2010 TSS ROWING HANDBOOK - The Southport School

2010 TSS ROWING HANDBOOK
The Southport School,
Winchester Street, Southport QLD 4215
1

CONTENTS
Welcome from the Headmaster ............................................................................................................................. 3
Welcome From The Director Of Sport .................................................................................................................... 4
Welcome from Director of Rowing ......................................................................................................................... 5
The Southport School Rowing Supporters .............................................................................................................. 6
Contacts and Website Details: ................................................................................................................................ 7
Become a Sponsor of TSS Rowing ........................................................................................................................... 7
Weekly Arrangements ............................................................................................................................................ 7
Term 4 Training Schedule 2009/10 Season ............................................................................................................ 6
Pre‐Season Training & Camp Information .............................................................................................................. 7
General Information ............................................................................................................................................... 8
Rowing Policy & Selection ...................................................................................................................................... 9
TSS Rowing Code of Conduct ................................................................................................................................ 12
What is a Supporter? ............................................................................................................................................ 14
Participating GPS Schools ..................................................................................................................................... 15
Directions from Southport to Kawana Waters ..................................................................................................... 17
Directions to Coomera .......................................................................................................................................... 18
Traditions .............................................................................................................................................................. 19
Junior Head of the River ....................................................................................................................................... 20
Head of the River Regatta ..................................................................................................................................... 20
Functions .............................................................................................................................................................. 20
A Recent History of Rowing .................................................................................................................................. 21
Why “Head of the River”? .................................................................................................................................... 22
1.0 Training Session Structure .......................................................................................................................... 23
12.0 Traffic Rules ............................................................................................................................................. 37
Glossary of Terms ................................................................................................................................................. 45
Thank you to our sponsors ................................................................................................................................... 47
2

WELCOME FROM THE HEADMASTER
Rowers, Parents, Coaches and Old Boys,
It was wonderful to be able to share with you several weeks ago the traditional start of the season
with the blessing of the fleet and prayers from the Chaplain. I took the opportunity then to
welcome you back to the Shed for what promises to be a benchmark season for TSS Rowing, and to
outline several of my hopes for the 2010 season.
As Headmaster I will judge the success of the season on three key criteria. Firstly, how well the Shed
rates as a positive and productive place for boys to be. This requires the boys to look after each
other and encourage each other; the coaches to treat boys with respect and be positive and
productive role models; and the parents to also model cooperation and positive relationships, and
sometimes to keep any little disagreements they may have with coaches and strategies in
perspective, and speak to the Director of Rowing if they have concerns.
Secondly, I hope to see many more boys involved in Rowing this season, and more crews in races. I
strongly believe if we get the first criteria above 'right', then the second criteria will flow
naturally. Thirdly, we do need to work to lift our results from last season in the Head of the
River. Again, I believe if the Shed is a positive, productive and happy place to be, boys will join up
and stay involved, more crews will be fielded, and our results will improve as a result.
Work hard boys, develop that self‐discipline so needed to be a successful rower, and a successful
person, and lead yourself and others by being an encouraging and helpful rower.
Best wishes for a great season.
Greg Wain
Headmaster
3

WELCOME FROM THE DIRECTOR OF SPORT
Welcome to TSS Rowing,
The history books at TSS clearly show that the sport of rowing has always
been a central part of the school sporting calendar. The old black and
white prints illustrate the changes in boat design, racing attire and
eventually a move from Quads to the seniors competing in an Open VIII at
the Head of the River.
Head Coaches may come and go but over the last decade it has been surprising how the sport in
Queensland has moved venues so often. My first memories were of the long trip to Wivenhoe dam
and TSS erecting supporters tents on the far‐off section of the river bank. The school had a great
vantage point to see the mid section of the race but couldn't see who had won because of the angle
we would all look back to and judge the placings on the finish line. Usually the cheers of the crowd
would give a fairly good indication of who had won the big race.
At one time the Gold Coast's own Hinze Dam started to gain in popularity and apart from some
parking hiccups the course usually provided a smooth, almost perfect racing surface. Who would
have thought that a few years later a Sunshine Coast property developer would come up with the
idea to build a rowing course at Kawana and actually win over the rights to host the GPS Head of the
River.
This new venue looked set to be the home of Queensland rowing for the foreseeable future and
offered spectators a close view of the last 500 meters of racing. However there were problems with
this new course and with seafront location it is often affected by severe side‐winds making the starts
extremely difficult for most schoolboy crews. Kawana is also considered an unfair course and on a
windy day one of the inside lanes usually has a more sheltered advantage over a 1500 or 2000m race.
Where next? It is unlikely that GPS rowing will ever move back to a Brisbane River Course but
Coomera is suddenly moving forward with a new short course rowing centre. The new Coomera
Rowing shed certainly looks impressive and if the Gold Coast Council can find the funds to lengthen
the course in the near future who knows we might even see GPS Head of River move to another new
race venue. On the 30th January TSS will host the first GPS regatta of the 2010 season at Coomera
and race over the shorter 1500 metres course. It would be great if you can try and support the home
regatta and see first‐hand if Coomera can challenge the Sunshine Coast for the future home of GPS
rowing.
Regards
Bryan Hain
Director of Sport
4

