WELCOME TO RV E-NEWS

The rowing action is ramping up following our return to racing last weekend at the Head of the Barwon! 

This weekend crews will be heading down to Bairnsdale for the Head of the Mitchell, whilst the Yarra River will play host to the Australian Boat Race.

Entries have been opened for all remaining October regattas, so get your crews sorted now!

Read more below.

Stay Safe, Stay Rowing!

Rowing Victoria

        UPCOMING REGATTAS

AUSTRALIAN BOAT RACE

The 160 year old rivalry between Melbourne University and Sydney University continues tomorrow with their annual showdown in the Australian Boat Race.

This year, the race returns to the familiar Yarra River after four years, providing the Melbourne eights with a great opportunity for redemption following two losses in 2022.

Various colleges from both universities will be racing from 11am before the main race concludes the days action.

WOMEN

MEN

AUSTRALIAN INDOOR ROWING CHAMPIONSHIPS

Time is ticking as the entry deadline for the Australian Indoor Rowing Championships (AIRC) is fast approaching— Sunday, 22nd October. Don't miss this chance to engage the rowing clubs in your states in a global event that has attracted participants from countries such as the Faroe Islands, Finland, The Netherlands, Brazil, the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Canada.
 
Not only do entrants stand a chance to win a state-of-the-art Concept2 RowErg, but the first 500 registrants will also receive an exclusive AIRC t-shirt. Additionally, this year features a live stream connecting competitors across the globe. Participants using Concept2 rowing machines can share a live video link, creating an electrifying atmosphere as we stream feeds from Hubs and individuals alike.
 
Our Hub initiative offers a fantastic chance for clubs to register as an open or private Hub. Hubs serve as vibrant gathering points, inviting members to row side-by-side, compete, and support one another:
Attract new members and introduce the public to the world of rowing.
Unite your community with this unique and exciting event.
Showcase your rowers' dedication and skills.

BALLARAT CLUB OPEN DAY

The prediction early in the week was a top of 13˚ for Sunday 8th October in Ballarat however, the weather gods were on our side and it was a beautiful, blue sky, low wind day. It could hardly have been a better rowing day!

Both clubs; Wendouree-Ballarat RC and Ballarat City RC, had many visitors checking out the facilities and enjoying the welcoming environment provided by both clubs. Chris Burson, the Regional Manager from Invictus joined the festivities and even had a try on a wave cutter as he could not resist the exceptional conditions.

The promotion of rowing in Ballarat was positive and highlighted the opportunities the clubs provide for athletes, volunteers and the community. It was a terrific day where collaboration between the clubs, sport and community were front and centre.

UPCOMING CLUB OPEN DAYS

ALBERT PARK LAKE

Sunday 5th November | 9am - 11:30am

Albert Park South Melbourne Rowing Club, Melbourne Argonauts Rowing Club, and the Y Rowing Club invite you to explore rowing in Albert Park.

The opportunity is here for you on Albert Park Lake with three active clubs to cater for your level of rowing. Come along and enjoy taking a tour of the facilities, speaking with club members about rowing opportunities, row on the lake*, and seeing what rowing in Albert Park has to offer.

GEELONG

Friday 17th November | 5pm - 7pm

Barwon Rowing Club and Corio Bay Rowing Club invite you to explore the rowing opportunities available in Geelong.

Have you rowed when you were younger and would like to return to rowing? Come along and enjoy taking a tour of the facilities, speaking with club members about rowing opportunities, row on the Barwon*, and seeing what rowing in Geelong has to offer.

NOMINATIONS - RV MASTERS STATE TEAM SELECTORS

Rowing Victoria is calling for nominations to assist in the selection of the 2024 State Masters Team.

We are seeking to fill two selector positions.

For more information please contact Adam Harrison at adam@rowingvictoria.asn.au.

COACHING ACCREDITATION

Is it time for you to move forward with your coaching?

Rowing Victoria will be running a Level 2 Workshop (theory & rigging) in November (set date TBC).

To be able to take up this opportunity you need to register for the Level 2 coaching accreditation and complete the online modules through the Rowing Australia website.

