02 April 2026
Having spent a week buffeted by the weather in Tasmania for Rowing Nationals, it is quite difficult not to feel a sense of enthusiasm about the Learn to Row regatta on Saturday.
Blessed by the weather, permitted by Rowing SA, catered for by the Parents’ Committee, organised by Joey and his coaching team and embraced by the boys. Perhaps most encouraging was the number of Senior, Inter and even two Year 9 boys who volunteered to give up their Saturday morning to offer the Year 7 students a taste of racing.
The closure of the Torrens due to water quality has disrupted the Year 7s’ Term 1 rowing significantly. Saturday provided an opportunity to give the boys uninterrupted access to the water to test what they have learned. They showed they had been listening to Joey and his coaches on the ergometers. However, the call of “Go” often saw each boy try to get from 0–60 in a millisecond. More often than not, the crew that took the time to move together went fastest. That was the lesson of the morning.
We are very grateful to the boys, parents and coaches who made the morning so enjoyable for the Year 7s and their families. The Year 9, 10, 11 and 12 students set a strong example of service in action, passing on their enthusiasm for rowing. The Parents’ Committee were tireless in their trailer unloading, rigging, barista duties, BBQ, entertaining, packing away and boat washing back on the Torrens.
A special mention to Harry Maidment for his help with washing and storing all the boats at the end of the day. For the boys, the consistent presence of their coaches, guiding them through these new skills, is reassuring.
It was an amazing morning, thank you to everyone who contributed.
Wade Hall-Craggs
Director of Rowing
