With summer just around the corner, now is a great time to start thinking about where your rowing might take you. For masters rowers, owning a traditional boat can come with challenges. You need somewhere to store it, a way to transport it, and access to suitable water. RowSUP offers a practical alternative. The inflatable RowSUP combines a stand-up paddleboard with a folding rowing rig, allowing you to switch between paddling and rowing in minutes, without tools. It packs in

Sponsors: Key sponsor C&R and ICIB Insurance and Newsletter sponsor Aotearoa Boat Company. In partnership with Bay of Plenty Coast Rowing Association and the Clubs in the region The Spring Regatta was successful with 143 competitor entries (after scratchings) and eight coxswains-only entries. Saturday conditions were dull and damp but calm enough for racing. Attendees described the event as another positive “feel good” Legion event. The relaxed style of regional regattas prov

A major step in ensuring NZ Master's needs and issues are heard by Rowing New Zealand, is about to take place. A National Masters Panel is being formed. This opportunity is open to 3rd October 2026. The National Masters Panel is an advisory group to Rowing New Zealand (RNZ), providing a national voice for Masters rowing. Its role is to listen to the Masters community, identify issues and opportunities, and provide practical advice and recommendations to RNZ as well as oversee

The reports collectively show how significant the 2026 U19 World Championships campaign was for the athletes, both in terms of rowing performance and personal development. A consistent theme is their gratitude to the Legion of Rowers and other supporters who helped make the opportunity possible. Across the athletes’ reports, several themes stand out: Gratitude: Every athlete emphasises how important financial and community support was in enabling them to compete international

The Legion of Rowers has always had a simple purpose: support Masters rowing, create opportunities for Masters to compete and connect, and give back to the sport by supporting the next generation of New Zealand rowers. Our Masters events across the North Island are an important part of this work. They bring rowers together, create competition and, through the income they generate, enable the Legion to support Under 19 rowers selected to represent New Zealand at the World Ro

At this year's Legions AGM, presenters shared the highlights and challenges behind three building projects — Highbrook Regional Watersports Centre, St George's Rowing Club and Northshore Rowing Club. A shared story about people who saw a gap, held onto a vision and kept showing up, sometimes for decades, for the next generation of rowers. Watch the presenters here, or read what was shared below. Highbrook Regional Watersports Centre Presented by Murdock Dryden, Trustee 2016

Most sports clubs, charities and community groups rely on volunteers to run their committees and make decisions. These roles can be rewarding, but they also come with responsibilities. In New Zealand, the Incorporated Societies Act 2022 sets out duties for officers and committee members. They must act in good faith, act in the best interests of the organisation, and take reasonable care when making decisions. Association Liability Insurance helps protect the organisation

Through Aotearoa Boat Company, Poralu Marine’s world-class pontoon infrastructure is available to rowing clubs, schools and organisations throughout New Zealand.­­­ We work with Poralu and its customers to guide projects through every stage - from the initial feasibility study and design, through to manufacture, installation and final commissioning on the water. No project is too small or too large 180 mm freeboard Complies with New Zealand standards Low maintenance requirem

The Aotearoa Boat Company Bow Light Finally, we have a fit-for-purpose bow light designed by two Kiwi coaches for New Zealand conditions. This light is a game-changer for our rowing community. 100% waterproof (rated to 50 m) Magnetic on/off switch for easy operation Automatic shut-off at sunrise to save battery life Built specifically for saltwater use Positive buoyancy ensures it won't sink Attaches to most bow number holders White flashing LED light visible from up to 4 km

At Matariki Weekend, July 2026, a group of rowers from six clubs gathered for two days of rowing adventures on two Rotorua lakes. The weather was kind with blue days starting with cool mornings. The weekend was coordinated by Christine Hobbs, St George's Rowing Club and Barbara Neale, Rotorua Rowing Club. They created a range of new experiences for the rowers. Coastal boats were hired from Rowing New Zealand and skiffs were provided including two Octuples. Masters from Auckla

Rowing is a captivating sport in New Zealand. Many people are drawn to it, inspired by the Kiwi Pair, the Tokyo Eight, or Emma Twigg. If you’re an adult considering rowing, you’re not alone. There’s a growing interest in trying this fantastic sport. Adult learn to row courses serve two important purposes. They help raise funds for clubs and attract new members to your masters training group. Let’s explore how to run a successful adult learn to row course. How to Run an Adult

