Rowing at the University of Otago
Otago University Rowing Club was formed in 1929 to provide students of the University of Otago the opportunity to compete against other universities in New Zealand. This remains the main aim of the club, although limited membership is now available for persons not studying at the University of Otago. The Club has a strong relationship with the Otago University Students Association for which we are indebted for it's continued support. The actual University has provided no financial support to the club and continues to turn it's back on supporting sport at the University (other than rugby and of course through the gym - Unipol , which is paid for by a Recreation Levy), while it is a fact that there are many students who have chosen Otago first for the Rowing Club set-up and structure and then found a course to study. We also attract many international students for this exact same reason.
Enquires regarding membership should be directed to sinclair_glen@xtra.co.nz
Prospective members are encouraged to fill in the recruitment form
Competition
The club is very active throughout the year, particularly during the university term from March to November. The main focus for the club is the New Zealand University Rowing Championships held annually during the Easter break. The University Rowing Championships are open to all categories of rowers from Novice to Senior.
There are many other rowing opportunities for athletes including:
- World University Rowing Championships
- New Zealand Universities' Trans-Tasman Series
- New Zealand Interprovincial Rowing Championships
- New Zealand Rowing Championships
For a full list of upcoming regattas and events see calendar.
Club Kit
The club colours are Cambridge blue, with a gold and navy blue band. All members receive a singlet. Rowsuits and caps may be purchased through sinclair_glen@xtra.co.nz
Club Facilities
The club is housed within the Otago University Student's Association Aquatic Centre, located at the end of Magnet Street. This facility includes a large boat bay, which holds the clubs' extensive fleet of boats ranging from Eights to Singles. Most of the club's boats are KIRS and boats are well maintained and regularly replaced.
The club also has a fleet of five motorised coaching boats.
The club has 16 of the latest C2+Model D Ergs available for use in a dedicated erg room. This room has a full sound system and several TV's. There is also a rowing tank available to club members. There are no gym facilities in the clubhouse but the university gym is only five minutes walk from the clubhouse. Membership to Unipol is free to all students enrolled at University of Otago or Otago Polytechnic.
The clubhouse also has generous changing rooms, a large function centre complete with a bar, and a kitchen available for members to use.
Club house built by
<img src="/site_media/img/sponsors/abl.gif" alt="Amalgamated Builders Ltd." />
Committee
The current committee is
Patron: EION EDGAR
President: MARCEL GREY
CEO: GLEN SINCLAIR
Secretary: SONYA WALKER
Treasurer: BRIDGET WRIGHT
Mens' Captain: RICHARD SHARP
Womens' Captain: HANNAH STARNES
Marketing Manager: MICHAEL DESSOULAVY
Events Managers: AMY WILLIAMSON & CAMPBELL LOWE
Plant Manager: GAVIN BURLAND
Club Historian: MICHAEL GRACE
The committee meets regularly and all club members are welcome to attend these meetings.
