March, when final crews are selected for the Maadi Cup (New Zealand Secondary Schools Championships)

Master in Charge: M. Gaspar. Students are able to speak to her in Form 4 Dean’s Office during the School day or contact her via email.

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