Regattas

This year we are staying at the Lake Ruataniwha camping ground whenever we are in Twizel. We have three large lodge-style rooms booked, and we will also use cabins.

Departure by bus/minibus is from school on the Friday afternoon prior to the regatta (unless students are already in Twizel at a rowing camp), and students return on Sunday evening (around 7.00pm).

Parents and supporters are to make their own way to and from regattas. Please note, rowers will not be able to leave early from regattas to come home with parents.

Racing starts early at approximately 7.00am. Rowers will be advised Friday evening of their race times, so will be able to tell parents/caregivers (you can also go to rowit.co.nz for all regatta and race information).

There are usually between two to four races for each rower each day, while times in between races vary depending on the race schedule.

The Boat Park is for rowers and coaches and can be a frantic area of activity. Before a race, the athletes need to focus on their own performance and have coach input only. After a race, the crews need space to debrief. As such, we respectfully request that parents/caregivers keep out of the Boat Park at all times, unless invited by the Rowing Manager or coaches.

During regattas and at the Maadi Cup (when in Twizel), the StAC supporters’ tent is located beside the lake. It’s the hub for our parents and supporters, and it is a great social space.

At your first regatta, parents/caregivers can pick up a lanyard with their names and the name of their rower/s. Please keep it with you for the rest of the season.

A BBQ breakfast, tea, coffee, and lunch are provided at the tent to all supporters – which often includes siblings, grandparents, and other family members and supporters, who are very welcome.

We suggest you bring a chair, sunblock, warm and waterproof clothing (the weather can change quickly), binoculars, and your camera.

Feel free to quietly clap, encourage, and take pictures as your rower rows past the tent down to the start blocks – and cheer like mad when they come up the course!

Rowers come back to the tent from time to time throughout the day, but are more often with their crews at the Boat Park and focused on competing.

There are often parents’/caregivers’ functions at the tent after rowing has finished for the day, but please note, there is a strict no alcohol policy enforced during regatta hours (emails about parents’/caregivers’ functions and their locations will be emailed in advance).