WELCOME FROM DIRECTOR OF ROWING
Welcome one and all to the 2009/2010 GPS Rowing Season.
Last year TSS could only field three out of a possible six eights at the Head Of the River in
the Senior ranks and no crews had wins at the Head of the River. Collectively we must
aim high and field a minimum of six Eights at Kawana in March next year. Early signs are
promising and at the halfway point of Term 4 it is looking very much like TSS will be able
to boat seven Eights on the 12 th of March next year. The victories are not far away.
It is a wonderful early morning sight on the Nerang River watching 30 or 40 single scullers emerge from the TSS
shed and plow their way up and down the stretch of water in front of the School. Just a few weeks ago there
were five Eights out at 6 am. A sight not seen for many a year. TSS Rowing has had a positive beginning to the
season with a productive trip with 40 boys to Bundaberg for the QLD Schools Championships winning several
medals. The feeling in the shed is upbeat with anticipation of things to come. I am sure all the boys are
enjoying their Rowing training so far.
The boys must to take advantage of the sheds perfect position beside the river and proximity to the school.
We are continually reinforcing to them how this advantage will help TSS stay one step ahead of our opposition
who have their Rowing facilities well away from their school campus. We simply get more time on the water
and so we must use it to our full benefit and advantage.
The rowing supporter group are up and running busy planning the season ahead. The Saturday morning BBQ
breakfast is a treat and many thanks to all the Parents who are already helping with this activity and all the
other things that make the TSS Rowing operation run smoothly. President Mr Tim Rylance is after more help
for Saturday BBQ, Rowing Camps and Our home regatta at Coomera on the 30 th of January. Tim and the hard
working committee would appreciate any help possible so please put your hand up to help if you can. Rowing
is a sport which requires loads of support and assistance from all so please do all you can to be involved.
We have now had several editions of our new style rowing newsletter. This is the information hub that will
keep you abreast of all the shed news and upcoming events. Let myself or one of the Supporter Group know if
you are yet to receive the Newsletter.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank our generous Sponsors for being involved this year and hopefully
for many years ahead. Special mention to Beric Lynton and Bruce Lynton BMW who have just made a
commitment to TSS Rowing for the next three years. Many thanks also to the supporters and sponsors listed
below along with everyone who has helped and will be no doubt helping this year.
Bruce Lynton BMW
Sanctuary Cove
Wintech Racing
ATL Composites
Goldstein bakery
Emma and Toms Fruit Juice
Wayne Parfitt
Kerri Alderson and Scotty’s Trading Post
Southport
I would also like to thank all the Coaches who have committed to TSS Rowing for the season ahead. In
particular Rob Walker and Gary Hughes for a huge amount of work already done through Term 3, Alex
Paranthoiene and James Stewart for taking on the Junior rowers. Jess Linton, Brad Carter and Mark Wilkins as
Year Group Coordinators.
Good luck to all for the Year ahead. Row hard, Train Hard, Race Hard, and the rest will take care of itself.
Iain Smith
Director of Rowing
5

THE SOUTHPORT SCHOOL ROWING SUPPORTERS
The Southport School Rowing Supporters Group was formed in 1993 and
consists of the parents and friends of past and present rowers. The principal
aims of this organisation are to raise funds for additional equipment and/or
services required and to provide support for our young rowers.
All parents and interested parties are very welcome, even if they have no
knowledge of rowing. If you are a new parent and wish to join us, please do
not hesitate to contact me, Director of Rowing or Director of Sport and we will
introduce you to other parents and the activities of The Shed.
Regular contact with the Rowing Supporters will ensure that you are kept well informed of what is
happening and what is proposed for the rowers in The Shed. This is particularly beneficial for the
many parents unable to attend meetings, due to work commitments or for geographical reasons.
All Parents receive this TSS Rowing Manual, updated annually. This booklet is a comprehensive
guide covering all aspects of rowing at TSS, including a complete diary of regattas, events, meetings,
functions and other invaluable information.
Committee Members are always available to discuss any details relating to the Rowing Supporters
and its many activities. All parents are most welcome to visit the boatshed at anytime.
Your support during the season will benefit not only your son, but also all the crews at The
Southport School.
I encourage and welcome you to join us and be part of your son's enjoyment of the sport. The
Committee meets regularly throughout the year, particularly in the lead up to and during the regatta
season. Open Meetings, to which all parents are invited, are also held throughout the season. We
would love to have you involved in any way you can.
If you have any questions relating to any aspect of Rowing at TSS please direct all communication to
the Director of Rowing Iain Smith. Iain can be contact on; Tel 07 5531 9964 or Mobile 0416 288 203
or Email iain.smith@tss.qld.edu.au
Tim Rylance
Support Group President
6

CONTACTS AND WEBSITE DETAILS:
TSS STAFF
Shed Office: 5531 9964
Director of Rowing: Mr Iain Smith 0416 288 203 iain.smith@tss.qld.edu.au
Director of Sport: Mr Bryan Hain 0404 874 279 bryan.hain@tss.qld.edu.au
Sports Office Admin Mrs Kris Hailey 5531 9828 kris.hailey@tss.qld.edu.au
Rowing Support Group
President Mr Tim Rylance 0418 744 155 tim@rylance.com.au
Secretary Mr Paul Melville 0412 787 914 pmelville@halcyondays.com.au
Treasurer Mr Greg Cornelsen 0410 061311 cornelsen@iprimus.com.au
Rowing Coordinators
Junior (UY8 & 9) Mr James Stewart 0404 444 044 james.stewart@tss.qld.edu.au
Year 10 Mr Jess Linton 5531 9874 jess.linton@tss.qld.edu.au
Year 11 Mr Brad Carter 0423 859 175 brad.carter@tss.qld.edu.au
Open Mr Mark Wilkins 0416 350 232 mark.wilkins@tss.qld.edu.au
Head Coach Rob Walker 0433 502 038 rob@wintechracing.com.au
Junior Head Coach Alex Paranthoiene 0418 810 019 alex.paranthoiene@gmail.com
Link to Rowing Web Sites:
http://www.tss.qld.edu.au/tsssport/Rowing/rowing.asp
http://www.rowingqld.asn.au
BECOME A SPONSOR OF TSS ROWING
If you are interested in becoming a sponsor of TSS Rowing, please contact Tim Rylance (President)
email: tim@rylance.com.au or Iain Smith (Director of Rowing) email: iain.smith@tss.qld.edu.au
WEEKLY ARRANGEMENTS
REFER TO THE TSS SPORT WEBSITE FOR WEEKLY SPORT ORGANISATION:
http://www.tss.qld.edu.au/tsssport/WeeklySportsOrg.pdf
7

