Published on: 14 February 2014







Christ Church rowers enjoyed a rigorous pre-season with 30 boys and coaches on tour in New Zealand, from 8 to 20 January, followed by a local camp on their return. The tour culminated in the boys competing in the South Island Regatta in Twizel. 

The group, including Years 10 to 12 boys, was based in Christchurch for most of the tour where they spent one week training out of St Bede’s College’s rowing facilities. While the schools trained separately, they did join forces for a training session in which Christ Church took the honours in a friendly race. 

James McQuillan (Year 12) said each day included a morning and afternoon training session with an activity in between. These included rafting, paint balling, go-karting and a lake cruise. “The helicopter ride to Mt Cook and throwing snowballs was definitely a highlight,” James said. 

Max Montanari (Year 12) said the boys were pleased with their performance in the three-day South Island Regatta despite the last day being cancelled due to windy conditions. Christ Church, which was the only Australian crew, was also amongst the youngest competing against open age crews. “The First VIII finished second in all its races, the First IV also placed second in its race and all boys got to row in at least two races,” Max said. 

On their return to Perth, boys from Years 9 to 12 took part in the annual rowing camp held out of Christ Church’s Residential Community with some training on the river and near the Bayswater-Maylands area. 

This weekend, the boys compete in the second regatta of the PSA season, hosted by Hale School, for times click here.