Troy Durham has been able to arrange a back to back Rowing Victoria level 1 coxing & Rowing Victoria level 1 boat race official (BRO) course at Richmond Rowing Club for Thursday the 18th of March.
The coxing course starts at 17:30hrs (5.30pm), the BRO course at 19:15hrs (7.15pm). The coxing course is $44, the BRO course is free.
It’s a requirement that all competitive members of the club get accredited as both coxswains and boat race officials. Accrediation means taking a course, it’s a once-off like the swim test, then you’re done forever.
If you would like to book onto the course or find out more information, please contact either Martin or Nicole.
RRC Quiz Night…the drum
Yes indeed – just when you thought training at RRC only involved doing tuff with your legs, we now want to give those brain cells a work out too. Your IQ will be put to the test in order to raise money for the club and more specifically to our ageing fleet. So on Saturday March 20 you and your friends, family and work colleagues will be able to impress the committee both through brain power and cold hard cash!
Last year on the same weekend we raised $3300 on the night and speaking on behalf of all those who attended we had a lot of fun doing it too. We have set a higher target this year and I am confident that we can achieve it.
The format of the evening will be a little like this:
Food, Drinks, Quiz, Live and Silent Auction and of course some cool games.
So what’s required from you at this stage?
1. Keep Saturday 20 March from 6.30pm free
2. Start brushing up your knowledge on geography, pop culture and Justin’s favourite chocolates – Justin will again be our Quiz Master, don’t worry I won’t let him make the questions too hard
3. We are going to be running an auction so if you think you have something that we could sell off please contact either Justin or myself. Examples of items that fetched a tidy sum included Mike Numa – Handyman services, tickets to play on Margaret Court, holiday house for the weekend, etc.
4. Assistance. While Justin and I will organise the bulk of things we could also do with some help, this includes both set up and pack down on the weekend of the quiz as well as general stuff beforehand. If you have some time and would like to get involved – again touch base with either of us, we would love to have you on board.
More info, including a proper flyer, will be coming your way soon – so stay tuned.
Justin ‘Quiz Master’ Thomas
Gray Matters sharing her notes for the week
Dear Rowers,
We had quite a constructive staff meeting (yes zootie clad of course) this morning where Nicole and I raised some important issues regarding the club and our members. I faithfully made notes and have documented these below.
PA thought for the week: Took a certain senior rower out for a row last week. Unfortunately this raised certain concerns regarding our underground club project regarding the deepening of the Yarra river by RRC rowers, all eyes in the boat noticed that Annalise err this rower, used minimal effort to bring her oar through the water and contrary to true gondola form did not burry half of her shaft to deepen the channel and assist us in our continued search for Sandra’s missing Havianna. If we keep this up, P&O and the Spirit of Tasmania will NEVER be able to dock in Richmond or Hawthorn, let alone Warrandyte, so I beg you all to use this efficient style only when you have coaches eyes on you. It is best to dig deep also when rowing at regatta’s you may have noticed that the lake at Corowa is a little low, so give them a hand so they don’t end up like Ballarat with the expense of bulldozers in there. Do you sport a favour and dig deep. Yes it drastically cuts boat run, but most of that can be made up for by rushing up the slide. It will help to build up extra large muscles which are helpful in opening jars when your partner is away for work and enables you to loosen the nuts on your tires without having to be a fairy princess and wait for the RACV.
HOR thought of the week – it’s from one of the podcasts I listen to when driving and it was meant to describe curling but think it works really well from all the rowing we do at RRC: “Sport is at it’s best when it involves a whole community.” It has been and will be a few huge rowing weeks at RRC and none of those would be possible without the help of rowers, coaches, coxes, trailer drivers, tinnie drivers, boat race officials, and so on. Well done to all who have raced at Barwon, States and Club Races. Your efforts have been impressive. For more details, check out the blog – for the male and female perspective on the weekend.
Things to look forward to:
1) ROWER and COACH development: Coaching Camp this weekend at Essendon Rowing Club. Talk to your coach to get your squad time and directions, please show up and be time. Don’t forget your club lock, also it’s going to be hot on Sunday so sunscreen up and wear a hat or your burn your head and it will peel and people will think you have dandruff.
2) ROWER DEVELOPMENT: Training camp Friday March 12th evening, all day Saturday and Sunday 13th to 14th. Please let your coaches now whether you will be coming by March 1st, so we can plan your pain. So that is 3 and a bit weeks away, just enough time to flop with exhaustion after your warm ups (get past the boat houses though in case any hotties are around) in coming week’s and rest part way while carrying oars to the water or washing the boat (complaining loudly of exhaustion), make sure your standard is set as slow as possible. Might be a good idea to put your oar in to the water at a completely different time to your other crew members so you can spend a few days working on timing (and nod favourably when roll-ups are suggested, boring as bat sh*t they might be, but they won’t give you blisters) much easier than working on race starts.