TERM 4 TRAINING SCHEDULE 2009/10 SEASON
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
am pm am pm am pm am pm am pm am 1 am 2
OPEN
CREWS
OFF WEIGHTS ROW CROSS TRAINING OFF WEIGHTS ROW ROW OFF OFF ROW CROSS
TRAIN
YEAR 11
CREWS
OFF WEIGHTS ROW CROSS TRAINING OFF WEIGHTS ROW ROW OFF OFF ROW CROSS
TRAIN
YEAR 10
CREWS
OFF ROW OFF CROSS TRAINING ROW OFF WTS OFF OFF ROW CROSS
TRAIN
JUNIOR
CREWS
YEAR 9 &
YEAR 8
ROW
OFF OFF CROSS TRAINING YEAR 9 &
YEAR 8
ROW
OFF
CROSS
TRAINING
OFF YEAR 9 &
YEAR 8
ROW
*PLEASE NOTE THAT THE YEAR GROUP YOU SHOULD BE IN IS THE YEAR GROUP THAT YOU WILL BE IN 2010 RACING SEASON APART FORM THE 2 HPE SESSIONS WHICH ARE
FOR YOU CURRENT YEAR GROUP.
TRAINING TIMES. MORNING.
YEAR 7. AT THE SHED AT 5.45 am. ON THE WATER AT 6.00 am.
YEAR 8. AT THE SHED AT 5.30 am. ON THE WATER AT 5.45 am
YEAR 9. AT THE SHED AT 5.30 am. ON THE WATER AT 5.45 am.
YEAR 10. AT THE SHED AT 5.30 am. ON THE WATER AT 5.45am
YEAR 11. AT THE SHED AT 5.30 am. ON THE WATER AT 5.45 am
OPEN. TBA.
AFTERNOON TRAINING TIMES. STRAIGHT AWAY AFTER SCHOOL UNLESS OTHERWISE ARRANGED BY YOUR COACH.
OFF
6

PRE‐SEASON TRAINING & CAMP INFORMATION
Christmas Holiday Shed Opening Times:
TSS Shed is open for Sculling training Bridge to Bridge only ‐ 6 am to 8 am for Year 10,Year
11 and Open boys only on the following days:
From 30 November until 23 December on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday ONLY
SHED CLOSED 24 DECEMBER 2009 TO 4 JANUARY 2010
TSS Shed is open for Sculling training Bridge to Bridge only ‐ 6 am to 8 am for Year 10, Year
11 and Open boys only.
Monday 4, Wednesday 6, Saturday 9, Monday 11 and Wednesday 13 January ONLY
Sculling School at TSS:
For Year 10, Year 11 and Open Crews only
Thursday 14, Friday 15 and Saturday 16 January 2010
Ergo Trials:
Year 11 and Year 12 ‐ Sunday 17 January at TSS in the morning at 8.30am
Year 10 – Wednesday 20 January at TSS at 8.30am
Sculling Trials and Seat racing for Year 11 and Open Crews at Murwillumbah:
Monday 18 January ‐ Day trip from TSS base
Tuesday 19 ‐ First full day of Rowing Camp – Depart TSS 6am
Sculling Trials Year 10:
Tuesday 19 January ‐ Venue Murwillumbah ‐ Day trip from TSS
YR 10, YR 11 & OPEN Murwillumbah Camp:
Tuesday 19 January to 25 January – Depart TSS 6am
Junior Rowing Camp: At TSS. 6 am to 11 am
Friday 22nd January to Monday 25 January
7

GENERAL INFORMATION
Morning Training Sessions
Morning training sessions, typically, begin at 5.30am for the Open, Y11 & Y10 Squads and 5.45am for
the Junior Squad. The crews are off the water by 7.30am in order for them to leave the boatshed by
7.45am for breakfast before beginning school at 8.30am.
Morning training sessions are absolutely vital for the sport of rowing, particularly on the Gold Coast,
due to the water conditions in the afternoon. Early morning is often the ONLY time the boys can row
on the Nerang River as the wind generally increases during the day making rowing impossible later in
the day.
Afternoon Training Sessions
Afternoon training sessions, typically, begin at 3.45pm and consist of weights (older rowers),
ergometers and land‐based fitness and weather permitting, some rowing sessions.
Rowing is a very demanding sport requiring fitness, strength and flexibility, which is why the number
of training sessions is necessary. TSS has fantastic facilities for sport, including a very experienced
strength and conditioning coach who advises the rowers regarding this aspect of their training.
Year Group Divisions
In the 2010 racing season all boys will compete in their Year Groups. Juniors (Year 8 and 9), Year 10
(Quad Sculls) Year 11 (VIII’s) and Open (VIII’s)
.
8

ROWING POLICY & SELECTION
Rowing has long been a successful sport at TSS and it is the intention of all currently involved at the
shed to maintain this tradition and to build upon it with new ideas and innovations. Of course, we
should not forget the basic and fundamental requirements of any rowing program, hence the policy
statement below which, I hope will give parents an idea of how the shed operates.
AIM: The aim of this policy is to ensure that rowers and coxswains are selected into appropriate
crews of similar ability within each year group.
1.1 General
Rowers and coxswains will be selected in crews via a combination of sculling, ergometers, attitude,
aptitude , seat racing in big boats and crew coach’s and Director of Rowing input. Final decisions are
ultimately up to the discretion of the Director of Rowing.
This Selection Policy criteria may be amended by the Director of Rowing and any amendments will
be provided to all rowers, coxswains, coaches and parents in advance.
1.2 Condition of Selection in Crews
PROTOCOL All members of the TSS’s rowing team will:
Travel with the team at times required by TSS Rowing.
Wear and row in TSS attire as required by TSS Rowing.
Make themselves available for TSS Rowing activities as required by TSS Rowing.
Obey all reasonable instructions by TSS Rowing and the coaching staff and conduct themselves in
a manner befitting a TSS rower and student and in accordance with the Code of Conduct. (p 6)
Follow the training program set by Director of Rowing and crew coach.
Recognize the right of TSS Rowing to deal with inappropriate behaviour as outlined in the Code
of Conduct on page 6 by means of disciplinary actions from TSS School and/or the removal from
your crew at the discretion of the Director of Rowing and Rowing Coordinator.
Advise your crew/squad coach, Director of Rowing or Rowing Coordinator of any illness or injury
incurred during the rowing season immediately after the incident.
Treat all team members and others dealing with the team with respect.
9

