Rowing is a great way to get fit and meet new people. Can you imagine anything more peaceful than the quiet hum of a boat gliding across the smooth water of the Canning River? Rowing is the ultimate team sport, and that team spirit can be enjoyed in both a competitive and a recreational environment. Whether it's the thrill of speed or the camaraderie of a shared experience that excites you, rowing is a sport with much to offer.

Membership is open to any person over 14 years of age. Approxiamately half of the club members are Murdoch University students or graduates, but the remaining club members have discovered our club through our many innovative programmes that link our club with the wider community. Rowers come from all walks of life and all shapes and sizes. If you have some rowing experience, you can join any time, but if you are new to the sport, the best option is to take part in one of our learn to row courses. We are currently focusing on adult programmes, but in some years school based programmes are also offered.

Community Learn to Row

Murdoch University Rowing Club runs a structured course each January that is advertised to the wider community. The course runs for six (6) weeks beginning with a land-based session to introduce the equipment, basic rowing action and safety procedures. Over the remaining five (5) weeks, different aspects of rowing technique are introduced so that participants will be able to row merrily down the stream! It does take a little time to get used to the action of rowing, but this course provides a solid introduction to set you up for further participation. Previous participants have ranged in age from 14 to 60. We normally have 2 - 3 groups that we match up based on age and interests so you are sure to find new friends.

University Learn to Row

This course is structured in the same way as the Community Learn to Row programme, with the exception that it is advertised mainly at the Murdoch University Orientation Day. Participation is still open to the general community. It commences in late February in the week following Orientation Day. Murdoch is a fun club with heaps of opportunity for social interaction. You will have lots of experiences to share with your new friends around campus and you will have the chance to do something active to take your mind off exams and assignments.

Corporate Challenge

Does your company have what it takes to beat the competition on and off the water? As a unique team-building exercise, why not enter a team or two in the Murdoch University Rowing Club Business House regatta? Teams of four (4) rowers will learn the craft of rowing over three (3) weeks, with two sessions per week, culminating in a gala regatta. Crews can win medals in men's, women's and mixed categories, and the company with the most points overall will receive a magnificent trophy to display in their foyer for the year. Last year saw Iluka and Lycopodium neck and neck. Lycopodium will be keen to snatch the honors back from Iluka, but perhaps a new challenger will charge across the line. Training commences in October, so please register your interest via the club e-mail address.

Competitive Rowing

There's nothing quite like the feeling of power that you get as your crew drives across the finish line to win a medal! Regattas in Western Australia commence in May and conclude in September with the State Championships. Training for the competitive season begins in March. Crews normally train three times a week. There are various classes of competition, from beginners to advanced, and also veteran categories. If you have some rowing experience, you can have a chat with the Club Captain and coaches about your rowing history so that they can identify the best crew for you. Highlights during the year include two weekends competing in Bunbury which involves sharing good times with your crew mates. There are also opportunities for crews to participate in interstate competitions such as intervarsity, masters or even the national championships! Most WA regattas are held at Canning Bridge on the club's doorstep, so you can get the best position to cheer on the rest of the club.

Recreational Rowing

If rowing gently down the stream sounds more your style, you can join the recreational rowing group. This group meets once a week, usually on Saturday mornings from 7 - 9am, to enjoy rowing in a social environment. Participation is casual, so if you need to go away for work or have family commitments, you don't need to attend every week. Most people get hooked fairly quickly though, and we have many regular faces. Most members of this group join through the community learn to row or the corporate challenge course, but new participants can be integrated during the year. Recreational rowers form an active part of the club community and social events such as barbeques, quiz nights and so on are held to enable all club members to mix together.

FAQ's

What do I need to wear???

• Hat, sunscreen and lightweight shirt are essential in summer
• In winter, you will need warm clothes to start that can be peeled off in layers as you warm up
• Close fitting shorts that won't get caught in the equipment i.e. bike shorts or similar
• Socks are needed to keep your feet comfortable in the foot straps in the boat
• Water bottle

For all enquires, e-mail us at murdoch_rowing@hotmail.com