3) FUNDRAISING for Fleet: Trivia Night and Auction (very classy stuff on auction) March 20th, please bring lots of friends – especially those with money. We will also be running a chocolate fundraiser, because Lent is a great time to be generous and eat chocolate – stay tuned more details to follow shortly. We ran both events last year and they were a huge success and as a result we have new fleet in the shed. I think it’s high time we replaced the 70’s style floating cubby house (whatever that brown one is called), word on the street is that after almost 9 years of solid training, thanks to our dedicated coaching team, the B team may soon be ready to graduate to a NON tub 4!!!! So we have high hopes for an appropriate and stylish vessel. Even if you know nothing, eg grew up in Iceland in an igloo with no radio and bears for company (to use one club member as an example) Or you grew up in Wagga raising pigs with your nana and being home schooled with the Bible (old Testament only) come anyway. There will be plenty of know-alls at your table that will jump in early and claim the glory and noone will know that you don’t know your left hand from your right.
4) BOXERCISE Monday nights at 6:20 pm – if you weren’t tough enough at States or have been eating too much chocolate – RFC John will fix you up.
Not sure if you saw the footage on the news a few weeks ago when the incredible B team defeated the men’s 8 with only a 10 minute head start from the 2km mark. What an effort B team, the wind generated by the ferocious race actually picked up a small dog and it’s owner his flight friendly parachute material tracksuit and blew the pair into the Yarra, rather than be annoyed the damp jogger was in awe of the performance he was witnessing.
Katie Gray
Aka: PANS
States round-up from Gerry G
Disclaimer: an anonymous club member has requested an expansion on the beautifully written article by Jim regarding States at Nagambie, suggesting a little more emphasis on the female achievements may be appropriate…I am therefore not responsible for what follows, I am merely following orders.
Ah Nagambie! Don’t you love it? Home of unpredictable weather and a lake where actual surf rowing is sometimes possible. Saturday was a windy day with choppy water, making life very difficult for single scullers, and I say this from dismal personal experience. However, Carolyn fared better, with a good row in the lighweight scull. The double scull combination of Rachael and Rosie rowed a terrific second in the heat to earn a place in the final, a great effort given they are a recent pairing in the double. The D4+ of Emma, Tams, Astrid and Robyn did very well too to place fourth in the A final.
Sunday morning saw some of us rise very early to hit the road by 5am for an 8.20 race. The drive up was dark, bleak, wet and foggy, but miraculously the weather at Nagambie was warm and the water relatively calm. There was a moment of major non-calm when it was apparent that the C4x was without a cox, our fill-in being a last minute cancellation. The grounds were fairly desolate at 7am, not too many potential coxes milling around looking for a gig and an announcement over the loudspeaker was met with silence. It was looking like we would have to get Barry out of bed to do it but finally –luckily- we were able to convince Bec from Barwon to do the job-phew! Her initial reluctance turned to enthusiasm when the crew got off to a terrific start in the heat and finished well to secure a spot in the final. Unfortunately, the other RRC crew were less lucky with the start and did not make up the ground to claim a spot in the final. The final again saw a great start for Richmond and we led the whole way until the Sacred Heart crew put on a great push at the end and stole the gold by a bowball …heartbreaking! Damn schoolgirls. Not to mention that they started the race half a boat length ahead of us..I could go on….no, not bitter and twisted, just reporting the facts.
Carolyn meanwhile rowed a terrific 2k A grade race against some very serious opposition and was happy with a terrific row. The tub pair of Astrid and Robyn again proved dominant in their event and secured a silver medal. Finally the D eight put in a very solid performance and soundly beat the MRC crew and let’s face it that’s what we like to do most. Another bunch of damn schoolgirls took the title however, this time from Pembroke School in South Australia. Annalise had left SA thinking she would never have to row against Pembroke again but there you go, they sought her out and once again RRC was reduced to silver, but bling nonetheless.
I believe the guys did well too.
Well done to all and thanks to Simon and Emma for making the trip up to support the crews. Well done to Barry for a magnificent effort in boat transport people support and supply of sunscreen, and thanks to all who contributed, coaches, coxes, admin folk…you know who you are.
Geraldine Goss
State Champs Round Up with Jim Cooper
Another year, another successful state champs campaign for Richmond Rowing Club. While no crew took home a state champs title, we finished the weekend with three silver and one bronze medal, and with practically every boat class making finals and putting up strong, competitive rows. Given the early date for states this year, and limited preparation, the coaches were very satisfied with the calibre of weekend’s performances, setting us up with a solid platform for the rest of the racing calendar, culminating in our April trip to Penrith.