1.3 Selection
SELECTION OF ROWERS ‐ Based primarily on the judgment of the Director of Rowing, (with input
from Coach and Selection Panel) who shall consider:
Performances achieved from collated data, including ergo results, single scull performances and
ability in big boats (quads and eights)
Past performances
Adherence to the TSS Rowing Code of Conduct
SELECTION OF THE OPEN & Y11 CREWS
The selection process for the Year 11 and Open Crews is based around Single Scull performance and the
Concept 2 Ergometer results. There will be several trials using each medium from late October through to
early January. As indicated in the policy there will also be seat racing in large boats to finalise crews if
required.
The breakdown is as follows;
Trials are spread over several tests in each area and over differing lengths. Full trial schedule is available
on the TSS Rowing web site
Scull Racing and Sculling Time Trials 70%
Ergometer 30%
Seat Racing and Selectors input as required to finalise crews after the boys are ranked using the equation
above.
SELECTION OF THE Y10 CREWS
Trials are spread over several tests in each area and over differing lengths. Full trial schedule is available
on the TSS Rowing web site
Ergometer 30%
Scull Trials/Racing 70%
Seat Racing and Selectors input as required to finalise rews after the boys are ranked using the equation
above.
SELECTION OF THE JUNIOR CREWS (Y8 & 9)
Ergometer 60%
Scull Trials
40% . Encompassing technique evaluation and time trial.
Crew selection will not be final until Term 1 for the Juniors. During term 4, all Junior squad members will
train in a combination of single sculls and quad sculls, where the crew members are changed on a regular
basis.
*In addition to the above selection criteria, each squad may be involved in seat racing (individual
rotation) in quads and eights to finalize seats. This may be conducted anytime during the season, to
the discretion of the Head Coach and Director of Rowing. The aim is to have crews finalised no later
than two weeks prior to the Head of the River.
10

SELECTION OF COXSWAINS
Based primarily on the judgment of the Director of Rowing who shall consider:
• Past and present performances in training and competition
• Coach input
• Adherence to the TSS Rowing Code of Conduct
• Attitude and Aptitude
1.4 Special Conditions
If because of extenuating circumstances (including but not restricted to illness or injury), an athlete
is unable to compete in a selection event, the Director of Rowing must be informed prior to the
commencement of the event. The circumstance will be taken into consideration along with
performances in other selection events.
11

TSS ROWING CODE OF CONDUCT
2.1 Key Principles
TSS Rowing wishes to operate in an environment where people show respect for others and their
property, including TSS staff and coaches. Respect is defined as consideration for another’s physical
and emotional well being and possessions, to ensure no damage or deprivation is caused to either.
This respect must extend to those who live in near proximity to the rowing shed and training areas in
the way of minimizing all excess noise, particularly early in the mornings.
TSS Rowing wishes to operate in an environment which is free from harassment. Harassment is
defined as any action directed at any individual or group, which creates a hostile, intimidatory or
offensive environment.
TSS Rowing wishes to operate in a non‐discriminatory environment. By this we mean where
everyone has an equal opportunity and receives a fair go in accordance with the law as well as TSS’s
standards and rules.
2.2 Key Elements
All persons bound by this code shall:
• Not act in a manner unbecoming, or contrary to the interests of TSS
• Treat people involved in rowing with courtesy, respect and proper regard for their rights.
This includes all kinds of harassment and discrimination
• Treat another person’s property with respect and due consideration of its value
• Not misuse rowing equipment
• Not have any other relationship other than an athlete/coach relationship with any of the
coaching staff or support staff
• Abide by the GPS Principles & Values
• Abide by the rules of TSS Rowing and Safe Operations Manual
12

3.0 Coaches
• All coaches are asked to ensure safety is a priority in any activity associated with Rowing.
Injury prevention is paramount.
• Each coach has a duty of care for his/her charges.
• Every coach will allow each student the opportunity to achieve his true potential, at
whatever level that may be.
• All coaches will follow the procedures and processes set out by TSS and the Rowing Director.
• All Coaches will work with and support all other TSS Rowing coaches.
Due to the nature of the sport, rowing requires a considerable amount of training time, but this is
also dependent on the level of competition.
The training sessions specified by the coach are compulsory for all squad members as the rowers will
benefit from training consistently together. Other school commitments (e.g. Music) may require
special dispensation from the coach, which should be discussed accordingly. The Director of Rowing
should be advised of any special arrangements made by the rower.
13

WHAT IS A SUPPORTER?
SOME ADVICE ON HOW TO SUPPORT YOUR SON
TSS Rowing dearly values the support given by parents. However, for those parents unfamiliar with the
sport, here are a few "do's" and "don'ts" on how to be a good supporter at regattas.
Do's
Encourage your son to ALWAYS be on time for training and for regattas. Remember, if he is
late, the whole crew and the coach suffer.
Cheer as loudly as you can for all TSS crews.
Offer to assist the Rowing Supporters Committee members in any way you can.
Talk positively to your son about achieving his potential. A positive approach is essential in
rowing ‐ it can make the difference!
Talk positively to other parents at regattas and functions to create a TSS spirit that will be
envied.
Give support to hardworking coaches who give up a tremendous amount of time voluntarily.
Encourage your son to show good sportsmanship in every situation, but especially after
winning!
Don’ts
Try to avoid giving your son big hug as he is about to step into a boat (this can be especially
embarrassing for men of steel!).
Please do not enter the boys tent on race day. Part of the preparation for a race is to keep a
crew together as a 'team' prior to the race. Boys are free to meet parents in the supporters
tent if their Coach gives them approval and the time to do so.
Wish your son good luck but always well before the coach begins his pre‐race talk. This is a
time when we expect crews to be focused and ready to race.
If you have any doubts or do not fully understand the technique or race tactics being
employed, speak to the coach, but be aware that he/she will have your son's and the Shed's
best interest at heart. Remember, we are a team. If we all work together and in the same
direction we can achieve our aim.
14

