PHOTO: HEAD COACH ALASTAIR RIDDLE FACING THE NOVICE OARSMEN AND WOMEN. CALLUM TAFT BESIDE HIM AND TUREI CREW IN THE RED AND BLUE STRIPED RBHS SHIRT ; 3^RD FROM THE RIGHT (‘3 SEAT’)IN THE OCTUPLE SCULL ‘SHELL’ OR ‘SKIFF’. THIS BIG BOAT IS USED FOR TRAINING BECAUSE EACH SCULLER HAS 2 OARS AND THIS MAKES THE BOAT MUCH STEADIER ON THE WATER. THE BIGGEST BOAT FOR RACING IS THE EIGHT OAR SKIFF.

Being ‘on-water’ is cool...

The best thing about rowing as a sport is that anyone can start in Year 9. No one person can be better than another. Everyone starts as a ‘Novice’ or ‘beginner’. Mahe Drysdale and Eric Murray and Hamish Bond and Julia Edward all started as ‘Novvies’. You might have a little experience with a rugby ball or a soccer ball but the odds are, you will have had none in a rowing skiff. That is because it is so much easier to keep a soccer ball in the garage, than a 9m single skiff. And who can manage to get together 7 other rowers and find space for a 15m ‘eight’ next to the family sedan?

“Open day at the Rotorua Rowing Club saw a good turnout at the club last Saturday morning on a perfect morning” said Head Coach at Rotorua Rowing Club; Alastair Riddle .  In excess of 20 Rotorua year 9 and 10's came down to see what rowing is about. After some time on the rowing machines and a look at the equipment, all got on the water, with experienced rowers, to have a go.  “The ‘Learn-to-row’ program starts mid April for all ages” and Coach Riddle “ likes to run a couple of these days while the weather is warm.”

Rotorua’s Julia Edward was once a Novice; coached by Coach Riddle, right here at the Rotorua Rowing Club. This year Julia achieved Finalist in the ‘Emerging Talent’ Category of the 2011 Halberg Awards.

If you are interested in learning to row, get in touch with your Rotorua school, or phone Head Coach Alastair Riddle on 021 447 111.