If you're having trouble viewing this in your Email app, head here to read it online.

Our rowing community have had a busy few weeks, catch up here. 

This edition of Oar Talk...

• All Schools State Champs 23rd August
• U19 Australian Team in Lithuania
• Rowsella's off to China 
• Asian Tour Nominations
• State Team Nominations
• RWA G'Rowing Clubs Grant Program: Round 2 applications
• Rower of the Year Awards - Save the Date
• Act Belong Commit Mindful Month Social Media Challenge
• Pennant Point Tables
• Clubs Morning Rowing Photo's
• PBR Partner Promo
• Curtin is Hiring

Get Involved with Oar Talk:

• Do you have a rowing photo you want to feature as the cover photo? Send it through to memberservices@rowingwa.asn.au!
• Do you want to write a Guest Article for the newsletter? It could be an opinion piece or a story from the community. Pick a topic and let us know you're keen - memberservices@rowingwa.asn.au. We want to highlight the stories and perspectives of the community!!

WA’s Biggest All Schools State Rowing Championships Set for August 23 - TAKE 2

Following a weather-related postponement,  Western Australia’s rowing community is gearing back up for what will be the largest All Schools State Rowing Championships in the state’s history on Saturday, 23rd August.

The prestigious event will take place at the Champion Lakes Regatta Centre, drawing 418 athletes with 1,156 seats to the water for a full day of spirited competition, camaraderie and celebration of youth sport.

Proudly supported by Act Belong Commit and the City of Armadale, the championships will feature junior rowers from schools and clubs across WA, all vying for top honours in what promises to be a day of intense racing and community pride.

Spectators and participants can look forward to:

• Full day of exciting racing 

• On-site Regatta Shop with official event merchandise

• Live streaming available throughout the day to ensure fans can follow the action remotely

• Delicious BBQ and baked goods provided by hosts Canning Bridge Rowing Club

• A family-friendly atmosphere celebrating teamwork, resilience, and school spirit

Organisers are encouraging families, friends, and rowing enthusiasts to attend or tune in online to support their favourite athletes as they take to the water in this much-anticipated showcase of junior rowing talent.

📺 Live coverage will be available via the event’s official streaming platform.

U19 World Rowing Championships - 2025 Trakai, Lithuania

Results from this amazing event:

            The Pair - Jack Hansen-Knarhoi (FRC) & Lachlan Brown (WARC). 

The WA duo had an amazing Semifinal, coming first with a time of 6:37.38 which gave them a direct line to the A-Final.

Sunday was the day of finals, and these lean mean rowing machines, rowed nothing short of 37 S/M all the way to a very respectable 2nd and silver position. 

Well done Jack and Lachlan, we are busting with pride, and we hope you are too!

             The Quad - Lucas Cardaci (WARC)

Lucas and his crew had a cracker start in the semi-final, finishing up in 5th place, securing themselves a spot in the B-Final for Sunday. 

Sunday provided close racing, it was anyone's race from right out the blocks. These men held on for as long as they could, looking sharp and fighting right to the end. Taking 4th place, they narrowly missed out on bronze, but held off a charging Serbia. It was nail biting stuff! What a great race and great work Lucas!

Click here for more results and event photos

2025 Asian Tour

Under 26 Rowers and Coxswains are invited to apply for an exciting rowing tour, heading to China at the end of November 2025!

Coaches are also invited to apply to lead one of two eights on this trip.

Introduction

Rowing WA will be selecting two U26 eight crews and two coxswains (18 athletes in total), to participate in an international event in China (final regatta TBC). There will be one male, and one female crew selected. Coxswains can be of any gender. This initiative forms part of a joint athlete development and cultural outreach program, partially funded by a grant from the Department of Creative Industries, Tourism and Sport (CITS). The grant from CITS will offset approximately 50% of the Athlete Seat Fee. The tour offers a unique opportunity for emerging and competitive athletes to gain valuable international racing experience. 

Selection Document & More Information

Submit your Expression of Interest HERE!

Participants must be over 18 by the departure date of the tour unless otherwise advised. Contact RWA if you are Under 18 but would like to be considered.

State Team Athlete, Coach and Manager Nominations – NOW OPEN

The 2025-26 State Team season is nearly upon us. Be a part of WA rowing history and represent the state at the Australian Rowing Championships (ARC). Nominations are now open for athletes and coaches!

Following feedback from all athletes who nominated for the 2024-25 State Team the Selection Policy and Event Requirements have had a significant overhaul. We encourage all nominating athletes and coaches to read these updated documents before nominating.

We want to:

• • Simplify the selection process for all involved.
  • Ensure a clear and transparent selection process

RWA will hold an athlete briefing during the lunch break at State Champs on Saturday 13 September in the RWA Mezzanine. This is to advise all nominating athletes what to expect from the trialling and selection process and answer any questions you may have. This session will also be recorded for those that can’t attend due to their racing commitments.