PARTICIPATING GPS SCHOOLS
Anglican Church Grammar School
(Churchie)
Initials: ACGS
Colours: Blue & Grey
St. Joseph's College, Gregory Terrace
(Terrace)
Initials: GT
Colours: Red & Black
Brisbane Boys'College (BBC)
Initials: BBC
Colours: Green, White & Black
St. Joseph's Nudgee College (Nudgee)
Initials: NC
Colours: Royal Blue & White
Brisbane Grammar School (Grammar)
Initials: BGS
Colours: Light Blue & Dark Blue
The Southport School (TSS)
Initials: TSS
Colours: White, Navy Blue & Maroon
Brisbane State High School (State High)
Initials: BSHS
Colours: Cerise & Navy Blue
15

DIRECTIONS FROM SOUTHPORT TO KAWANA WATERS
Start at: TSS
1 Head left at end of Greer Terrace 5m 11 Take the ramp onto Bruce Hwy 63.2 km
2 Turn right at Ferry Rd 1.3 km 12 Take the ramp to Sunshine Motorway 0.5 km
3 Continue on Ferry Road past High St 1.1 km 13 Continue straight onto Sunshine
Motorway
4.8 km
4 Turn left at Smith St 0.2 km 14 Take the exit 0.4 km
5 Slight right at end of Smith St 5.5 km 15 At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit
onto Military Rd
2.6 km
6 Take the ramp to Pacific Motorway 0.4 km 16 Continue on Kawana Way - Go
through 1 roundabout
2.7 km
7 Keep right at the fork to continue toward Pacific
Motorway and merge onto Pacific Motorway
49.8 km 17 Turn left at Main Dr Go through 1
roundabout
0.9 km
8 Take the exit onto Gateway Motorway 41.5 km 18 Continue on Wyanda Dr 16 m
9 Slight left at Gympie Arterial Rd 0.5 km 19 Turn right at Nicklin Way 0.6 km
10 Continue on Bruce Hwy 1.9 km 20 Turn right at Thunderbird Dr 10 m
Arrive at: Kawana Waters QLD:
178 km – about 2 hours 40 mins
17

DIRECTIONS TO COOMERA
From Brisbane take Exit 57.
Turn Right & cross over the M1.
Turn Right (Old Pacific Hwy)
18

TRADITIONS
Regattas
Tea, coffee, milk, sugar and boiling water are always available in the TSS Supporters Tent, provided at no
cost by the Rowing Supporters Group. Generally, parents contribute a cake, biscuits, muffins or such like
to place on the table for general consumption. It is recommended that you bring your own coffee cup.
Ample stocks of fresh water are provided for the rowers.
You can bring your own lunch (snack), although the host school will be operating a canteen where you
can purchase hamburgers, soft drinks, water etc. Remember that the rowers will be hungry when they
come off the water after racing. Remember to provide your sons with ‘energy food’; energy bars, isotope
drinks and fruit such as bananas. RED BULL, ‘V’, MOTHER and similar caffeine drinks – ARE NOT
PERMITTED TO BE CONSUMED AT ALL BY MEMBERS OF TSS ROWING.
ROWING SIGN‐ON & BLESSING OF THE FLEET
Sign‐on – 3 October
This is the official sign‐on day for rowers for the 2010 Season. Rowers should attend the boatshed at
7.00am ready for sign‐on and a social row. The Rev. Bryan Gadd will conduct the Blessing of the Fleet as
is customary at the beginning of each season.
TSS HOSTED REGATTA
The TSS Hosted Regatta is the first race of the season and will be held on Saturday 30 January at
Coomera. This year the catering will be provided by TSS Rowing Supporters. The School is also
responsible for the organization of the races, time keeping, data collection and the supply of tinnies with
drivers. Please volunteer early to help with this big event. Many hands make light work, so any help will
be greatly appreciated. Contact Tim Rylance if you are able to assist in any way.
TSS ROWING SUPPORTERS TENT AT TSS REGATTA
On our Regatta Day, Saturday 30 January 2010, the TSS Rowing Supporters Group is also responsible for
providing a hospitality tent for refreshments for the Headmaster and his invited guests.
This year the guests will include the Headmasters & Wives, Rowing Masters, the representatives of our
sponsor Bruce Lynton BMW and Supporters Club Presidents from all the competing schools. This
morning tea is for invited guests only and is therefore not open for the general public.
‘AFTERS’ AT THE BOAT SHED
A sausage sizzle is provided for the rowers after their return to The Shed and all equipment is
cleaned and put away. Parents are invited to the boatshed upon return from each regatta to enjoy
drinks and nibbles while the rowers unload and rig boats. This has proved very popular in past
seasons and we welcome all rowing parents to enjoy this occasion. Please note unless prior
permission has been given boys are not permitted to leave the boatshed until everything has been
put away.
19

JUNIOR HEAD OF THE RIVER
On 27 th February 2010, the Junior Head of the River Regatta will be held at Kawana Waters. The same
food arrangements apply as for normal regattas.
HEAD OF THE RIVER REGATTA
The Head of the River Regatta will take place on Saturday 13 March 2010 at Kawana Waters. This is
always an extraordinary day and a fitting finale to the rowing season. The final race, "The Head", is
contested by all seven GPS Open First VIII Crews, competing for the prestigious O'Connor Cup.
SUPPORTERS BUS
The TSS Rowing Supporters organise a coach each Saturday from the School for parents and friends to
the Regattas. The coach departs from Kawana Waters soon after the presentation ceremony and arrives
at TSS at around 3.30pm. The cost per head will be confirmed closer to the Regatta Season. Early
bookings are essential as the bus fills very quickly.
FUNCTIONS
OLD BOYS ROWING DINNER
All crews competing at the Senior HOR and coaches are the invited guests of The Old Boys at their Annual
Rowing Dinner which takes place in The Centenary Centre at The School on Saturday night, 6 March 2010,
one week prior to the Head of the River. The dinner is attended by crews from the preceding decades (ie.
1999, 1989, 1979, 1969, 1959, 1949 etc) and their partners, along with the current First VIII parents and
the many people who have supported rowing at TSS over the years.
ANNUAL ROWING PRESENTATION DINNER
The dinner will be held on the night of Head of the River (13 March 2010). This being a very social
evening attended by all Crews, Coaches, Sponsors, Parents, Families and Friends. It is a fitting way to
honour all our Rowers and their Coaches for their tremendous efforts during the rowing season. An
event not to be missed! Details of venue and costs will be advised in due course.
FUNDRAISING & SOCIAL FUNCTIONS
During the course of the year we plan to hold several social and fundraising events. In addition to the
usual raffles and functions throughout the season, we plan to hold other social events, details of which
will be advised as they come to hand.
SEASON LAUNCH COCKTAIL PARTY
This year, our major sponsor Bruce Lynton BMW and the TSS Rowing Supporters Group will host a
complimentary Season Launch Cocktail Party at Bruce Lynton BMW on Friday 20 November. All Parents,
Friends, Supporters and Sponsors of TSS Rowing are cordially invited for the naming of the new VIII shell.
A silent auction is organised and great prizes are to be won on the night.
20

