Oars in Sync - Rowing Season 2025
by Keith Reynolds, Rowing Coordinator
“We were never eight. We were one.”
Boys in the Boat, Daniel James Brown
We took to the water for Rowing Season 2025 back in the warm bright sunny days of Term 4 in 2024.
Seniors now old hands at this rowing game, walking with a bit of swagger amongst the younger year groups. Our Year 10s full of enthusiasm and a bit of bravado looking for their second season. While our Year 9 were full of wonder, awe and not knowing that they would not really know rowing until the first regatta in Term 2, 2025.
They all set about learning about their new squad. The noisy, laughing Year 9 group learning rowing terminology and boat part names. For us as coaches it was fun sorting out the different faces, characters and identities of our new rowers.
Everyone learns that rowing is different. Some have said it is the ultimate team sport, which when racing there are no time outs and no substitutions.” Just the simple notion of everyone pitching in and pulling together.”
Then we find harmony, balance and timing. Crew rowing creates a trust, a bond, mutual respect and watching out for each other. Weather and river conditions builds resilience that only the natural environment can give.
Over these months we have built stamina, strength and gained knowledge.
The first few regattas lulled us into thinking winter was asleep. Beautiful racing conditions out at the lake. The last week showed us up with a couple of trainings lost to a deep dark fog and a very wet freezing Head of the River day.
Our Penrhos rowers went out and left it all out on the water. As coaches and mentors to these rowers we could not have been prouder with the way they raced and conducted themselves on the day. Well done to all. Keep the rowing vibe going. See you all in Term 4!
It does take a great team to get a crew on the water and I wish to thank the many who have helped. The College, admin, grounds and building, our wonderful PE department. The fantastic and hard working Friends of Rowing and all our rowing families. Thank you, thank you, thank you. What we do on the water cannot be done with you all.
“The crew who burn from stem to stern
To win the foremost place,
The Crew to row, the boat to go
The Eight to win the race”
Racing Eight James Lister Cuthbertson
Stay calm and row on!
