Message from the CEO | End of Year Wrap-Up & Festive Wishes from Rowing NSW

Centenary Edition of the JB Sharp Memorial Regatta Series:

• In July, Iron Cove and Blackwattle Bay came alive for the Centenary edition of this iconic Series, which continues to play a vital role in developing our novice rowers. 

Olympic and Paralympic Success: 

World Champions in Canada:

• NSW athletes returned from the U19 and U23 World Championships with five medals, further cementing our state’s reputation as a rowing powerhouse. 

Beach Sprint Breakthrough:

• October saw the successful debut of the Oceania Youth and NSW All Schools Beach Sprints at Station Beach, our first-ever Beach Sprint regatta, which introduced a vibrant new dimension to rowing in NSW. Our talent ID initiative through the Western Sydney Academy of Sport identified Indigenous athletes who also participated in the beach sprint regatta, marking a step towards greater inclusion in our sport.  

Record-Breaking NSW All Schools Championships:

• Over 1,400 athletes from 41 schools competed at SIRC, showcasing the incredible depth of school rowing in our state. 

Season Finale:

• We rounded out the calendar year with the exciting Reindeer Regatta and Sprint Championships doubleheader, bringing the rowing community together in competition and festive spirit. 

Gotcha4Life 24 Hour Row:

• This year’s event united schools and clubs, with Mosman RC hosting the HQ. This much needed community initiative will return in 2025. 

Coaching Development:

• We continued to deliver coaching courses, ensuring our coaches are equipped to nurture the next generation of athletes. 

Duke4Sport Partnership:

• RNSW proudly became a Duke4Sport partner, furthering our commitment to fostering volunteering, leadership and community engagement through sport. 

Come and Try Olympic Sport Day:

• This initiative introduced new participants to rowing, sparking interest and growing our sport. 

NVDS Hour of Power Sessions:

• These sessions highlighted the strength and camaraderie within our rowing community. 

Paralympics Australia - Para TID days:

• Supported by Community Rowing Club, RNSW participated in 2 Talent ID days at Sydney Olympic Park as part of the future green and gold search campaign. 

NSW Rowing Championships:

• February will showcase NSW rowing talent at this premier event. 

Australian Masters Rowing Championships:

• In May/June, we’ll welcome athletes from across the nation and beyond for this flagship Masters event. 

Marquee School Regattas:

• The Schoolgirl and Schoolboy Head of the River regattas in March promise thrilling competition and a celebration of school rowing. 

Oceania U22 Teams Rowing Championships:

• A new and exciting addition to the rowing calendar to increase participation and competition for post-school athletes. 

Sprint Eliminator:

• Exciting new skins sprint format featuring, repeat sprint intervals, cash prizes and a who’s who of rowing talent against 3 local qualifiers. 

Launching the New RNSW Strategic Plan:

• A roadmap for growth and development that will guide us into the future. 

Regatta Endorsement Process:

• We’ll introduce a clear and supportive process to help clubs and schools deliver regattas with consistent standards and guidance. 

Officials Training for Schools:

• Delivered through the Duke4Sport program, this initiative will build skills and confidence in officiating.