Waikato Rowing Club

The Waikato Rowing Club began in 1960 in Hamilton on the Banks of the Waikato River.

Spurred on by a disagreement with his previous Club, WRC founder Jack Worth saw the opportunity to develop a new Club in the Waikato that would be constructed with an emphasis on excellence in coaching, quality plant and passionate club members, based on the values of integrity and humility. This, along with the hard work of its original members laid the foundation for the WRC to grow into NZ’s most successful RC, having won 104 Heavyweight and 26 Lightweight titles.

Since 1986 the WRC has won every Premier sweep oar title, sculling title and lightweight title which reflects the high level of versatility WRC can offer through all rowing disciplines. There are 89 members who have gone on to represent New Zealand in Elite, Senior B, Lightweight and Junior squads, and of these rowers, 52 have represented New Zealand at World Championships and Olympic Game events, with 17 gold medals won.

The WRC is proud of its successful history, and while the national rowing landscape has changed, particularly with the introduction of regional performance centres (RPC), the club still aims to provide an elite level programme alongside the club and senior programmes, and work alongside the RPC to deliver them top athletes.