Masters rowing

Our masters squad trains a few times a week and attends a mix of local and South Island wide regattas. This squad is open to all abilities - novice through to olympians!

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In 2019 a squad of 30 Masters went to the South Island Masters Rowing Champs in Queenstown and had an awesome time. We now have an ongoing programme for masters rowers. While winter is the key season for masters, we do offer year-round rowing in several ‘blocks’ that you can sign up for. New masters rowers are welcome - no experience needed but any experience is welcome!

What makes a master rower?

Our masters rowers train together. So if you think you fit the bill for either please get in touch and come and have a go.

  • Masters need a great team spirit, hardworking ethic and a sense of fun.

  • Masters: Anyone aged 27+ can row as a master. There are different grades for masters rowing events based on the age of the crew.

  • Social: As long as you’re at least 18 years old, you can join us! While CRC offers a strong club rowing programme, social rowing is tailored for those who don’t want the time and travel commitments of a full club season.

  • Any level of experience is welcome - our masters squad has ranged from complete beginners to Olympians

Rowing is a great team sport and provides the perfect way to keep fit and strong. Our masters are a social bunch, and often head to the cafe or pub after training on the weekend. There are also some great opportunities for competition, including local and further afield regattas. None of this is compulsory, but we strongly encourage getting involved!

CRC are offering four blocks this year. Each block includes at least one camp or regatta option, which are great ways to progress, test your skills and have some fun!

If you’re new to rowing and keen to come and have a go, join us at our open day at 8am on Sunday 3rd May, 2026.

    • Rowing and erg sessions are based at the Canterbury Rowing Club boat shed and clubroom at Kerrs Reach

    • Our coaches are sourced from the ranks of our current and past club rowers, who all have a passion for the sport, experience coaching and years of rowing under their belts.

    • Weekly training options will generally include:

      • Monday evening erg (rowing machine) session at the clubroom (prescribed but may not be coached)

      • Wednesday morning row (before work)

      • Friday morning row (before work – experienced rowers only)

      • Sunday morning row

    • Attendance at each session is not compulsory - we just ask that you let us know when you will/won’t be there. For beginner rowers, we recommend prioritising the Sunday morning rows where possible.

    • Newcomers are welcome to try the first two weeks of each block for free. Please note that the novice (beginner) intake is Block 3 (from 28 April).

    • Rowers with sufficient experience (coach’s discretion) will be able to do additional self-run sessions (arranged with the coach in advance).

  • 2026 Block 1

    • 04 Jan – 22 Feb (7 weeks)

    • There is no novice intake during this period - experienced rowers only

    • Regattas/camps (optional)

      • Canterbury Champs (17-18 Jan, Lake Ruataniwha)

      • South Island Champs (31 Jan - 1 Feb, Lake Ruataniwha)

    2026 Block 2

    • 23 Feb - 27 Apr (9 weeks)

    • There is no novice intake during this period - experienced rowers only

    • Regattas/camp (optional)

      • South Island Masters (25-26 Apr, Lake Rotoiti)

    2026 Block 3

    • 28 Apr - 5 Jul (10 weeks)

    • This is our novice intake - all new members are welcome!

    • Sunday 3rd May, 2026 - Open day! Join us at 8am.

    • Regattas/camps (optional)

      • Cure Bridge to Bridge (10 May, Kaiapoi)

      • CRA Long Distance Race (21 Jun, Kerrs Reach)

    2026 Block 4

    • 6 Jul - 20 Sep (11 weeks)

    • There is no novice intake during this period - experienced rowers only

    • Regattas/camps (optional)

      • CRA Long Distance race (16 Aug, Lake Karapiro)

      • Masters Nationals (19-20 Sep, Lake Karapiro)

    2026 Block 5

    • 21 Sep to 20 Dec (13 weeks)

    • There is no novice intake during this period - experienced rowers only

    • Regattas (optional)

      • Aoraki (tbc, Lake Ruataniwha)

      • Marlborough Champs (tbc, Blenheim)

      • CRA Christmas Long Distance (6 Dec, Kerrs Reach)

  • Fees are split for novice rowers and return rowers.

    Novice rowers

    - Block 1: $120
    - Block 2: $209
    - Block 3: $233
    - Block 4: $256
    - Block 5: $302

    Return rowers

    - Block 1: $120
    - Block 2: $162
    - Block 3: $180
    - Block 4: $198
    - Block 5: $235

    All CRC members pay an annual subscription of $120 which goes towards general club costs such as power, shed insurance, bathroom cleaning etc. This is charged in Block 1.

    The total fee for the full year is $1000 for novice rowers and $775 for return rowers.

    Any unspent budget will go directly back into the masters programme.

    Gym, clothing, accommodation, transport, race entry costs are not included in block fees and will be invoiced separately.

  • secretary@canterburyrowingclub.org.nz

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