Difficult windy conditions on Saturday saw solid finals results for our single scullers (Sam, Carolyn, and Gerry) and our female double scull (Rosie and Rachael). Our powerhouse female D grade four overcame an injury-affected preparation to finish fourth in their A final – a really solid effort for the girls in their first state champs appearance.
Our men’s D grade eight brushed off a few technical issues (namely leaving their boat riggers in Melbourne) to finish just out of the medals in their final.
Sunday dawned with calmer conditions and more solid racing. Our B-grade men’s quad rowed a great first 300 metres in their 2km final, then wished they’d done more training. However, they held it together and put in solid row that hold lots of promise for future male quadliness.
Our girls did the club proud on Sunday, stepping onto the podium to grab silver in the quad scull (all-too-close to gold), the tub pair, and the D eight.
And in a stunning display of organisational brilliance, our men’s C-grade eight managed to:
- Tell a crew member the wrong start time for their heat, resulting in him being 40kms from the course at race time.
- In choosing a rower to impersonate the missing man, they selected a guy who not only took the boat out of C-grade class, but who is on first-name basis with Rowing Victoria regatta official.
Despite the palaver, the boat rowed hard and well, making the finals. With the final approaching, the cunning rower swap was noticed by about 70 Rowing Victoria officials. Rules meant the crew technically would not be allowed to row the final. Men’s squad coach Simon Crunden approached race officials and did his best to explain the crew’s actions and thinking (ie, my squad are a pack of idiots). He returned to tell the crew that after some haggling, we were allowed to row the final.
Simon wouldn’t tell us exactly what he had to do to get this concession, but in an unrelated development, his eldest child has been renamed Rowing Victoria Crunden. Say it a few times, it grows on you.
Anyhow, the guys took out a bronze in the final and have been checked into a organisation development course.
So another fun campaign, and not possible without the dedication of our coaches and coxes. Big thanks also to Barry for getting our boats to and from the regatta, and to Dennis for coordinating boat hires and trailer loading.
See you all on the river.
Jim Cooper
RRC Results
Richmond crews set for the Victorian State Championships
A number of crews will be in Nagambie this weekend representing Richmond at the Victorian State Championships.
Head of Rowing Nicole Stupka has been pleased with the clubs preparation for the state champs and is confident that a number of Richmond crews will be in the hunt for medals throughout the weekend.
The Richmond women’s D four and pairs coached by Kevin Burrows and Barry Campbell look to be the crew to beat in these events coming off the back of strong performances at Rutherglen.
The women’s D eight is another crew that looks to have a great chance of picking up a medal as they are ‘feeling fast and confident after their thorough thrashing of the men’s eight’ at the club races last weekend according to Nicole.
In the women’s sculling events, Richmond will have two C division quad sculls competing against each other in the same event, a D division double scull and World Masters Games medallists Caroline Manning and Geraldine Goss competing in the lightweight single scull and C division single scull respectively.
In the men’s crews, the club will have two eights competing on each day of the championships with both crews in with a strong chance of picking up a medal.
In the men’s sculling events, Richmond hopes are pinned on the B division quad scull and Sam Morrison in the B division single scull.
The State Championships are being held over two days at the Nagambie Water Sports Centre and Richmond crews will feature predominately over both days.
For updates on the weekend’s action go to the Rowing Victoria website or keep an eye on the RRC blog where updates will be posted at the end of each days racing.
JL and Ron March Jr wired for sound
The John Latham (boat not man) and Ron March Jr are wired for sound thanks to the efforts of Nick and Barry.
Nick donated and installed a speaker and full loom into the Ron March Jr. and Barry has donated and installed a speaker and loom (sound only) into the Latham. This makes coxing/coaching these boats so much easier and bow seat can now actually hear what’s going on.
So, now it’s only the Ron March without sound.
TIP – For those who would rather listen to their iPod and not their cox, there is a groovy attachment available from NK that allows you to connect your iPod so it can be played through the speaker system of the boat. One gadget the B Team will be looking to add to the essential rowing kit for sure!
Nicole Stupka
Gray Matters scouring Melbourne for a pair of cuff links
Hi Rowers,
Sorry for the lack of news last week. Nicole had me flat out, first it was a boatload of rose petals (pair not 8 thank god, and I now receive a generous discount at roses only if anyone else is interested) for the sunset row, then we had to perfect our chocolate mousse recipe (18 attempts and 7 kilos later as I had to do all the taste testing to keep her slim for the big night), then we compared over 3000 PAIRS of cufflinks to find the perfect ones to match Martin’s eyes.
