News from the Rowing Sheds

Ordering rowing shoes

As mentioned previously, we have negotiated a deal with two suppliers for our rowers to purchase their own rowing shoes at a very competitive price. They will receive a pair of shoes along with the Quick Release System (QRS) footplate to attach to the soles.

A deposit of $180 is required at the time of ordering, with the remaining $70 due upon collection. We have some sample shoes available to test for sizing and to view some of the colour options. 

Rowers can try on shoes and make payments this weekend on both Saturday and Sunday mornings, from 8.30am–9.00am. If neither of these times works for you, please let me know. 

Please complete the Ordering Form here prior to the weekend. You can use the sizing guide on the form to gauge your approximate size. We can easily change the shoe size if a different fit works better when trying them on. 

Volunteers and Child Safety

All parents of rowers are strongly encouraged to complete the Child Safety and Volunteer Induction in readiness for the upcoming season. I would encourage ALL parents to do the Induction Briefing as it allows you to volunteer during the Rowing Season.

Opportunities where you need to have completed the induction:

* Coaching or Team Manager;                                                                         

* Powerboat driver;

* Breakfast Club;

* Pasta Night;                                                                                                   

* Boat Loading/Unloading;

* Canteen volunteering at regattas, to name just a few.

Please email Maria Walker (Risk and Compliance Officer) using whs@smc.tas.edu.au and the necessary details will be sent back to you to complete.

The rowers and I rely very heavily on our volunteers to ensure the success of the program, so please complete the above as soon as is possible.

As we head to the second half of Term 3, the official start to the 2026/2027 Rowing Season is fast approaching. Please find below some updates and notifications about upcoming events where your assistance will be invaluable.

Winter training

Our Rowers have been working very hard in the gym since the start of last term. The gym sessions complement the on-water rowing on Sunday mornings. Gym fees have been sent to parents and carers of those girls involved. Please ensure these are paid by the end of Term 3.

Try Rowing – Year 6 2026

Last Sunday, many of the SMC Year 6 girls who attended Try Rowing returned to the sheds with their parents and carers for an additional experience. A very big thank you to our existing rowers and the parents/carers who were able to support this session. 

Indoor Rowing Championships 

Congratulations to all of our rowers who competed in the recent Indoor Rowing Championships. It was great to see how the hard work put into training has paid off for our rowers. Congratulations in particular to Poppy and Tilly for winning their sprint races, and to Poppy, Ruby W, Zoe and Allegra for taking out the relay event. A fantastic team effort from all rowers who attended. 

Baskerville Historics

Based on the replies so far, I have given an undertaking to the organisers that we will have sufficient volunteers to complete the entry-gate task. However, we still need additional volunteers for both Saturday and Sunday. 

Linked here is a volunteer schedule for the weekend of 16–18 October. I have split each day approximately in half; however, you are welcome to volunteer for the full day. If your child is competent, they too can be counted as a volunteer. 

On the form, please type your full name and a contact phone number if you are able to help. Please use a new cell for each volunteer.

Registrations / fees for upcoming season

To date, Rowing Tas. has not notified us of the registration process or fees for the upcoming season. My understanding is that this information will be released soon. A similar process to last year is expected, with a $200 non-refundable regisration fee for rowers due at the end of Term 3 or early Term 4, and the remainder payable before year's end. There will also be a registration fee for coxswains only. 

SMC rowing hoodie

For those girls who are new to SMC rowing, I'll look at placing a hoodie order once the Try Rowing days have finished for all current Year 6 students.