There were plenty of early mornings, hard erg sessions, testing pieces and kilometres on the water, but there was also plenty of fun along the way. After a busy winter, the Wellington Rowing Association’s Row for Gold programme has now wrapped up – giving athletes from across the region plenty to celebrate.

Row for Gold brought together Year 12 athletes from Wellington rowing clubs for a winter of structured training, racing and development. For many, it was an opportunity to step outside their usual club environment, train alongside new people and challenge themselves in a different way.

The programme was about more than simply putting in the kilometres. Athletes worked through structured training and regular testing, while mixed crews and racing opportunities gave them the chance to experience rowing alongside athletes from other clubs. Just as importantly, the programme helped build connections across the Wellington rowing community.

And while the planned finale – the Manawatū Grunt – was unfortunately cancelled because of the weather forecast, the athletes weren’t going to let a cancelled race stop them from celebrating. Instead, the winter squads came together for a BBQ, providing a chance to relax, catch up and look back on what had been a fantastic few months.

The atmosphere at the end-of-programme gathering was a fitting reflection of what Row for Gold has been about. Athletes who had spent the winter training and racing together were able to celebrate each other’s efforts, with the wider group there to support and cheer one another on.

Behind the athletes has been a huge team effort, with coaches, clubs and supporters contributing their time, equipment and facilities to make the programmes possible. Jamie, Denzell, Jono, Kate and Michele were among those thanked for their contribution, alongside everyone else who helped bring the winter programme together.

For the athletes themselves, the end of Row for Gold is less a finish line than another step in their rowing journey. The hard work put in over winter has helped develop not only their fitness and rowing, but also their confidence and connections with athletes from around the region.

A huge congratulations to everyone who took part. You put in the work, challenged yourselves and supported each other – and you should be proud of what you achieved.

With the winter programmes now complete, attention turns to the Wellington Interprovincial squad, which will be selected shortly.

Whatever comes next, Row for Gold has shown what can happen when Wellington’s young rowers come together: plenty of hard work, plenty of learning, and a pretty good dose of camaraderie along the way.

Article added: Tuesday 1 September 2026