John XXIII Rowing Club 

Crew Selection

Our coaches have been working very hard to place our rowers in races. We always do our best, however, there have been a number of last minute changes and scratching’s due to COVID. Please be aware that this is likely to be this way for the rest of the season. I will place Crews on the Team App and also provide in an email to all parents. Please keep a look out for this email. This will also outline specific details about what to bring, uniforms etc.

COVID struggles

COVID-19 has been presenting vastly different in individuals and the safe return to sport and in particular rowing is of high importance. As more information comes to hand, this will be communicated as soon as available. As part of the John XXIII Rowing program in the short term, we will be expecting the following:

• Post COVID, rowers will only be permitted to cox at training. They will not be expected to row.
• Regattas – we will be encouraging coxing on the very next Regatta post COVID. It is important to still remain part of the program, however, to best care for the health and wellbeing of our rowers, we will not be recommending racing the week post COVID.
• Upon return – Rowers will be encouraged by coaches to implement a ‘soft return’. This may mean half sessions on the water and then resting in the dinghy, or coxing.
• Communication – prior to full commencement, a medical certificate from your doctor advising the safe return to full physical activity will be required. 

Boys John XXIII Race Day – May 21, 2022

All male rowers, mark this date in your calendar, 21 May will see our first Race Day. This will be an opportunity for your coaches to place you in your crews in preparation for the All Schools Regatta on 28 May.

This session will commence at 6:00am and conclude at 9:00am. 

There will be a BBQ breakfast upon completion and all parents are invited down to the sheds to meet and watch before our first Regatta. Any parent volunteers for this morning on the BBQ, please drop me an email.

Importance of Cox

Being a coxswain is a privilege in rowing. I am requesting all rowers assistance if asked to cox during a Regatta. If you cox – this does not mean you will not row and does not count for one of your races. It simply means you are helping your friends with their race. Thank you in advance.

Training schedule

The following training schedule will be effective as of Monday, 9 May. All land sessions will remain the same, only water sessions will change to maximise water training for all rowers.

• Monday – Girls
• Tuesday – Boys
• Wednesday – Girls 
• Thursday – Boys
• Friday – Seniors and Girls alternate each week with boys.

I will update the Team App and coaches will communicate with their groups. 

• Friday 13 May – Seniors and Girls
• Friday 20 May – Seniors and Boys
• Friday 27 May – Seniors and Girls.

This will continue for the rest of the season.

Wishing our girls are successful regatta this weekend. May your boats move swiftly and your oars avoid crabs. 

Head of the River Merchandise 

Head of the River Merchandise will be available to order from this weekend, so to get in the first wave of orders, come on down to our tent and get your orders in.

Lorrelle Fortune

John XXIII Rowing Coordinator