Rowing 2024We are excited to be offering Rowing as a Sport in 2024. — Earlier this month we were approached by Colin Giddens enquiring about the possibility of Darfield High School getting involved in Rowing. Having been asked on many occasions if I could look into offering this as an option, I thought why not since Colin approached us. Colin helped set up a meeting with retired ex NZ Coach Pat McQuinn. The wealth of knowledge and experience from these two lovely gentlemen was mind boggling. Pat coached the NZ 4's and 8's in a world cup regatta in the mid 70's and has been involved in rowing for 50+ years. Up to last year was coaching St Thomas' of Canterbury. Unknown to us, Darfield High School is already affiliated to the Avon Rowing Club in Christchurch. On delving into this, in 2009 Darfield had a student, Brittany Smith who competed in the SISS Rowing Champs in U17 Single Sculls and U18 Single Sculls. Both Pat and Colin are retired and are keen to support Darfield High School, their time is free but ask only a donation towards their travel costs. The Avon Rowing Club have generously lent us FOC an eight oar boat, 2 single sculls, 2 double sculls, oars and sculls to get started. Pat has access to another 2 single sculls and St Thomas' has lent us, for this season an eight. This kindness is incredible and beyond where we could get to ourselves. Work has begun at the Lower Selwyn Huts, clearing trees and saltbush to house the boats. St Thomas may train there from time to time and Lincoln University is also looking to utilise this location too. We are inviting any students and their families that would like to have a go or see what it is all about, along to a trial session on Sunday 3rd December at the Lower Selwyn Huts, from 11am to 2pm. Ideally this is open to ALL students at Darfield High School and working towards having individuals and teams in Regattas in 2024 and ultimately the Maadi Cup in 2025. This opportunity is amazing and we would love your support to make it work! Please email Pip at sport@darfield.school.nz or phone/text 0212797857 if you are interested in coming along to the Have A Go Day on Sunday 3rd Dec. Let's make a day of it, bring a picnic, bring the family, we will provide some BBQ food as well.  by Pip Deans

Rowing is now being offered at DHS

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Open Day, Sunday 3rd December - come and join us at the Selwyn Hutts and try your hand at rowing.

Just a reminder from last weeks article about the opportunity we are offering to anyone who is interested in rowing to join us next Sunday, 3rd Dec.

We are lucky to have such great support and expertise from Pat McQuinn and Colin Giddens along with the Avon Rowing Club.

To date we have a good response and it's still not too late to register if you would like to join us.  Please email Pip - sport@darfield.school.nz or phone/txt 0212797857.