Rowing at URC
Founded more than 150 years ago, Union Rowing Club continues to uphold its founding purpose:
“The promotion of rowing for the recreation of the members.”
Today, that spirit is alive in a club that welcomes people of all ages and backgrounds to experience the challenge and enjoyment of rowing. Whether you are stepping into a boat for the first time, returning to the sport after years away, or looking to compete at a higher level, you will find a place at Union.
With programmes for juniors, masters, and adaptive rowers, we provide supportive coaching, strong camaraderie, and opportunities to participate at a level that suits your goals.
If you’re ready to get on the water, meet great people, and be part of a proud rowing tradition, we would love to welcome you.
Masters Rowing (27+)
Union has large and active Masters squads for both women and men, rowing year-round in sweep oar and sculling boats.
To row as a Master, you must be 27 years of age or older.
Whether you rowed at school, university, or many years ago, or are completely new to the sport — Union offers opportunities at every level.
Recreational rowing
Structured competitive training programmes
Regatta preparation under qualified coaches
Union Masters crews compete regularly on the Rowing New Zealand calendar, including South Island and New Zealand Masters regattas, long-distance events, and inter-provincial racing. Crews have also represented the club internationally at events such as World Masters competitions and Australian regattas.
Junior Rowing (13- 18)
URC welcomes junior rowers aged 13-18 years (Year 9-13 students.) We usually support aspiring athletes from non-rowing schools, and as they progress they will able to compete for Union in age group categories at rowing New Zealand regattas (including the New Zealand National Championships) in Twizel and other venues around the South and North Island.
Occasionally, if we have enough rowers from one school, we will be able to provide our juniors with the support to compete at Secondary School regattas, including the Maadi Cup.
Rowers above the age of 18 can train at and compete for Union at any level they wish to pursue. All competitive rowers will be looked after by experienced coaches
Masters Novices
Never rowed before? Union is the place to start your rowing career. We welcome new rowers of all ages and levels of physical ability, as we believe that rowing is a sport for all to enjoy.
Each season, novice training begins in late spring. Under the guidance of experienced coaches and senior rowers, new members learn:
Rowing technique fundamentals
Water safety practices
Boat handling skills
Fitness and training basics
Once confident, novice rowers can choose a recreational or competitive pathway — with ongoing coaching support available.
Adaptive Rowers
Union Rowing Club is proud to offer an Adaptive (Para) Rowing programme, providing opportunities for rowers of all ages who have a disability.
Our adaptive sessions are held on Tuesday evenings and are supported by two dedicated rowing coaches who provide personalised guidance and support. Coaching and equipment are adapted to meet individual needs, ensuring every rower can participate safely and confidently.
The programme includes:
Modified coaching approaches tailored to individual ability
Adapted equipment to support stability and technique
A wide-hulled four, allowing rowers to focus on skill development without balance concerns
Indoor rowing machine sessions to build strength and confidence
Union offers both social and competitive pathways within adaptive rowing, creating opportunities for connection, personal achievement, and progression in the sport.
We have been actively involved in adaptive rowing since 2009, when the club ran a two-year pilot programme supporting the development of adaptive rowing in New Zealand. Union also proudly supported New Zealand’s first international adaptive rower to compete at World Rowing level, Robin Tinga
Our ongoing goal is to continue expanding equipment and access, including fundraising for additional specialised boats so that more athletes can experience the physical, social, and competitive benefits of rowing.
To find out more about the adaptive rowing programme please contact Karen Rickerby at 021 024 28430
Casual rowers
URC charge a fee of $25 per person per row for visitors (non URC Club Members) who want to row. Casual rowers must sign the URC Waiver form, also available in the club shed before they row, and ensure they are aware of the URC’s H & S policy displayed in the club shed.
A club for life
Union Rowing Club is more than a place to train, it is a community built on shared effort, resilience, and friendship.
Across generations, members have formed lasting connections, challenged themselves physically and mentally, and carried forward the traditions of the club. From early morning rows to regatta days and lifelong friendships, Union becomes part of people’s stories.
No matter when you begin, there is always a place to continue. Row well. Row hard. And be part of something that lasts.