Oamaru Rowing Club

Oamaru Rowing Club (est 1886) is dedicated to providing quality coaching and facilities to rowers of all levels from Novice to Masters in the Waitaki Region.

The Oamaru Rowing Club can trace its history to October 1886. During this time the club has provided amenities that trained rowers who have not only claimed places in NZ rowing at local level, but also at international level. The club had 4 Empire Gold medalists at the 1962 Perth Games and representatives at 4 Olympic games and various international competitions.

The club caters for rowers from junior to master's, with members competing from club competition to national level, others just rowing for recreational pleasure and fitness. A Year 8 programme runs during terms one and four, normally on Mondays and Wednesdays after school. This is separate from our main school rowing programme which is run by our Head Coach between early September and early April. Masters rowers also have their own group trainings.

Volunteer members and parents have to assist with Coaching, Maintanance, Transport and Fundraising. This assistance freely given maintains the club's viability. The rowers also have to be dedicated to succeed, training up to four nights per week during the season, attending competitions or training every weekend.

The club owns its own boat shed and fitness centre at Oamaru harbour waterfront, and a custom made boat shed next to Lake Ruataniwha, Twizel. Both sheds are packed full of boats which allow members to train and row in singles, doubles, quads, pairs, fours and eight's. We are lucky to have an international grade single, double and quad generously donated to the club by WGHS and WBHS parents. The ORC also provide three safety boats, trailors, a club tent and a wide range of plant which they constantly maintain and update to provide the best amenities possible for the members. We also have a Marquee and Pad at the Lake Ruataniwha venue.

This is the only rowing club between Dunedin and Timaru. Grants, along with it's own fundraising, helps us to maintain our proud history and a positive contribution toward sport and recreation in the North Otago region.