A RECENT HISTORY OF ROWING
Over the years, TSS Rowing has produced up to 10 Australian National Team members. TSS
is a development stepping stone for those
rowers, as it is for other sports, wishing to
continue in the sport after school. With the
development of a new Boatshed in the
planning, this will be a great opportunity to
have the best school program in the state and
even country. Currently, we have equipment
that is second to none, and we are in one of
the most unique locations in the country. TSS
Rowing is one of only a very small number of
schools in Australia and the only school in
Queensland that is fortunate enough to have our school and boatshed on the same property,
on the river, with the scenic back drop of the Surfers Paradise skyline.
The Centenary of TSS Rowing in 2007 marked a huge milestone for our sporting organisation.
TSS has produced top results since 1907 when the Head of the River was raced on the
Brisbane River, which at that time were raced in fours. It wasn’t until 1955 that VIII’s were
introduced as the 1st Opens crew. Rowing has a proud history at TSS with 26 victories over
the past 100 years. Our first Head of the River victory was in 1908 and our latest being the
season, in 2006.
TSS can boast that we have great coaching staff on board, included in our line‐up of coaches
we have five Australian representatives, three Olympic Games medals, and eight World
Championship medals. A combination of TSS as a school, its location on the Gold Coast and
more importantly on the Nerang River, our facilities and equipment, and our coaching staff,
the boys at TSS are very fortunate they have what is needed to assist them to not only
achieve success with their rowing, but in many other areas of life.
Iain Smith
Director of Rowing
21

WHY “HEAD OF THE RIVER”?
Instead, the 'Head' is meant in the sense of 'at the head of a procession on the river'.
Because England's rivers are narrow and sinuous, crews, two or more abreast, presented problems,
particularly in Oxford and Cambridge.
Collisions and 'bumps' were inevitable!
Even today, coxswains on the River Cam are required to shout "permission to overtake, Sir" when
approaching another crew from the rear during training. However the universities came up with a
solution for their races. At the firing of the cannon they started crews off in a long row, each a
regulated distance apart. The idea was to row fast and 'bump' the crew ahead. These boats would
then swap positions for the next race. Eventually the fastest boat would reach the front of the queue
and be declared the "Head of the River".
Today, these races are held over four days twice a year in the Lent and Trinity terms.
The largest Head of the River race is held on the River Thames between Mortlake and Putney, the
same course as the Oxford and Cambridge boat race, but in reverse.
Four hundred and twenty Eights compete in this annual event but the aim is not to bump a crew but
cover the course in the fastest time. Crews are started at five second intervals but with so many
boats competing collisions are inevitable.
“When we gather for the happiest week in all the year, it is the
brotherhood of rowing, the comradeship of the oar that we
recall, when eight men who have trained until they have
become a single drive, a single trust of forward flashing
wrists, face suddenly the crisis towards which that selfless toil
has led them, and know that every link in all that pulsing
chain of flesh and blood rings true. For us, there are no
centuries or duck’s eggs, no goals or gallery kicks, no
individual distinctions where the crew are all in all . The rattle
of the riggers of the finish, the music of the tide, beneath her
body as she shot between the strokes, the grim yet heartening
sound of splendid and unbroken strength when all eight
blades crashed in together – these are the things that on one
who has heard and felt them will ever forget.
Some delirium. Some tremens. Some kaleidoscope.”
Sir Theodore Cook
22

1.0 TRAINING SESSION STRUCTURE
MORNING TRAINING SESSIONS
1.1 PRIOR TO GETTING ON WATER
The boat shed will be open at 5:20am and all rowers are to arrive to training no later than
5:30am. During school holidays the shed will be open at 5:45am.
As soon as you arrive, immediately assist in moving scull racks and coaching boats out of the
rowing shed bays. All crews/squads are then to put a speed boat in the water for your
crew/squad coach/s.
All rowers are then to complete a warm up/stretch session which will be set by your squad/crew
coach.
1.2 PROCEDURE OF GETTING ON THE WATER
The order in which squads get on the water is determined by their seniority. Eg. Opens to get on
the water first, followed by the Y11’s, then Y10’s and Juniors.
After the warm up, oars are then to be carried down to the water followed by your boat. If in a
crew as opposed to a single scull, this is to be done under the instructions of your stroke. The
coxswain is to watch the rear of the boat when leaving the shed.
All boats are to have bows facing upriver, to the south (to the right towards Surfers Paradise).
The coxswain and all crew members are responsible for the care of equipment.
All boats are to be placed on trestles for a quick check over prior to launching.
Once placed on the water, half of the crew is to hold the boat ensuring it is held a good distance
from the shore so that the fin and rudder DO NOT come in contact with the ground and the bow
is also held off the shore. If you are in a single scull, your squad coxswains and coaches are to
assist with holding the boat or getting the oars.
When your boat is in the water with the oars in the gates, clear the area as quick as possible to
free up space for crews waiting behind you.
If you are Junior or Y10 and in a single scull, two people must carry a scull to the water. DO NOT
attempt to do this by yourself. Coaches will be willing to assist to speed up this process.
When there are two people carrying a single scull, always carry the boat in the middle of the
canvas’s, NOT at the very extremes of the boat.
If Open or Y11 and carrying a single scull by yourself, either carry the boat at waist level or upside
down with the gunwale on your shoulder. DO NOT carry a single scull with the hull resting on
your shoulder.
The first age group to get on the water should be on by 5:45am and the last group getting on
by approximately 6:00am.
23

