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

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

🥇 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

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

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

Rowing New Zealand is launching a national series of Masters Training Camps in 2026. They are now inviting clubs to express interest in hosting one of these weekend camps. Camp Overview Each camp will include: • Four on-water sessions in big boats (more where possible) • Erg and technical video analysis • Education seminars • Individual feedback for participants (videos) Camps will cater for 16–24 masters rowers, grouped by ability. These initial camps are not designed for ra

Rowing can create harmony at home or rowing can rock the domestic boat. For a masters racer who regularly competes in addition to a busy work schedule, time-blocking to give enough attention to a non-rowing partner has its challenges. If the scales are not balanced, all-day weekend regattas, early morning practices, long rows, mixed boat […]

Rowing New Zealand’s Community and Schools Rowing Co-Ordinator emailed this letter to all clubs on 15th July 2025. Please ensure your club committee and your masters members respond with feedback before the 29 August deadline. Hello Rowing Community, A Strategy for the Future of Masters Rowing in New Zealand In July 2024, Rowing New Zealand […]

An athlete asked this question Anyone familiar with imposter syndrome in middle aged athletes and how to get past it? I mean, not me, obviously, just asking generally. It is surprisingly common to find masters rowers thinking that they are less skilled, less deserving of being in good crew lineups and generally “talk themselves down”. […]

A survey was circulated after the New Zealand Masters Championships Regatta in September 2024. The results are summarised below.

Thanks to everyone who filled in the survey after the North Island Masters championships. High level findings

You bag your warm up and jump straight to the hard strokes. Next you conveniently forget your post-row stretch. Cutting training corners may be tempting when you are in a rush but in the long run it won’t pay. Even if you are short on time, following the rule of four will give you good […]

The injury rate in rowing is about 0.4 per 1,000 hours of training at the elite level. Rates may be higher among non-elite recreational rowers but are far less than other sports such as (American) football at 4 per 1,000 hours of training or rugby at 40 per 1000 hours of training. What causes rowing […]

Matt Kavanagh started rowing at the end of 2001 when Brian Hawthorne was doing a project out of North Shore RC and he heard about it. He had done half a novice year at school and always wanted to do it again. Last month Matt broke a New Zealand erg record for the 43-49 age […]

Looking for the right training recipe to boost your results this year? Race pace workouts are a key ingredient for boat speed. Your conditioning is going to improve through the season. In the early weeks develop a solid base of fitness and technique where you stick to lower intensity workouts until you feel your technique […]

The Legion of Rowers committee is pleased to announce a change to the classification for novice masters rowers. For the 2023 season and the Legion of Rowers Regatta in May 2023 the new classification is Novice Masters Event Classification – A Rower who is eligible for Novice Masters events is a Masters rower who has […]

This picture was sent to the St Georges R C web site with the question ….. “Is this a St Georges rower, and what can you tell me about this person”. The photo was a copy of the original which was made at a family funeral over 30 years ago. Sometimes a random enquiry can […]

Missing buoys, steering off course, falling out of your boat, being late to the start, rushing the slide, or stopping too soon before the finish line are only a few of those rookie mistakes common to the new competitive sculler. The skills of racing a single scull take time to develop because it is a […]