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

This edition of Oar Talk...

• Rose Regatta Recap
• Australian Masters Rowing Championships
• U22 OTRC Regatta Nominations
• Heads Race on the Horizon
• Alecia Hancock Workshop 
• Community Workshops
• Blokes & Bridges
• Nick is leaving
• Club Corner - New boat naming

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 & let us know you're keen - memberservices@rowingwa.asn.au. We want to highlight the stories and perspectives of the community!!

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Rowing WA took on Shanghai at the Rose Regatta on May 17th and 18th, held on the scenic Jinhuigang River. The WA squad comprised Queen’s and Victoria Cup athletes Izzy Utley, Izzy Emery, Greta Spencer, and Lara Glendinning, along with coach and tour manager Olivia Jones.

In the week leading up to the regatta, the squad took part in organised cultural experiences, including a boat tour of Qingxi Ancient Town and a Huangpu River cruise. They also participated in school exchange activities, particularly one at Huixian Middle School, where the girls led students through an erg session and spoke to them about rowing and life in Shanghai.

At the Rose Regatta, the racing format was head to head, with only two racing lanes available. Times from the two races, one in each lane, were combined to determine the overall ranking of all the crews. The WA quad raced valiantly after an oar breakage in their first race put them out of podium contention. Despite this setback, they returned for the second race and recorded the fastest time of the regatta.

In the doubles, Greta and Lara won both of their races to secure first place overall. The Izzy and Izzy double finished just seconds outside of a podium position. Olivia coordinated with event officials, hosts, and other teams to manage regatta logistics and ensure the athletes were well supported both on and off the water.

Congratulations to the girls for representing WA in China. What an incredible experience, one that will continue to build deeper connections within the Asian region and provide our athletes with valuable international exposure. Thank you to DLGSC for their support through the Asian Engagement Grant, and to the Rose Regatta and the Chinese Rowing Association for the formal invitation. 

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What an incredible few days in Penrith, Sydney for the WA Masters athletes. 

15 Golds, 14 Silvers and 37 Bronze medals, not to mention all the finals that the squad made. WA may be small, but we are fierce. Well done to you all!

The Masters State Squad did an amazing job and took 4th place in the ISW8+'s race. They were coxed by WA's very own, Nic Rogers. He kept the ladies cool, calm and collected, lying 6th, he asked them for a big and brave push through the 500m. The crew overtook Queensland, one seat at a time. They left it all out there, coming over the line with pride and power! Yeah ladies, you did us proud! 

George Xouris was invited to the Champion of Champions singles race at the end of the Regatta, and brought home another gold! What a legend! Go George. 

Another amazing regatta, thank you Rowing Australia and Rowing New South Wales.

Thank you to Perth Rowing Club and Rowgear for towing the WA trailers!

We look forward to hosting the next AMRC, 27-30 May 2026 and hope to have record entries from our WA Masters. 

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An insight into the newly developed Oceania U22 Teams Rowing Championships Regatta to be held at West Lakes, South Australia on the 24th -27th of July, 2025

THE HISTORY

This regatta draws on the long history of racing between Australia and New Zealand dating back to the late 1800's, the successful Youth Cup Events held between the states and New Zealand throughout the 2000s, and the more recent Trans-Tasman Regattas of the last decade.

WHAT IS IT?

A Teams competition for U22 Athletes representing their state (in the case of Australia), island (in the case of New Zealand), or country (in the case of visiting teams) to encourage collaboration, competition, and participation.

THE PURPOSE

To provide a key development opportunity for athletes, coaches, and administrators. The event is to be run purely in service of the participants with their experience being the central foundation the event is built upon.

Nominations Open 12th May & Close 4th June. Click here for more information 

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Ready for a challenge? 

Perth to Freo...It's an experience! It's a challenge. 

Are you ready? Find a crew for an 8+ or dare to do it in a single! Either way, don't miss it!

