Calm, reflective water, mild temperatures and a barbecue going in the background. You could have been forgiven for thinking we were on holiday, but no, it was the Columba rowing have-a-go day on the Otago Harbour!

Sunday, 15 August: 10 am and not a breath of wind. What could be better than being down on the Otago Harbour learning how to row? That was the case for around 30 Columba new and existing rowers last weekend. After an introduction to the shed and boats, the students took to the water in two rowing eights. In each eight there were five experienced rowers (included one coxswain) and four novice (new) rowers.  If the temperature of the water wasn't cold enough to get your heart racing then getting out onto the water for the first time in a skinny rowing boat just might have been.

Jendi Minty and Isabella Davey were in charge of the boats (coxing a boat each) and each boat was accompanied by a safety boat with a coach on board. The eights went up and down the one-kilometre stretch in front of the rowing clubs and were joined by a seal to keep them entertained.  

While some of the students were on the water, another eight of them were trying out the rowing tank at the University Rowing Club. This gave them the opportunity to try out rowing using the same oars they would use in a boat, but on land. There was some power being generated by the new girls if the amount of water flowing out of the tank was anything to go by.  Each of the new rowers had a turn in the eight and also on the rowing tank. This was followed by a barbecue and cake!

It was a wonderful start to the rowing season for our new rowers who will continue to learn the rowing technique on the rowing machines at school. If you are interested in giving rowing a go, please contact Mrs Sinclair: csinclair@columbacollege.school.nz.