Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about rowing in Rotorua — from your first free session to becoming a club member.
Try Row Experience
What is the Try Row Experience?
The Try Row Experience is Rotorua Rowing Club's free, four-hour introductory session designed for complete beginners who want to learn to row in Rotorua. You'll learn the fundamentals of rowing on land using rowing machines, then take your first strokes on Lake Rotorua in a supervised training boat. No experience, special fitness level, or equipment is required — we provide everything. Just bring a positive attitude and a willingness to give something new a try.
How much does Try Row cost?
The Try Row Experience is completely free of charge.
Why is the Try Row Experience free?
We believe rowing should be accessible to everyone. We offer this experience free of charge to remove any cost barriers, giving everyone a chance to get out on the water and see if rowing is the right fit for them — with absolutely no pressure to join. It's simply a friendly, low-stakes way to see if you enjoy it. We love welcoming new faces to the water, and we hope that once you've had a go, you'll be just as passionate about rowing as we are.
Who can join a Try Row session?
Try Row is open to youths and adults, with dedicated sessions for teens, adults, and corporate teams of all ages and fitness levels — making it a great option whether you're after rowing for teens, adult fitness in Rotorua, or a corporate team-building activity. You do not need to know how to row, and you do not need to be fit — just curious and willing to give it a go. Participants aged 12–17 must have parental or guardian consent.
I'm really keen to try rowing, but I'm nervous as it's outside my comfort zone. Is that okay?
Absolutely — it's completely normal to feel nervous when trying something new. Our club is built on a supportive, inclusive, and friendly community, and we specialise in helping people step outside their comfort zones at their own pace. Everyone was a beginner once, and our coaches and fellow members will be there to guide and encourage you throughout the session. We've all been new to rowing and understand those nerves.
I've heard rowing is a high-performance and elitist sport. Is your club for competitive athletes only?
Not at all. While we're proud of our competitive rowers, we're fundamentally a community-focused, grassroots, volunteer-run club. We welcome everyone, regardless of background, fitness level, or ambitions. Whether you're looking to race competitively, get fit, or simply enjoy being on the water in a friendly, supportive environment, there's a place for you here. Rowing is for everyone who wants to give it a go.
What happens during a free Try Row session?
A typical four-hour Try Row session includes a welcome briefing and safety overview, time on rowing machines to learn correct technique, an off-water session in our BERG training boat, on-water time in a stable boat to bring everything together, Q&A with coaches and current club members, and information about the next step — our 6-week on-water Learn to Row programme. Sessions are kept small, with 4–12 participants, so every rower gets personal coaching attention.
How do I register for a Try Row session?
Register via the Try Row page on our website — sessions are available for teens/youth, adults, and corporate teams. You'll be asked for your name, age, contact details, preferred session date, water confidence/swimming ability, and emergency contact information. Spaces are limited to ensure quality coaching, so early registration is recommended. For Teen Try Row (ages 12–17), a parent or guardian must complete the Teen Try Row form.
What should I bring to a Try Row session?
Bring comfortable, snug-fitting active clothing you don't mind getting damp, closed-toe shoes (trainers are fine), a hat, a water bottle, and a small snack for the four-hour session. All rowing equipment is provided by the club.
Learn to Row — 6-Week Course
What is the Learn to Row course?
Learn to Row is Rotorua Rowing Club's structured six-week beginners' course for anyone who wants to go beyond the Try Row taster and develop real rowing skills. Over six weekly sessions, you'll progress from rowing machine technique through to confident, team on-water rowing. By the end of the course, you'll have the skills to join the club's regular novice programmes.
Who is the Learn to Row course for?
The course is open to both teens and adults — anyone aged 12 and over. It's the natural next step after attending a Try Row Experience session, and no prior experience is required.
What does the Learn to Row course cost?
The Learn to Row course costs $150 for the full 6-week programme. This includes six weekday indoor training sessions (approximately 1 hour each) and six weekend on-water sessions (approximately 90–120 minutes each) to build your skills and confidence on the water.
When does the Learn to Row course run?
The course runs over six consecutive weeks at the Rotorua Water Sports Centre, 1 Mataiawhea Street, Ohinemutu. The next Learn to Row course runs during Term 3. Register your interest and we'll send you the confirmed dates and session times.
What will I learn over the six weeks?