1.3 PROCEDURE OF GETTING OFF THE WATER
After a session, always come into the boating area with bows facing the same direction as
they did when you put the boats in the water ie. Facing south, towards Surfers Paradise. The
ramp coordinator or the Director of Rowing will advise crews if landing on the ramp can be
done towards the NORTH. This often may need to take place when the wind and tide make it
difficult to approach to the SOUTH.
Take the oars out and quickly place on the bank (never drop your oars), then carry the boats
up and place it on trestles ready to be washed. Go back to collect your oars and wash both
boat thoroughly inside and out and all parts of the oar, including the blade, shaft, sleeve and
handle.
As soon as your boat is washed, free up the space in the boat wash area to allow for those
waiting to come in by promptly putting away your boat followed by your oars. ALL BOATS
ARE TO BE STORED UPSIDE DOWN.
Remember, single scullers Y10 or younger must have two people carrying a boat.
After your boat is away, without instruction, you should then pull your coaches boat out of
the water.
Once everybody has their boat back on their rack, all scull racks and coaches boats must be
put back in the sheds before any rower leaves the boat shed.
All rowers should be departing the shed no later than 7:45am. All rowers MUST shower prior
to breakfast. Late breakfast for rowers is from 8:00am‐8:20am.
ALL EQUIPMENT MUST BE PUT AWAY PRIOR TO ANYONE LEAVING THE BOAT SHED UNLESS
APPROVAL GIVEN BY MR SMITH (Director of Rowing) OR YOUR IMMEDIATE COACH.
TSS ROWING PRIDES ITSELF ON TEAMWORK. LET’S ALL HELP AROUND THE SHED, AND HELP EACH
OTHER.
1.4 BREAKFAST MEAL TICKETS
Breakfast meal tickets may be purchased from the Main Reception for $5 each
A coach or staff member will be at breakfast to collect the tickets
Late boarder breakfast tickets are distributed by the Director of Rowing
24

2.0 CARE OF EQUIPMENT
Please be careful with all equipment. Make sure you treat it with respect.
Please follow these basic few rules regarding the care of equipment:
o All boats must be washed after every row
o Oar handles are regularly disinfected
o Saturday is Boat Wash Day – every Saturday the boats and oars must be washed
thoroughly with detergent, inside and out
2.1 EQUIPMENT HANDLING
Once the hands are on the boat, there must be silence to ensure every crew member can hear
the calls of the stroke. The stroke is the only crew member that can talk during the time of the
hands on the boat until the boat is lowered onto the water. Once on the water, the coxswain
is in control.
When lifting the boat from the rack:
o Never drag the boat on the rack to the end of the rack.
1. Firstly slide the sliding rack to the end of the fixed rack.
2. Then on the call, gently lift the boat off the rack only by 1‐2 centimeters to
ensure that the hull does not hit the pins of the boat above.
3. Once the outside gunwale is far enough out, that side of the boat can then be
lowered slightly until the whole boat is clear from the boat racks.
4. Also be careful the riggers or pins on your boat do not come in contact with the
boat below yours.
5. Keep moving out in the middle of the bay and it is up to stroke whether he will
call the boat to be carried on the shoulder or at waist level.
6. When carrying the boat out of the shed, it is up to the whole crew to ensure
that your boat and riggers are clear of all objects including other boats and
riggers, door ways and other people. THE COXSWAIN IS TO WALK AT THE REAR
OF THE BOAT TO ENSURE NOTHING IS HIT.
7. All boats are to be placed upright on trestles for a check‐over prior to getting on
the water. Foot‐stretcher adjustments need to be made at this time.
When carrying the boat back inside the shed after it has been washed, the reverse of points
1‐6 will be followed.
If you are carrying a single scull by yourself (opens & Y11’s only), practically the same
method is done with the primary objective being that of not hitting any other boats or
equipment around you, particularly the boats on the rack above and below yours.
ANY MISHANDLING OF EQUIPMENT WILL NOT BE TOLERATED.
25

3.0 MAINTENANCE
All damage and breakages must be reported to your coach immediately and this information will then be
passed to the Director of Rowing or the Boatman and a note on the Maintenance Form for that particular
boat will be made. No boat should ever be used while damaged; otherwise it will make the problem
worse. If a boat needs repair or is under repair, there will be a notice on the boat to make you aware not
to use it. Repairs on boats will be dealt with as quickly as possible to get the boat back on the water.
4.0 GENERAL BEHAVIOUR AROUND THE SHED
Always use your initiative if work needs to be done (scull racks, coaches boats, oars down, wash
equipment, equipment away, assisting others that need help with boats etc).
Don’t wait to be told to do something. If you are unsure, ask.
Every task around the shed should be done promptly to ensure the movement of equipment to
free up space for others.
Keep noise levels to an absolute minimum, respecting near by residences and boarding houses.
This applies to on the water as well.
Once you enter the shed to put ‘hands on boat’, there must be NO TALKING.
Respect must be shown to each other.
Coxswains are the ‘assistant coach’ to your coach. Listen carefully to them and obey their calls.
Do not touch any other equipment other than boats and oars (eg. machinery, tools etc.) unless
authorized to do so by your coach, the Director of Rowing (Mr Smith) or Mr Nicholls.
If you do use any tools or equipment, after you are finished, make sure you put it back where
you got it from.
RESPECT MUST BE SHOWN TO TSS ROWING COACHES & STAFF
5.0 COXSWAINS AND CREW STROKES.
5.1 COXSWAINS
Duties:
The primary role of a cox is to steer the boat.
Your boat and your crew come first. Avoid danger at all times.
Other very important roles include:
Precise, loud, clear calls to the crew on the water so that all crew members can hear.
Guide the boat to and from the water to minimize all accidents.
Once on the water, determine and instruct who holds the boat while the remainder gets the
oars. The same applies when the crew is getting off the water.
The cox is also the ‘Assistant Coach’. He is the link between the coach and crew and must
communicate and reinforce what the coach is saying. This includes technical coaching points to
general instructions off the water.
To be able to be the ‘Assistant Coach’ the cox must learn and be able to communicate to the
crew good rowing technique.
In addition to the above responsibilities, the cox is also required to assist the coach in rigging and
boat maintenance when required.
26