A note from the Legion of Rowers newsletter sponsor: “I’ve been involved in the rowing shoe industry for 10 years. In that time, Bont Rowing shoes are the best shoes I’ve come across! With their carbon split sole technology using top end cycling industry materials, Bont Rowing shoes help to increase foot force production while reducing lateral movement to improve on water performance. A product that shows you’re truly invested in your results. “When coaching in the lead u

🥇 Article provided by Kevin Horan Success in Perth – 2026 Australian Masters Rowing Championships The 2026 Australian Masters Rowing Championships were held in the final week of May at Champion Lakes in Perth, bringing together competitors from across Australia and beyond. A strong New Zealand contingent, largely from the lower North Island, made the journey across the Tasman—and returned home with an impressive haul of medals. 🇳🇿 Kiwi Representation The New Zealand group

The recipients of the 2026 Legion of Rowers Awards are seven grateful rowers from the North Island. This year the Legion is in a position to award $4,000 to each rower covering around 20% of their campaign costs and helping these talented young rowers represent New Zealand on the world stage. The funding for these awards comes from the Legion of Rowers $3,000 (North Island Masters rowers and Legion members) and our sponsor - C&R Insurance and ICIB Brokerweb Ltd $1,000. The t

Rowing pioneer, administrator and volunteer and Past President of the Legion of Rowers, Lesley Milne has been awarded the prestigious 2026 Sir Eion and Jan, Lady Edgar Lifetime Achievement Award from New Zealand Sport and Recreation. Here is her speech... Thank you Rowing NZ for this most unexpected and humbling honour- thank you Sport NZ for this wonderful evening and everyone for your ovation. This honour has come quite out of the blue for me and has completely bowled me o

Sponsored by C&R and ICIB Brokerweb Insurance Blue Lake (Lake Tikitapu) Regatta August 29 and 30, 2026 Organised and run in partnership between the Legion of Rowers and with the Bay of Plenty Rowing Association BOPRA. Two days of racing Saturday 29th August: Single gender, 1000 metres N.B. Where there is more than 1 Heat in a category there will be a Final race at the end of the same Block. Sunday 30th August: Mixed Racing, 1000 metres, 2 person, 4 person and 8 person events

Photos by Judy Shadbolt The recipients were: CONSTANZE DUELL, Bay of Plenty Coast: Womens A-D Single - Doctor Stuart Reid Cup DAN DE GROOT, Star Boating Club: Men's A-D Single - Stuart Wade Blade STEVE WESTLAKE, North Shore Rowing Club: Men's E-M Single - John Marshall Trophy 1892 JAMES AND MICHAEL BRAKE, North Shore Rowing Club: Men's A-D Double - Stuart Wade Blade BRITTANY SMITH AND AMANDA BADGER, West End Rowing Club: Women's A-D Double - Alexander Farmer 1924 Trophy BRUC

Hear an update from three 2025 award recipients - Angella Carney, Blake Cooper and Maclaine Stuart. Angella Carney Thank you again to you and the Legion of Rowers for your generous support of my U19 campaign. It was an unforgettable experience that taught me a lot. Since then, I have raced a club season with Waikato Rowing Club, where I placed second in the senior double, quad and eight at nationals. I definitely found club rowing very different to school programs, but I ulti

Under 22 Coxed Four - silver winners at the Oceania Team Champs Australian, May 2026 Four of the 2025 Under 19 Award recipients were selected to represent the North Island in the U22 team to race at the recent Oceania Teams Champs in Australia in May 2026. They were Angalla Carney Blake Cooper Jack Buckley Nathan Strachan The team travelled an hour inland of Brisbane to Lake Wyaralong to race as a North Island team against the Australian State teams and the South Island. Anga

As a passionate rower and club organizer, the thought of competing in the World Masters Games (WMG) fills me with excitement. Scheduled for May 14-30, 2027, in Japan's vibrant Kansai region, this event is a dream for masters athletes. While many associate Japan with Tokyo, the WMG is centered in Kansai – encompassing cities like Kyoto, Osaka, and Kobe – with rowing events at the stunning Lake Biwa in Shiga Prefecture. Read more HERE How to organise your Club? This guide will