Rowing is a sport which should be very aligned with climate action. As water users we are very aware of variable water levels and weather patterns changing. I’m sure you have experienced a regatta cancellation due to high winds. The World Rowing Federation is actively supporting three UN Sustainable Development Goals #13 on Climate Action, […]

Masters rowers, we are just over a month away from 2025 NZ Masters Rowing Champs in Twizel!! This year, your registration to enter is different. Rowing Connect is the new individual registration system for Rowing New Zealand. This means everyone participating in rowing this season will need to self-register. NZ Masters Champs entries open 11th September and […]

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 […]

Administrator of the Year Chris Williams, Whangarei Rowing Club Chris Williams has been a dedicated member of the Whangarei Rowing Club since 2011, beginning asa Masters rower and evolving into a highly respected coach and President. His unwaveringcommitment to the club and its athletes is evident in the countless hours he devotes each week tocoaching, […]

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”. […]

We have a giant list of trophies which were won (see document at the end of the article). And a correspondingly giant photo gallery of winners. Full 1k/500m regatta results list. Full Long distance 5k results list. Grateful thanks to Adie Pederson and Mike Harrison for taking the photos. Trophies Presented Singles 16 – Masters Para single […]

There have been some changes to the conditions of racing – please be aware. Summary of principal changes. See file below for the full details. Entries Open: April 3rd at 10 am Entries Close: April 17th at 10 pm Supplementary Entries Open: April 19th at 10 am Supplementary Entries Close: April 30th at 10 pm SCRATCHING FEE to apply […]

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 Regatta Committee are keen to get more trophies to present and when asking around, the Auckland Rowing Association told us “we’ve got lots of trophies which are no longer presented”. Wow, what a find! Terry Tidbury reviewed the cupboard full of cups and found among them the WG Mason coxless fours trophy first presented […]

Your boat fleet should match the needs of your group. Many masters group ‘inherit’ boats but for optimal club alignment match the boats with the membership needs. Assess the current fleet – look for the manufacturer’s label – serial number, year of construction and athlete weight. Log these for your whole boat fleet. Different boat […]

Following our plan to offer regular masters rowing camps, The Legion is hosting a camp on 5-6th April 2025 hosted by Aramoho Whanganui Rowing Club. Lead coach is Chris Jones who also coached on our August camp last year. He’s both a masters rower and has coached crews to Henley Royal Regatta wins in the […]

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

Lesley Milne, Past President of the Legion of Rowers spoke at Brian’s funeral on Friday 4th October 2024. Good afternoon everyone – I would like to acknowledge Brian’s 40+ years of dedicated service to the Legion of Rowers. Most of you are aware, that the Legion of Rowers began in Auckland in 1950 – as […]

The speakers after the 2024 Legion AGM were an intrepid group who created the foundations for womens rowing in New Zealand. Each gave a personal account of their introduction to rowing and the amazing things they achieved and the barriers and hurdles they overcame. Monty Wawatai was inspired to research this for a history paper […]

Just back from racing at the “mega worlds” in St Catharine’s Canada, we are getting the first report back from the U19 rowers who received financial support from the Legion of Rowers. Emma Bagrie Emma designed this lovely collage for us.

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

To apply for grants here. Legion membership dues and profits from our regattas go to support U19 Junior rowing. If you would join the Legion enables more $$ to be made available in future years.

Lesley Milne (nee Keys) Lesley Milne has given nearly five decades of service to rowing. All these hours have been voluntary, over and above her day job as a primary school teacher, where she also excelled. Much of the voluntary time given, has been in the evenings and weekends. A Lifetime of Service to Rowing […]

Mahe Drysdale recruited his children to assist with prizegiving.