The course builds your skills progressively each week, covering rowing machine technique, correct body position, the drive sequence, on-water boat handling, coordination, balance, and the common terms used when communicating with other rowers. All sessions are coached by qualified club coaches, and equipment is provided throughout.
Do I need my own equipment for the course?
No. The club provides all boats, blades (oars), and rowing machines. Just bring comfortable active clothing, closed-toe shoes, a hat, and a water bottle.
What happens after I complete the Learn to Row course?
Once you complete Learn to Row, you're welcome to join the club as a member and continue rowing as a novice — whether that's Masters, Teen, or competitive club rowing. Your coaches will recommend the best pathway based on your goals and progress during the course.
How do I sign up for the Learn to Row course?
You can register using the link provided in the email sent by the club after your Try Row session. To maintain safety and high-quality coaching, we limit each course to between 4 and 12 participants. If the next course is full or the dates don't suit, we'll keep you updated on future programme dates.
Club Membership & Programmes
Who can become a member of Rotorua Rowing Club?
Membership is open to anyone aged 12 to 80+, and we welcome novices, beginners, recreational rowers, returning rowers, and competitive athletes alike. For those new to the sport, we encourage starting through our free Try Row Experience or our 6-week Learn to Row programme before joining as a full member — though no prior experience or specific fitness level is required. Fitness is something you build through rowing.
Do I need to be fit to join the rowing club?
No. Fitness is something you build through rowing, not a prerequisite for it. Our coaches tailor training to your current ability, whether you're a complete newcomer or returning to sport after a break. Rowing is a low-impact, full-body exercise suitable for most fitness levels and ages, making it a popular choice for adult fitness in Rotorua.
How much does membership cost?
Current membership fees by programme and age group are listed on our forms and membership page.
Is financial assistance available for youth rowing fees?
Yes. If your teenager is keen to continue rowing but finances are tight, Variety — the Children's Charity may be able to assist with partial membership costs.
Can adults with no rowing background join the club?
Yes — adults with no experience are very welcome. The best first step is to attend our free Try Row session, then progress into the Learn to Row programme.
Is there a minimum age to row?
The minimum age for participation in club programmes is 12 years old (Year 8 and above), and participants aged 12–17 must have parental or guardian consent. There's no upper age limit — we have active rowers well into their 80s. We also offer a Coxswain course for students aged 11–14 who want to be involved in rowing without rowing themselves.
What programmes does Rotorua Rowing Club offer?
Rotorua Rowing Club runs a full range of on-water programmes on Lake Rotorua for every age and ability, whether you're after a new fitness activity, a social sport for adults, or a pathway into competitive racing. Programmes include the Try Row Experience (a free 4-hour taste of what rowing is like), Learn to Row (our core beginner programme), Coxswain Training (leadership and steering for students aged 11–14), School Rowing (pathways for Rotorua secondary school students), Masters Rowing (recreational and competitive rowing for adults), Community Rowing (flexible sessions for community groups), Para Rowing (adaptive rowing for participants with physical disabilities), Corporate Rowing (team-based sessions for local businesses), Coach and Motor Boat Handling (marine safety training for members), and Survivors' Rowing (a gentle, supported programme for cancer survivors and their supporters). Whatever your goal — fitness, community, competition, or simply trying something new — there's a programme at Rotorua Rowing Club built around it.
Do you offer school rowing programmes in Rotorua?
Yes. Rotorua Rowing Club runs active school rowing pathways serving secondary schools across Rotorua. Students can begin through the Try Row or Learn to Row programmes and progress into competitive club and school racing. We work with Year 8 students and above, and schools and PE teachers interested in partnering with the club are encouraged to get in touch.
What is Masters Rowing?
Masters Rowing is for adult novice or experienced rowers looking for a sport that builds fitness and community at the same time. Training runs on a schedule designed to fit around work and family life. Masters rowers can row purely for recreation and social fitness, or train towards masters regattas and national competitions — all experience levels are welcome, including complete beginners. It's a popular option for adults in Rotorua looking to get fit, meet people, and build an active lifestyle.
What is Community Rowing?
Community Rowing is for community groups who want a fun, low-pressure fitness activity in Rotorua without the demands of competitive training. Sessions run in a relaxed, social setting and suit everyone from first-time rowers to intermediate paddlers. It's ideal for groups searching for a social sport for adults, a way to get fit in Rotorua, or a supportive environment to build confidence on the water. Community groups can arrange flexible Try Row Experience and Learn to Row sessions tailored specifically to their members.
