A Natural Alignment: Gage Roads and the AMRC

Published Fri 22 May 2026

As Rowing WA continues to work closely with Gage Roads as the official Après-Row Partner for the 2026 Australian Masters Rowing Championships, we’re proud to partner with people who have a genuine connection to our sport and community.

Leading Gage Roads’ brewing team is Head Brewer Ross Brown — a former Olympic rower and 2011 World Champion — whose journey from elite rowing to the brewhouse reflects the same values of teamwork, consistency and enjoyment that underpin both rowing and the Gage Roads approach.

We sat down with Ross to learn more about his connection to the sport, his career, and why this partnership is such a natural fit for AMRC 2026.

Brand Synergy

Q. What does it mean to you personally to see Gage Roads supporting rowing — and what are you most looking forward to about AMRC 2026?

It is a bit of a full-circle moment for me. How good is it to be able to combine two of my great passions in life. I am looking forward to watching some of the legends of Australian Rowing out on the water – that technique and skill to move a boat never goes away. The highlight at any National Championships for me is always the interstate regatta – the rivalries and intensity of racing is always exciting. And I'm sure, sharing a few beers with old friends will be on the cards too.

Q. Gage Roads has become increasingly involved in WA community and sporting events. Why does supporting the Australian Masters Rowing Championships make sense for the brand, and where do you see the crossover between rowing culture and Gage Roads culture?

There are some great synergies between Gage Roads and AMRC. Gage Roads is built around a love of the outdoors, time on the water and the connections you build with the people around you. Rowing is not just about the racing; it's about the friendships, the early mornings, the shared experience. Both cultures are relaxed, inclusive and approachable. The water is literally in our DNA; our name comes from the stretch of water between Fremantle and Rottnest. It’s great to be alongside an event where hundreds of people are out there doing what they love on the water, then coming together afterwards to celebrate with a cold one!

Ross the Rower

Q. You represented Australia at the Olympic Games and won a World Championship in 2011. When you look back on your rowing career, what lessons have stayed with you the most?

There were plenty of lessons along the journey. Things didn’t always go to plan, but rowing is a great sport at rewarding perseverance, resilience and consistency in the long run. It was always important to take the time to learn from the setbacks, control the controllables and adapt to get closer to the goal.

Q. Do you have a race, crew or moment in your rowing career that still stands out as unforgettable?

It's hard to top the Lightweight Eight gold at the World Championships in Bled in 2011. Lake Bled in Slovenia is one of the most beautiful places I've ever been, what an amazing location to race. But beyond the scenery, it was the group of guys and the two coaches - who really understood how to get the best out of us, both individually and as a crew. Our preparation had been disrupted along the way, but we looked forward to every chance we had to get in the boat together and find more boat speed. We had a genuine belief in each other and in what we were building and above all we had a great time doing it. We raced to our strengths and kept it simple – focusing on great baseline speed, relaxed and connected rhythm and a well-timed attack to the line – I’ll never forget the way the boat lifted out of the water!

Staying Connected to the Sport

Q. Do you still get out on the water, and how has your relationship with the sport changed since your elite career?

I still love getting out on the water, although I'll be the first to admit it's not as regular as I'd like these days. After I retired from international rowing, I continued competing for my club, Swan River Rowing Club, at state level for another ten years. It was a great way to stay connected to the sport and, hopefully, contribute something to the younger rowers coming through.

There aren’t many better places to be than on the water. Even now it’s still about looking for that quiet connection with the water and the feel for making the boat move well, albeit a bit slower than it used to be!

The friendships I formed through rowing are still some of my closest. It’s a very unique bond and when I get the chance to catch up with old rowing mates it kicks off right where we left it last time.

Q. Events like AMRC bring together thousands of athletes spanning decades of experience. What do you love most about that environment?

There is such a diverse group of athletes at the AMRC. From people that have only recently discovered rowing through to Olympic legends. They all bring a different set of experiences, goals and motivation but are united by a shared love of rowing.

From Boat Shed to Brewhouse

Q. Your transition from international rowing to becoming Head Brewer at Gage Roads isn't a typical career path. How did that journey unfold?

Brewing was always the end goal for me – I loved the blend of art and science that went into creating the perfect beer. I studied Biotechnology along with some brewing-specific postgraduate qualifications while I was rowing.

Towards the end of my career rowing, helped me get my start in the brewing world through an introduction to the Swan Brewery by the Olympic Council.

Once I finished international rowing, I worked for Rowing Australia as the High-Performance Development Coordinator in WA. I thoroughly enjoyed it, but when a brewing position came up at Gage Roads, I took the opportunity to get back into beer and haven’t looked back.

Q. What excites you most about Australian craft brewing right now — and what makes Gage Roads distinctly WA?

The innovation and quality across the Australian craft brewing scene right now is incredible. There's something for everyone and something for every occasion.

Gage Roads is deeply connected to the coast and the outdoor lifestyle in WA, and our approach to beer reflects that: sessionable and balanced with a focus on quality natural ingredients. We're very fortunate in WA, with some of the best barley, wheat and oats grown right here, which are such important ingredients in our beer. West Aussies are a parochial bunch, and I think our beers and our identity resonate with them.

Q. Do you have a go-to Gage Roads beer for after a row or race — and what makes it a standout?

After a long day on the water I’m reaching for a Side Track All Day XPA. It’s loaded with zesty citrus, tropical aromas and a hint of pine. Super refreshing, well-balanced with a crisp bitterness. I love how full flavoured and uncompromising it is for a mid-strength.

Quick Fire