Regattas & Events
The Legion of Rowers ran the first Masters regatta on the Tamaki River in 1985. Since then the Legion has become an advocate and innovator to improve the sport for Masters rowers.
Our two regattas are the North Island Masters Championships - Held in May at Lake Karapiro and the Legion Spring Regatta held in September at various locations.
You'll find a list of masters regattas and events below. We rely on you to keep this up to date.
The Legion of Rowers
North Island Masters Championships
Legends Return to Karapiro.
The water at Karapiro holds a thousand stories. Come and write the next chapter of yours.
The Legion of Rowers is proud to host the annual North Island Masters Championships, an event dedicated to the enduring spirit of the rower. This isn't just a regatta; it's a reunion of the rowing fraternity. It’s about the adrenaline of the start buzzer, the burn of the final 250m, and the banter on the pontoons.
We invite all Masters clubs and rowers from across the North Island to descend on Karapiro for a weekend of hard racing and good times.
Highlights
Competitive tiered racing for all ability levels (A-M grades).
The annual gathering of the North Island’s rowing legends.
Professional race management ensuring fair and fast racing.
The Saturday Night Social: Where the real stories are told.
Don’t let the boat leave without you.
Fun Regattas
Serious Racing. Serious Fun. Whānau Included
Bringing the spirit of rowing to the North Island’s finest waterways
We believe rowing is a sport for life—and for everyone. Whether you are a seasoned Masters rower chasing gold or a parent stepping into a boat with your child for the very first time, we deliver regattas that celebrate the true heart of the sport.
From the mighty Waikato to the Whanganui river and every hidden gem in between, our events turn the North Island’s best waterways into a stage for competition and connection. We combine the thrill of well-organized Masters racing with a relaxed, festival atmosphere that welcomes the whole family.
What you can expect from a fun regatta
Masters with an Edge
We know that "social" doesn't mean "slow." We provide high-quality, professionally managed racing categories tailored for Masters. Expect tight lanes, accurate timing, and age-group competition that lets you test your limits against the best in the North Island.
The "Gen-to-Gen" Experience
This is our specialty. We schedule dedicated "Family & Whānau" events where Mums, Dads, and kids crew the same boat. It’s about passing the torch, sharing the rhythm, and creating memories that last longer than any medal. Whether it's a double scull or a mixed eight, seeing generations pull together is the highlight of the day.
A Classic Kiwi Regatta Vibe
Forget the high-stress environment of elite trials. Our regattas are about the chilly bin on the bank, the BBQ firing up after the last race, and music playing over the loudspeaker. It’s a supportive environment where a novice’s first stroke is cheered just as loudly as a Master’s final sprint.
Seamless Delivery, Anywhere
We handle the logistics—course setup, safety, and scheduling—so you can focus on the rowing. We select locations across the North Island that offer flat water for racing and great spots for a family weekend away.
Row for the win. Row for the fun. Row with your family.
Orphan Rowers
Connecting Rowers, Coxswains, and Equipment for Regattas Worldwide.
Never Miss a Race Again
We know the frustration: you’re fit, you’re ready to race, but you don't have a full crew and you need to hire equipment for your entries. Whether your stroke seat is injured or your club just doesn't have the numbers, the Legion of Rowers has a solution.
We have officially linked with Row on the Go, the global platform for connecting rowers with empty seats.
How this helps you
For the "Orphan" Rower:
Create a profile and list yourself as available for any NZ regatta.
Clubs with a missing seat can find you instantly.
For the Traveller: Heading overseas?
Use the platform to find clubs and crews racing in regattas at your destination.
For the Club Captain:
Struggling to boat a crew? Search the database to find that one rower you need to get your boat on the water.
Don't stay on the bank. Find your crew today. Find a Seat with Row on the Go
Our Partners and Supporters