Do you run rowing programmes for teenagers?
Yes. Teens aged 12–17 can start with our free Teen Try Row experience, then progress into the Youth Learn to Row programme to build skills and fitness over time. We also run Teen Camps during school holidays, giving young people in Rotorua an active, social way to spend their break.
Does the club offer a Corporate Rowing programme?
Yes. We host the Corporate Rowing Challenge on the Blue Lake — a popular team-building event that gets Rotorua business teams outdoors, active, and working together. Sessions are tailored to your needs, whether for wellbeing initiatives, team-building days, or one-off events. No experience is required, and we offer a free Try Row session for businesses before committing to the full Corporate Learn to Row programme. A highlight of the programme is the opportunity for your team to take part in a local rowing regatta held every November.
What is Coxswain Training and who is it for?
Coxswain Training is Rotorua Rowing Club's leadership and steering programme for students aged 11–14 who want to be part of a team sport without needing rowing strength or fitness. The coxswain steers the boat and calls the timing and race strategy for the crew — a hands-on leadership role, not a physical one. It's ideal for young people who want to build leadership, communication, and teamwork skills, or who want to be involved in rowing without rowing themselves.
What does Coach and Motor Boat Handling training involve?
Coach and Motor Boat Handling is a practical training programme for existing club members who want to move into coaching or safety boat roles. The course covers marine safety, navigation, and motor boat handling through qualified trainers on Lake Rotorua. Once completed, members can supervise on-water sessions and support rowers from a coach or safety boat — opening up volunteer coaching and safety roles that keep the club's programmes running.
Survivors’ Row
What is Survivors’ Row?
Survivors' Row is a gentle, supported rowing programme offered by Rotorua Rowing Club in partnership with Cancer Society Waikato/Bay of Plenty. It gives cancer survivors and their supporters the chance to get out on the water in a relaxed, calm environment. Rowing is a whole-body exercise that builds strength and flexibility through flowing movement — and the programme is designed with your comfort and wellbeing at the centre.
After each session, there is time for coffee and a yarn.
Who is Survivors’ Row for?
The programme is open to cancer survivors of any kind, as well as their supporters. No rowing experience, fitness level, or prior sporting background is required. If you are living with or beyond cancer and would like to try something gentle and sociable on the water, this programme is for you.
Location & Facilities
Where is Rotorua Rowing Club located?
Rotorua Rowing Club is based at the Rotorua Water Sports Centre (Watersports Trust Building), 1 Mataiawhea Street, Ohinemutu, Rotorua 3010, on the lakefront of Lake Rotorua.
Is parking available at the club?
Public parking is available at the Rotorua Water Sports Centre on Mataiawhea Street. The lakefront location is also easily accessible from the Rotorua city centre on foot or by bike.
What facilities are available?
The club's facilities include a boat shed with a fleet of rowing boats, indoor rowing machines (ergs) for land training, a kitchen, toilets, changing rooms, and direct water access to Lake Rotorua.
Is Lake Rotorua safe for rowing?
Yes. Lake Rotorua provides calm, flat water well suited to both beginner and competitive rowing. All on-water sessions are supervised by qualified coaches and follow club safety protocols. Life belts and safety equipment are available for all participants, and safety boats are on the water for every training session.
Getting Started
I want to learn to row in Rotorua — where do I start?
The easiest first step is to attend a free Try Row session. From there, our coaches will help you find the programme that suits your age, schedule, and goals.
How do I register for a programme or membership?
Register online through this website — navigate to the relevant programme page and complete the registration form. For school or Para rowing enquiries, use the Contact page to reach the club directly.
Do I need to buy my own rowing equipment to get started?
No. The club provides all rowing equipment, including boats, oars, and safety gear. You only need appropriate clothing and footwear.
How do I contact Rotorua Rowing Club?
Use the Contact page on this website for general enquiries. School and club membership enquiries are directed to our club president, and we aim to respond within a few days. You can also find us on Facebook.
Is Rotorua Rowing Club a not-for-profit organisation?
Yes. Rotorua Rowing Club is a volunteer-run, not-for-profit community sports club. All fees go directly towards insurance, equipment maintenance, facilities, and coaching resources.
Ready to Give Rowing a Go?
Join us on Lake Rotorua for a free Try Row session — no experience needed, all equipment provided.
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