The start of rowing at DHS has been an exciting but was not meet without its challenges.

Day one - So it began our first day of Rowing Training Camp for 2024. We meet at school ready to depart for the Selwyn Huts with a bunch of excited but nervous students not quite sure what they had signed themselves up for. The day came with a few challenges the wind was up and it was very difficult for a bunch of rookies to even get the boat out on the water let alone go in the right direction. In true DHS spirit the squad got stuck in and manage to navigate a return trip through the canals. They came off the water feeling a little overloaded and exhausted but were still keen to stick it out.

Day 2 - Was cancelled due to the rain. Some were disappointed others were happy to rest aching bodies and blistered hands!

Day 3 - Was a stunning day of 26 Degrees and sun! Students were in high spirits and excited to get back into the boat! Today was a much easier day as it wasn't so windy and not only had the students learnt some of the Rowing Lingo I had aswell! We were able to come together as a group before we got on the Water and go through these and have them down packed so they were prepared and ready to get in the boat. The students came off the water feeling energized and proud of themselves and the progress they had made.

Day 4 - Was another fantastic day where the weather was on our side! This was a great day to see all the learning that had taken place over the last couple of days come together and the team make some real gains in their training. The energy levels were high in the van with lots of singing and chatter.

We have started our Tuesday and Saturday Training's and students are really enjoying it and looking forward to rowing. We are working towards the following Regatta's in the near future.

2024 Canterbury Junior Regatta held at Lake Hood February 24th/25th

2024 Meridian SI Secondary Schools' Champs Regatta held at lake Ruataniwha, Twizel March 1st - 3rd.

We have some amazing support from Avon Rowing club with the use of boats that have been loaned for free to get us going. Pat McQuinn has kindly offered his services as a volunteer to coach our students and guide them, we are so honored and privileged to have his expertise. Along with Pat's support, we have Colins enthusiasm and networking abilities (and handyman skills). We have gone to our community to ask for support as we are seeking sponsorship or funding for a Container, Small Shelter, Boat Trailer, A van for transport to training and regattas with a tow bar, Rowing Gazebo, Rowing Uniforms and training tops and support with costs of Fuel and Insurance plus other incidentals. We have been very lucky to have obtained a Donation from the Canterbury Vein Specialist & Ranger Specialist Coatings thank you for your support.

If you can be of any support please don't hesitate to reach out no offer of support is to small.

Please email sport@darfield.school.nz

Staff Update