This amazing Heads race takes place on 22/6/2025. Launch at the Narrows Bridge, start at the old Brewery and race to Freo Rowing Club.

Steering the best line, the weather, and passing leisure craft, are some of the technical challenges of this race. You'll be guided by experienced marshals on the course. 

Fun = hell yeah

Doable = absolutely

Challenging = for sure

Worth it = without a doubt

Entries close = 16 / 6 at 23:59pm

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Wondering why social media is important? Get your strategy right!

Not coming to grips with how or why...then you should come along to this informative session with Alecia Hancock, @ Rowing WA offices on Wednesday 4th June, 5:30pm - 7:00pm.

Alecia delves into the social media marketing tactics for sporting associations. The why's, the hows, the statistics. 

We cannot shy away from the new world of technology we live in, and how to be more proactive with engaging our members, our peers and those wanting to join in on our amazing community. 

Please click on the link HERE to register for the workshop.

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                                  Walk for Men’s Health Week!
 Join Alike WA for an optional riverside walk (3km or 7km),
 connect, and enjoy morning tea at Swan River Rowing Club.
 Everyone’s welcome – families, carers, and support workers too!

 Saturday 7 June, Swan River Rowing Club 
2 The Esplanade, Mount Pleasant WA 8.30am - 11.30am
 Inclusions and Special Guests;  Derek Best, Co - Founder of Beacon for Life
 John Rich, Chair Men’s Health and Wellbeing WA

 Men’s Health Support Group stalls
 Free catered morning tea
 First 50 to register receive a cap or water bottle!

Scan the QR code above to register

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Farewell to a Legend: Honouring Our General Manager’s Impact on Rowing in WA

It is with a mixture of gratitude and sadness that we say farewell to our General Manager, whose remarkable contribution to rowing in Western Australia has left an indelible mark on the sport and the community.

Throughout his tenure, he has been a passionate advocate for rowing, bringing energy, vision, and unwavering commitment to the role. His influence is especially felt in the development and growth of Coastal Rowing — a discipline that has flourished under his guidance and enthusiasm. The legacy he leaves behind in this area will continue to inspire rowers and supporters for years to come.

But beyond his professional achievements, he has been a beloved figure known for his wealth of knowledge in Rowing History and his infectious love of the sport and his uniquely memorable personality traits. His fondness for lollies and chocolate was no secret, often brightening up the office with sweet treats that became synonymous with his presence.

And quite famously, we remember the Nick with two broken arms. These moments have become part of the folklore around him, symbolizing both his resilience and his willingness to push boundaries in pursuit of excellence.

As we say goodbye, we celebrate a leader, a mentor, and a friend who has profoundly shaped the rowing community in WA. His passion has inspired many, his kindness has touched all, and his legacy will continue to guide the sport into the future.

We wish him all the best in his next chapter and thank him for everything he has done. He will be greatly missed, but never forgotten. 

And Nick has said "You'll be fine!"

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The Perth Rowing Club (PRC) honoured its Life Member, Mr Max Gamble at a recent PRC Boat Naming Ceremony, sponsored by Act-Belong-Commit (ABC).
As Max christened the coxless quad named in his honour, the gathering of members, family members and guests acknowledged the unique and remarkable legacy that Max holds within the Club. Max, who joined the Maylands Rowing Club (now PRC) as a seventeen year old in 1957 rowed and was coached by the legends of the Club, foundation members Ken Grant, Alan Collins, Ron Polgaze and rowed with many of the original foundation members. Max competed in the successful 1960 Kings Cup crew coached by Ken Grant and went on to represent Australia in the same crew at the Rome Olympics.
Max continued to row successfully through to the 1980s and coached at Guildford Grammar in 1985 onwards.
As we celebrated Max Gamble, we shared the opportunity to acknowledge a member who stood before the gathering with a connection to its foundation members right through to the present day. A remarkable legacy.

 
The Club was founded in 1933.

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