Whakatāne Rowing Club recently held its annual October school holiday “Learn to Row” programme, with organisers delighted by the strong turn-out of 27 participants for the three-day event.

Targeting students in year 8 and above, the club offered three morning sessions operating out of its local clubrooms and on the Whakatāne River.

Led by coaches Lena Cassidy-Clark and Grace Iremonger, the cohort spent their first day in the gym learning about rowing as a sport, followed by hands-on technique training using the club’s extensive collection of ergometers (indoor rowing machines).

Day two saw the participants break into smaller groups, rotating between a boat-rigging workshop, a gym fitness and weights session, indoor ergometer work, and time in a “dry boat” on the riverbank to get their first feel for handling oars.

The final morning saw the culmination of their training as the group took to the water in eights and quads, supported by this year’s novice rowing squad. Perfect weather conditions provided an ideal backdrop for their first real strokes on the river.

Following the success of the holiday programme, 18 participants have registered for the extended “Give it a Row” programme.

Held on weekends throughout Term 4 and continuing into 2027, this is designed to build foundational skills and enjoyment for younger rowers without the pressure of regatta racing.

This marks the second consecutive year the club has hosted the initiative. Last year’s 2026 cohort saw 15 athletes transition into this season’s Novice squad.

It is not too late to get involved - anyone interested in joining the “Give it a Row” programme can register interest by contacting the Whakatāne Rowing Club via their Facebook page or website.