If you have any questions contact delwyn@rowingvictoria.asn.au.

VALE ROBBIE HENDLEY

Richmond Rowing Club past President, rower and coach Robert Hendley died on September 2, aged 49.

Robbie’s long association with Richmond began when he joined as a junior member. He served as a dedicated committee member for 10 years, including terms as Secretary and President, and he retained his connections with the club even after career and family took much of his time.

Robbie enjoyed a great deal of on water success, was Richmond’s Male Rower if the Year in season 2000/01. He was enormously proud to coach the RRC Women’s Novice Eight to success at both the Victorian State Championships and Head of the Yarra in 2003.

Robbie’s time at Richmond is remembered not just for his years of service and representation, but lifelong connection and friendships. Clubs like Richmond thrive on the volunteer contributions of people like Rob Hendley.

Vale Robbie

ACTIVE LIGHTS

All rowers face the same issue, finding lights that are waterproof and will last. Active Lights Australia has the solution. We stock quality waterproof lights suitable for rowing boats and coaches launches, as well as PFD’s that can be used by coxswains and coaches.

All our products are built to last, these are not the cheapest lights, but we believe they are the best quality ones. Some are waterproof to 1000 feet! Others can withstand a car driving over them, see clip.

All orders are sent out via Express Post, and we pride ourselves on offering a great service.

Interested? Check out our website, or contact owner and rower, Ron Batt, on 0410 583 474, or battron40@gmail.com.

GET ACTIVE KIDS VOUCHER PROGRAM

The Get Active Kids Voucher Program is now open! Get in quick as applications for a voucher will close when the allocation has been exhausted. 

If your family or child has a Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card, you may be eligible for up to $200 to put towards the cost of your child’s participation in sport and active recreation activities.

SIGNIFICANT SPORTING EVENTS PROGRAM

The Significant Sporting Events Program helps sporting, community and event organisations to deliver significant sporting events in Victoria.

Eligible events include those hosted by local sporting organisations that are regionally specific and recognised by a relevant sporting body.

Applications close October 31st.

CLUBMAP WEBINAR

CLUBMAP will be hosting another webinar on Monday October 16th - VOLUNTEERS: RECRUIT & RETAIN GREAT PEOPLE.

Learn methods used by top clubs to create a volunteer program that doesn't just survive, but thrives.

RIVER SAFETY - BOW & STERN LIGHTS

With the darker mornings and evenings now upon us, it is crucial that all rowers who are on the water (and coaches on bikes and powerboats) between sunset and sunrise have adequate lighting for your safety and the safety of others. 

Rowing boats, in restricted visibility and between sunset and sunrise, are required to exhibit;

• Two all-round white lights - one attached to the boat at or near the forward or bow end, and one attached to the boat at or near the stern end.
• Bow light - A continuous white light is considered acceptable if it is visible in clear conditions from a distance of 1 kilometre.
• Stern light - A flashing white light is considered acceptable if it flashes at least once per second and is visible in clear conditions from a distance of 1 kilometre.

Not withstanding the above, it is considered acceptable for a light to be masked so as not to interfere with the vision of the vessel’s occupants, provided at least one light is visible from any direction (see diagram below).

SAFETY REMINDER

Rowing Victoria would like to remind all members the importance of using our equipment and waterways safely and appropriately.

Please follow traffic rules, including correctly using designated turning zones. By following these rules, our waterways are safer for all. 

We have also been made aware of a number of incidents where rowing coaches have been sighted either riding without helmets, using megaphones at incorrect hours, or using mobile phones while riding (both in conversation or filming their crews).

For your own safety, to avoid fines, and to respect other members of the community, we ask that you please ensure you are obeying the law and not partaking in the behaviours above.

WATERWAY ACCESS & INCIDENT REPORTING

Could all waterway users please ensure they are acquainted with their local waterway rules; traffic direction, turning points, stationary obstacles etc.

So that RV, Maritime Safety Victoria and now, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority can support the community in providing safe waterways, please register all incidents via the RV Report an Incident tile on the home page of the RV website.

A consistent management of reporting will assist us in ensuring we are kept safe on the water and the chances of equipment damage is mitigated.