Finally I coloured all the yellow bits of my winter zootie black and tapped all the maple trees in Toorak (you don’t get all that much per tree) for the syrup for the pancake stack for the following morning, for this very important occasion, their first wedding anniversary.
So here I am fat and exhausted and determined never to buy another French cuff shirt for the rest of my life.
Mini Camp
On February 20 and 21 RRC will be holding a mini rowing camp for all crews. We have a guest coach, Geoff Perry (AKA Pugs) coming from Adelaide to work with all crews and coaches. You will find it a very valuable two sessions, and your coaches are keen to work with Pugs while examining your rowing skills from the comfort of their tinny.
So now is a good time to work out nicknames for each other so they will be well settled in before he arrives. Imagine how embarrassing it would be if he arrived and heard us calling each other by our first names, hardly sporting. If you don’t get nickname or can’t remember someone else’s, then make it up, just make sure you look directly at the person you are talking to (point if necessary).
Camp is going to be on the Maribyrnong and each crew will need to be available for one two-hour session on each of the two days. (Bring your club lock)
Annalise and Nicole are currently working out a schedule for the two days. They would like you to make your crew’s sessions a priority, however, if you have something particularly important to attend at some point during the weekend (eg an appointment with the AIS or your own wedding anniversary), please let your coach know, and we will try to schedule your crew in for an optimal time.
There will also be a club dinner on Saturday night. This is not by any means compulsory but you may like to share dinner with your fellow Tigers (Stevo, Beavo, Snake, Onion, Chicken, Erglover, Puggies Girl) and Pug at the pub (location to be announced).
Boatloading will be on Friday at 6pm at the shed and Sunday at 7pm also at the shed. Basically you need to
Boatload Friday 6pm
Row Saturday 2 hours
Optional Pub Dinner Saturday Night
Row Sunday 2 hours
Boat unloading Sunday 7pm
And we all know how good boatloading is for practice in house moving and also interior design. I had a picnic the other day and just carried the fridge outside and used an extension lead. Easy, felt as light as a feather. Hot night tonight, so I think it’s put it in the bedroom with the door open. Options are endless.
Boxercise
Feeling like a weakling at boatloading? Cox always pulling hard on the side you’re not rowing on? We can help. Also boxercise is back on Monday at 6:20 with John Vickory (Tyronne’s Dad).
Brawn and Brains?
The Pres has posted a notice on member news re the upcoming trivia fleet fundraiser. It will be a fundraiser and christening of the new boats. (MTM – Mother To Mother and Orlando) that evening. Any other suggestions? The Freddo Muncher? Faster than we Look, Too Lazy to Swim, Used to have Pudgy Arms, Never Sleep In.
Sprint races
Club sprint races are on this Sunday. The format is 4 x 350m sprint plus finals. This is a great chance to practice your starts for all upcoming regattas. Rowers please let your coaches know by Wednesday morning if you are interested in participating. To make races go smoothly all rowers need to be at the club changed and ready to row at 9:45 am. As always, there will be brunch post racing. If you don’t have a coach and want to race email the boss and she will put you in a crew.
States
Crews for states have been set and the RRC contingent looks awesome … More info to come later in the week.
Girl Talk
My welder broke last week (and it’s going to take Sarah a week to fix it), Joe and I are fixing up Arnie’s old ford, does anyone else have one they can lend? We’re entered in a drag on Saturday night at Sandown, Susie I know you need yours this week, maybe one of the other girls? Let me know.
MOUSSE
PANT (PA to Nicoles Tudka, previously PA to JK until she was transferred to the Darwin Oar Rowing Society and now champions the DORC’s up there)
Club Races this Sunday 7th February on the Yarra
Club races are scheduled to be held on the Yarra this Sunday from 10:00am. The plan is to race four round robin races plus finals over 350 metres in mixed fours from the 2km mark to the landing just before Punt Road Bridge.
Rowers who signed up via the recent survey are reminded that they need to attend. If you have not signed up and would like to come along then all you need to do is email Nicole ([email protected]) by Wednesday this week and she will organise you into a crew.
The Development Squad will be providing breakfast and there is a rumor they have been out shopping for bacon and eggs so make sure you bring along a big appetite for after the races.
Just Married
Former members Natalie (Nat) Frazer and Jarrad Rouhan tied the knot Saturday and ventured down to have their photo’s taken in amongst the boats at the club.
Natalie joined Richmond as a beginner and soon became a pivotal part of the women’s squad that went on to claim numerous state championships.
Jarrod joined the club from Wendouree Ballarat when he moved to Melbourne for work and went on to win a State Championship in the men’s pair and a bronze medal at the National Championships in the coxed four in a RMIT / Richmond composite crew.
Congratulations to the both of you and we wish you all the best for the future.