Medal haul for TA Masters
TA rowers secure 23 medals at Twizel regatta
Te Awamutu Rowing Club Masters recently competed in the New Zealand Masters Championships at Lake Ruataniwha in Twizel, bringing home 23 medals.
Eighteen Te Awamutu rowers attended the two-day regatta along with their coaches and families.
The regatta was abandoned halfway through day two due to poor conditions with cold weather, rain and wind.
This didn’t stop the Te Awamutu rowers from doing well, coming home with medals ranging across gold, silver and bronze.
Rower Piri Craig said it was an awesome experience.
“You had to be in the right mind frame, prepared to be hit with waves and side winds as well as the possibility for the regatta to get put on hold throughout the day,” she said.
“There was great support down there within the team
“Rowing up to the start was surreal with the magical views. As a small town club, it was great to see us stack up against bigger crews in the south.”
Coach Les Craig said apart from supporting coaches Wayne Asplin and Allen Loomb throughout the club and school season, his involvement was minimal for 2023.
But after discussions and some planning towards the trip south, he was on board. “My main role was equipment and logistics in getting our boats there. A few modifications to our trailer were needed, definitely a more powerful towing vehicle was organised, and then three volunteers to drive to Twizel,” Craig said.
“After a very successful quiz night fundraiser, and various bookings completed we were ready. Rotorua Rowing Club lent us some specialised boats to help us and we were ready to go.”
The trio of Asplin, Craig and Loomb escorted the boats to Twizel, travelling non-stop for 25 hours.
They had a nap on the Cook Strait ferry before the haul down the picturesque South Island.
“Twizel weather gave us some cold and wet surprises not to mention cold legs in the lovely aqua waters,” Craig said.
“Highlights were seeing our ladies eight win their race and my daughter win her first rowing medal, but most of all was the togetherness and clubsmanship displayed by everybody.
“I am so appreciative to all involved for the seamless way in which everything was organised, meals and food distributed, travel plans and big thanks to StraitNZ shipping for the sponsorship of our ute, trailer and passenger sponsorship, you guys are amazing. A truly memorable trip.”