Athlete nominations close the day after State Championships at 9pm Monday 15 September 2025. 

Coaching Opportunities

Rowing Western Australia (RWA) is looking for suitably qualified and aspirational coaches to fill the positions of Primary and Assistant coaches for each crew. The position description for these roles is available here (add link). This is a great opportunity to represent your state as a coach, get experience coaching at the next level and receive support and guidance from WA’s top coaches. Coach nominations close at 5pm Thursday 4 September 2025.

State Team Manager Opportunity

RWA is looking for a State Team Manager to support crews, coaches and RWA staff in the delivery of this program. The position description for this role is available here (add link). State Team athletes and coaches are not eligible to apply. The successful person will receive financial support to travel to the ARC and perform their duties pre-departure and on tour. State Team Manager Expressions of Interest are due by 5pm Thursday 4 September 2025

Further details and links to all the nomination forms are available HERE.

Any questions regarding athlete, coach or manager nominations should be directed to RWA GM Operations, Stacey Francis-Bayman at gmoperations@rowingwa.asn.au

Round Two Applications Now Open! RWA G'Rowing Clubs Grants Program (Stream 2: Coach Accreditation Grants)

Online applications for Round Two of the Rowing WA G’Rowing Clubs Grants Program (Stream 2: Coach Accreditation Grants) are now open!

Further details about the program including the Grant Guidelines and Online Application forms are available on our website.

2025 Rower of the Year Awards – Save the Date!!

📅 Friday 24 October 2025
🕡 From 6:30pm
📍 Royal Perth Yacht Club

More information will be available here in the coming weeks.

The 2025 Mindful Month social media challenge is here!

Rowing WA has again partnered with the Act Belong Commit campaign to encourage our rowing community to take action to improve and protect their mental health and wellbeing. We want to help promote good mental health strategies for individuals across the community. Being active, having a sense of belonging and having a purpose in life all contribute to good mental health.

Individuals, Clubs and Schools are encouraged to participate in the Act Belong Commit Mindful Month social media challenge and earn as many points as they can by completing the daily challenges. The grand prize for the winning Club or School is a brand-new Concept 2 Erg!

The winner will be announced at the 2025 Rower of the Year Awards.

Click here for details on our Mindful Month Challenge and points.

Watch this space!!

With only Pennant #4 and State Champs left to go, the points are pretty close! Who will it be?

Points                                                Aggregate

UWA            4784                               UWA           186

SRRC           4366                               SRRC           166

WARC          2602                               WARC          93

Check out the full table with points for each grade here

Well aren't we lucky!

WA athletes are fortunate enough to be able to row all year round! 

This time of year is really special, from on-water sunrises, to rowing with rainbows!

Why wouldn't you row? Take a moment and be grateful.

A few snaps from our clubs this month:

PBR, a major partner of Rowing WA! 

A story from PBR...

Australian Men’s Eight Triumph at Henley

The Australian men’s eight delivered a landmark victory at the Henley Royal Regatta, defeating the British in the opening round before powering past the Dutch in the final to secure a historic triumph.

The British, racing on home waters and backed by a vocal crowd, were dispatched with authority in the first round. That set the tone for the Australians’ campaign. In the final, they established an early lead on the Dutch—widely regarded as one of the fastest crews in Europe—and never allowed their rivals back into the contest. Crossing the line with clear water, the men in green and gold claimed one of rowing’s most iconic prizes.

The result is more than a single race win. It is the first major validation of Rowing Australia’s new technical model, known as “The Australian Way”. Built on a philosophy of length, efficiency, and unified rhythm, the model has been embraced across the national program. Its impact was evident at Henley, where cohesion and relentless boat speed proved decisive against two world-class nations.

Adding to the significance is Australia’s exclusive partnership with Filippi Boats of Italy, long regarded as the makers of the fastest shells in the world. The Henley victory was the first major international success under this partnership, showcasing how world-leading equipment and refined technique can combine to deliver results.

For Australian rowing, the triumph at Henley marks not only a return to prominence but also a bold statement of intent for the future.

Coaching Opportunities at Curtin University Boat Club

Curtin University Boat Club is seeking two passionate and dedicated coaches to join our program for the upcoming season:

• Men’s Open Coach

• Women’s Open Coach

These are paid positions and a fantastic opportunity to work with motivated and committed athletes. You’ll enjoy coaching on excellent water, the crews with great attitudes and access to a well-organised shed.

If you’re ready to bring your expertise and enthusiasm to CUBC, we’d love to hear from you. Please send your CV to info@curtinrowing.org.au.