College Learn to Row
Rowing Give it a Go and Learn To Row will return in Term 3 of 2026.
Our current season is underway with the Main regattas approaching fast within Term 1 of 2026.
Keen to join us for the next summer season in 2026-2027, keep an eye out in your school sports notices and on here for further information.
Information:
Nelson Rowing Club offers 5 week Learn-to-Row (LTR) programmes for college-aged rowers (students in Year 9 to Year 13). Over 5 weeks, a rower will train twice a week to learn the basics of rowing which will include sessions on the water and land based technique sessions on the ergs (indoor rowing machines). A rower will also learn to understand rowing terminology, how to look after the boats and equipment and understand how to stay safe on the water.
Rowing is a highly technical sport, and athletes spend years trying to perfect their technique and achieve the "perfect" stroke. Even Olympic gold medalists still have technical improvements to make! So at the end of 5 weeks, a rower won't be proficient - but it's usually enough to get hooked on the sport!
The College rowing season begins in September when training starts and the season finishes at the conclusion of the NZ Secondary Schools Championships (better known as the Maadi Regatta) which is held at the end of March/early April each year. Nelson Rowing Club runs one or two College Learn to Row courses each year:
Nelson Rowing Club runs one or two college learnt to row courses each season, ddependant on the coach availability. Our next LTR Program will begin in Term 3 of 2026.
At the end of the course, rowers who wish to continue rowing will be asked to make the commitment to row competitively for the season as a Novice Rower. Check out our College Rowing page for more information on what this involves.
Where is the Club?
The Nelson Rowing Club is located on Cross Quay, off Akersten Street down at the marina. We row in the Haven on the inside of the Boulder Bank or sometimes when the tide is right, row up the Maitai River. These are beautiful stretches of water to row on.
How much does it cost?
- Our 5 week Learn to Row courses cost $120.00 (this includes 2 training sessions each week, all boats and equipment provided by the club),
- If a rower wants to continue rowing the annual subscriptions for a College Rower is $750.00 (but your LTR fees are deducted from your College Rower subs - you are in effect, upgrading your membership and will pay the difference between LTR and College Rowing). For more information on the Club's subscription costs and what is included, go over to our "How much does rowing cost?" page.
If all of this sounds like you and you'd like to have some fun rowing with Nelson Rowing Club please get in touch!
What's it like to row and race?
Although this video was made a few years ago, it still gives you a great idea of what it's like to row and race with Nelson Rowing Club (and Nelson College and Nelson College for Girls).