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VISION
ABOUT US
PROGRAM
VISION:
Growing great people in our community through the sport of rowing
PROGRAM:
The Waikato Rowing Club provides a comprehensive athlete program designed for rowers at all skill levels and with diverse aspirations.
CANIWI CAPITAL
CANIWI CAPITAL JUNIOR PROGRAM:
At the Waikato Rowing Club, we prioritize the overall well-being of our athletes. We offer the Caniwi Capital Junior Program to facilitate a smooth transition into our club environment, equipping athletes with the necessary tools for success.
SQUADS
SQUADS:
NOVICE: Welcomes men and women aged 17-30 new to rowing, aiming to build fitness and confidence. Novices compete in regattas throughout the season in the novice bracket, working their way to competing at NZ Club Championships (NZCC) in February. Our novice program is based at our town shed with the addition of Saturday morning sessions at our lake shed.
CLUB ROWERS: Open to members with at least one season of rowing experience, ranging from school leavers to senior and premier rowers. The club season is primarily based at the lake shed.
MASTERS CLUB ROWERS: For rowers aged 27 and above, catering to both experienced and social participants. Training and coaching are group-driven, with some targeting NZ Masters Championships and Legions Masters Regatta, while others train as time permits.
INTERNATIONAL: Welcomes individuals or crews with international aspirations. They can join the summer program from October to February, competing alongside Senior rowers at NZCC. Training includes Lake Karapiro sessions with Waikato RPC and NZ Summer Squad crews. Notable past participants include Swiss Olympic Gold medalists LwM4- and the Irish Lightweight Double, along with recent Hungarian lightweight rowers.
WAIKATO SUMMER PERFORMANCE HUB: As a continuation of the club’s legacy of producing athletes of the highest calibre, the Schick Civil Waikato Rowing Club has officially been recognised as the performance base for the North Island. A separate programme to the daily club training environment, up to 10 athletes are accepted into the hub each summer to undertake uncompromising, individualised training under world revered rowing coach, Richard Tonks.
AFFILIATIONS
AFFILIATIONS:
SCHOOLS: People who are school aged (generally 14-18 years old) and are either rowing for their school who is associated with our club, or, rowing for the club as their school doesnt provide a rowing programme.
The WRC hosts some of the top secondary schools in the country, which includes:
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Hamilton Girls High School
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Hamilton Boys High School
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St Johns College
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Waikato Diocesan School for Girls
UNIVERSITY: The University season begins immediately after the club's summer season ends, at the start of March. A large number of our club members also represent the University of Waikato and the two programmes compliment each other perfectly.
The University season is a short one, finishing in May. Once the Uni season is complete, the clubs Winter Programme kicks in to ensure people have the opportunity to train and be coached throughout the winter.
The two major University events are the NZ University Rowing Champs in April followed by our very own “Rhythm and Waikato Regatta” in May, held here in Hamilton predominantly for North Island University teams. 

The University programme can be a awesome way to get into rowing and has a great social scene as well.
COACHING TEAM
COACHING TEAM:
Our highly experienced coaching team is committed to the holistic development of our members, both on and off the water. With a well-rounded set of strengths, our coaches effectively address the varying needs of all athletes. Regular check-ins ensure that our coaches stay connected with their athletes, monitoring their progress and well-being.
Waikato Rowing Club recognizes the advantages of strength training and, as a result, we have two Strength and Conditioning (S&C) coaches within our coaching team. Patt and Dalton have designed a weights programme specified to our squads needs, aiming to enhance on-water performance. Through personalized one-on-one coaching, they assist our athletes in achieving their individual goals.
CULTURE:
WCR's strong history of success is the foundation of our club's culture. Renowned for nurturing competitive rowers striving for excellence, Schick Civil Waikato Rowing Club instils a sense of pride in our squad members. Our inclusive environment fosters camaraderie both on and off the water, creating a dynamic and enjoyable experience for all.
SEASON INFO:
Our doors are open all year round, but the official club season runs over the summer, from September to the end of February. Our major target regatta is the New Zealand Club Championships (NZCC), held in February. We also participate in North Island Club Championships and several smaller local regattas throughout the season. The winter off-season runs from May through to August with water training 2-3 times per week and land-based sessions 2 times weekly.
If you're interested, contact us through our website, social media, or watch for information evenings as our main winter/summer season approaches.
LOCATIONS:
We have two rowing locations: one in Hamilton on the Waikato River and another on Lake Karapiro in Cambridge. Rowing location depends on your squad and preference, with Novice and Intermediate squads typically in Hamilton, and Club, Senior, and Premier squads at Karapiro. We gather at Lake Karapiro on Saturdays, where we also compete for most regattas. Land-based training are located at either our Hamilton club house and the velodrome gym, depending on our athletes preference.
Town Club House:
134 Grantham Street, Hamilton
Lake Shed:
Flynn Cover, Mighty River Domain, Lake Karapiro
CULTURE
SEASON INFO
LOCATIONS
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