Cambridge High School

Rowing is primarily a summer sport and considered to be one of the ultimate team codes. Individuals can be superb athletes but ultimately must rely on other crew members to work as a unit to produce their best performance. The mental and physical demands required in rowing training, not only result in improved physical development and overall fitness but can improve student’s time management skills. Rowing develops strong camaraderie and often results in long lasting friendships.

In school rowing, a rower’s age on the first day of January determines which age group he/she is eligible to row in for the season. There are four age groups within rowing: under 15, under 16, under 17 and under 18. Anyone in their first year of rowing is a Novice – no matter his/her age group. The rowers will typically race in their age group, especially at the under 15 level.

On-water and land-based training will be three or four mornings or afternoons each week plus Saturday or Sunday mornings, depending on the age group and coach. Novices tend to train less intensely than the Seniors. Regular training times will be communicated in advance. After Christmas, the number of training sessions increases in preparation for the North Island Secondary Schools Championships (NISS) and for those selected, the New Zealand Secondary Schools Championships (Maadi Regatta) which are held each year towards the end of March or early April.