Otago Boys’ has a proud rowing tradition, with Old Boys including Hamish Bond, Carl Meyer, Ben Mason, Henry Kirk and Reuben Cook among those who have gone on to achieve great things.
This year, leading our programme is Head Coach Bryce Abernethy, who rowed to NZ Elite level himself, he has coached schoolboy rowers up to New Zealand representative athletes. He will be supported by Sam and Georgie Earl (nee Evers-Swindell), both Olympians who will bring a wealth of knowledge to the squad.
The hard stuff is where the growth happens
Ask our boys what they find hardest about rowing and they won’t sugar-coat it, but what is most interesting is how they get through those challenges:
“Learning technique was hard. I got through it by staying focussed and using positive self chat.”
“Getting to know my new rowing mates. I didn’t know the guys before this season and now I think of them as good mates.”
“Early starts have been hard. I got through it by drinking an Up&Go each morning and just looking forward to seeing my mates!”
“2km ergs were hard. I got through by getting in the right mindset to do them - taking a bit of time on my own to mentally prepare.”
And then there are the lessons they say they have learned about themselves:
“I am more confident in myself. I know I am capable of doing hard things.”
“I have learnt that I thrive in the face of a challenge and I enjoy being a leader.”
“I can do more than I realise. I have surprised myself by taking on a new sport and trying hard with it.”
“I have learnt I can push harder than I think and I love working as a team.”
“I have learnt I love this sport and trusting in my teammates and enjoying the process.”
“Learning that I am more confident.”
And finally the bits they most enjoy about rowing:
"Going away to regattas and hanging with my mates."
"The awesome food we get."
"Getting super fit."
That is what makes rowing such a valuable part of a boy’s time at Otago Boys’.
Rowing is an “all in” sport: There are early starts, tough training sessions, training camps, long days at regattas but those challenges are where the confidence, resilience, discipline, teamwork and friendships are built.
FAQS:
What does the season look like?
The rowing season begins at the start of Term 4 and runs through to March.
What does training look like?
Rowing is a commitment, but the boys quickly settle into the rhythm of the season. Training includes early-morning sessions during the week, along with a longer Saturday session.
The programme builds as the season progresses, with the focus on developing fitness, rowing skills and working together as a crew.
During the summer holidays, boys continue a fitness programme in their own time.
The season includes training camps and several regattas, culminating in the Maadi Cup regatta which will next year be at Lake Karapiro in Cambridge.
The club is administered by a friendly and welcoming parent committee.
What does it cost?
Fees are dependent on how many rowers we have sign up but will be between $5,000 - $6,000 for the season (including $1000 start-of-season Capex fee), and $3,250 for coxswains.
Fees do not need to be paid upfront, they can be paid off throughout the season. The fee covers accommodation, food, regatta entry fees and transport. The Capex fee goes into a separate club account which covers capital item purchases and gear repairs and maintenance.
Are there additional costs?
Uniform items are extra.
Attending Maadi Cup is also additional and depends on selection and boat entries later in the season.
The Club employs a driver to transport hostel boys to trainings and back, so for hostel boys this is a small additional fee.
What is expected of parents?
During regattas and training camps, the boys stay together at a camp, with the rowing committee organising their accommodation, meals and transport.
Depending on numbers, parents are asked to take on one or two rostered regattas as parent duty during the season, outside of that, there is no expectation to help at regattas if you aren't rostered on.
There are also small jobs that come up throughout the season such as cooking BBQs at the rowing shed or transporting boys in vans. Parents are encouraged to help where they can. Some parents are able to do a lot, while others may only have time to pitch in occasionally — every bit helps. We keep it relaxed, share the load and, most importantly, make it an enjoyable season for everyone.
My son would be an older novice rower, is that ok?
YES! starting rowing as an U18 novice is a great opportunity for boys in year 10, 11 or 12. Older novices can often get good results on the water. We welcome these boys into our club, they bring leadership, culture and fun!
'Have a go' sessions
If your son is considering rowing, encourage him to come along and try it before making the commitment.
Come to the OBHS Rowing Shed, Magnet Street.
Sunday 30 August - 8am
Saturday 5 September - 10am
Sunday 13 September - 8am
Bring: warm clothing and a water bottle.
New rowers don’t need to attend all three sessions to be part of the team - they can come along to whichever sessions work for them.
For our boarders, there’s no need to travel back to Dunedin for the August 30th session over the long weekend.
Meet the coaches. Meet the team. Have a go.
To help us with planning, please register your son's intention to attend.
With an outstanding coaching team, a proud tradition and a group of boys ready to challenge themselves, now is a great time to be part of the growth of OBHS Rowing.
Please feel free to reach out to Bryce with any questions: