Last weekend the TGC rowing students participated in the Rotorua 1000m regatta, representing Tauranga Rowing Club.

The wind was blowing and the water was very choppy at times but it's safe to say it was a great way to open the season, especially for the Novices. It was their first introduction of regatta-style rowing in the unpredictable weather of the lake. They embraced with confidence, and smiles and managed to leave with their first few wins to set up for the upcoming season.

They placed 2nd in the Novice coxed eight, 1st in the novice coxed quad, and 3rd in the novice coxed four to name a few. The intermediate rowers of TGC tested the waters of their first race in a single coming out with a 3rd place and a 5th place while also placing 2nd in their U17 double race straight after.

Apart from the surfable waves towards the end and many missing the race-starting call, the Intermediates and Novices still took on the tough challenge of racing and came out the other end with a new experience. Overall this regatta was filled with backsplash and smiles, signaling the start of a good race season.

Article by Cat McIver

Photo Credit @Claire House Photography