Wellington College

Rowing has been offered as a sport at Wellington College for over 100 years and has developed a proud history over that time.

While the on-water training conditions in Wellington can be challenging, the Wellington College crews have a reputation for being among the fittest crews in New Zealand and our rowers consistently make A finals and win medals at the North Island Secondary Schools Championship regatta and the New Zealand Secondary School Championships (otherwise known as the Maadi Cup). We were thrilled to watch our recent old boy Philip Wilson win gold in the men’s eight at the Tokyo Olympics 2020. He was following in the footsteps of other WC rowing alumni – Peter Taylor (bronze at the London Olympics 2012) and George Bridgewater (bronze at the Beijing Olympics 2008).

The Wellington College Rowing Club (WCRC) operates under the umbrella of Star Boating Club and all rowers are members of Star as well as WCRC. The College rowing programme is carried out by a dedicated team comprising College staff, voluntary coaches, old boys and parents. Logistically, rowing is demanding and requires both personal and financial commitment. The payback, however, can be huge. Boys develop incredible fitness, a strong sense of commitment, self discipline and teamwork. They also make life-long friendships.

We offer a Learn to Row programme in term 3 for anyone new to rowing, all year groups are welcome. At the end of the Learn to Row programme, a novice squad is selected for the season.