The cox is in charge of the cox box. It expensive item must be looked after and placed back on a
charger after use.
When on the water the Coxswain will………..
1. Precede all commands on the water with “Ready……” or “On this stroke……NOW!”
2. You will find that depending on the exercise or drill that the call is being used for,
the “NOW” call will need to be said at the catch or the finish. If it is a blade work
drill, eg. Square blades, it will need to be said at the catch whereas if it an effort of
any sort it will need to be said at the finish in preparation for the crew to finish that
recovery and start the effort at the next catch.
3. All rowing sessions should include the following:
Arms only rowing
Arms & bodies
Quarter slide
Half slide
Three Quarter Slide
Full slide
If the crew is experienced enough, this could be done with square blades and then
go to feather shortly after.
An example of arms only to arms and bodies could be “Moving to arms and bodies
on this stroke………NOW!”
5.1 COMMANDS FOR THE STROKE
When taking boat out of the shed
1. “Hands on the boat”
Always precede lifting commands with “Ready…..” to ensure all are ready to prevent
any possible injury.
2. “Ready……lift” all crew members should lift up and out and the outer edge of the
boat should be lowered slightly to avoid hitting the boat above.
3. When the boat is clear from all other boats and racks, the boat should then be
placed on the rowers shoulders. Before the call is made to shoulders, it must be
made clear who will go through eg. “Bow side through” or “Stroke and two
through.” Then the shoulders by commanding “Shoulders, ready……UP!” or
“Shoulders, ready……DOWN!” depending if it is coming from a low rack nearer the
ground or a high rack.
4. When the boat is ready to move out the shed the command is “Forward….GO!” The
cox and all crew members need to watch carefully to avoid hitting any obstacles.
27

When placing the boat in the water
Getting off the water
1. When the crew is at the waters edge and in shin deep water the call “Ready to lift
above heads……Ready……LIFT!” is made and the boat is lifted above heads and then
place slowly and gently in the water with the command “LOWER!”
2. Then determine who gets the blades and who holds the boat by saying “Bow and
three get the blades while two and stroke holds the boat.”
3. Once all blades are in and every crew member is ready to leave the shore, “One foot
in……and……PUSH!” at this time all are pushing off evenly away from the shore.
Make sure you (the cox) are in the boat first.
1. Once half the crew have taken the oars up while the other half have held the boat,
before you lift the boat above heads, determine who will go through the other side.
Then make the call “Ready to lift above heads……Ready……LIFT!”
2. Once the boat is above heads, the rowers that are going through the other side do
so and the boat then automatically comes down slowly to rest on the shoulders.
3. Once boat is on shoulders, always direct which way you want the crew to walk up.
Eg. “Bow up first.”
This technique is used when lifting the boat from any location when facing the right
way up.
If a smaller or younger crew wishes to get the boat out off the water and are not
confident to go above heads, particularly with a heavier training quad they can roll
the boat. Half the rowers walk around the other side of the boat and the following
calls are made:
1. “Ready to lift……Ready……LIFT!” at this stage the boat is lifted out of the water.
2. Then to determine which way to roll, the call is “Rolling towards the shed (or water,
or me)……Ready……ROLL!” At this point the boat will end up upside down at the
waist level. While rolling it is very important NOT to let the riggers touch the ground
mid way through.
3. The boat can then be carried up as is, or the call can be made to lift to shoulders
“Shoulders, ready……UP!” This is up to the discretion of the coxswain.
REMEMBER THE STROKE IS IN CHARGE ON THE LAND AND THE COXSWAIN IS IN CHARGE ON THE WATER.
6.0 PRIDE
Rowing equipment is very expensive and should be looked after accordingly.
Treat it as if it were your own.
If something breaks let your coach or Director of Rowing (Mr Smith) know asap so that it can be
repaired. Using damaged equipment will not only make it worse, but end up costing a lot more
to get fixed. Accidents do happen and we do need to know.
LOOK AFTER EQUIPMENT
28

If equipment is not looked after, then the boat that you do use will be taken off you and you will
be put in an older, heavier boat until your respect of equipment has come to that expected by
TSS Rowing. This applies to your behaviour around the boat shed as well.
NO IRRESPONSIBLE, FOOLISH BEHAVIOUR WILL BE ACCEPTED.
This includes running, throwing of any kind of object, swearing, any form of playful wrestling or
any other form of inappropriate behaviour.
This also includes behavoiur on the water. Remember we are all representing The Southport
School not only while racing but in training also. While on the water you are in the public eye and
good behaviour is the only accepted behaviour. Discipline by TSS will be taken if this is not
abided by.
7.0 UNIFORM
It is expected that your maroon training suit will be worn during all on‐water sessions. Depending
on your age group and how often you train, you may need to own more than one. These can be
purchased from the TSS Rowing Supporters on a Saturday morning after training.
If for any reason you are unable to wear your training suit on a particular morning, your blue PE
shorts and white TSS CREW shirt will be the only other acceptable item. The TSS CREW shirts are
also available from the Supporters.
These items need to be purchased as soon as possible in Term 4.
Hats are another compulsory item. During training in Term 4, any WHITE cap is acceptable.
Training in Term 1 in your selected crews you must wear only the hats available from the
Supporters. This applies to all regattas also. If there is more than one style of hat available to you
from the Supporters, it does not matter which style you wear, but all crew members must be
wearing the same style.
While training, at the rowing shed, or any time during a regatta, you must never have your
rowing suit top pulled down. If you do, you must immediately put on a shirt.
When traveling to and from regattas and whilst at regattas, uniform must be your ‘TSS CREW’
shirt with your blue PE shorts.
8.0 SUN SAFETY / HEALTH ISSUES
Sun Shirts and Hats are compulsory for all rowers. TSS Rowing supporters supply at minimal cost
the TSS approved Sun Shirts and Hats
The same applies for a t‐shirt. If you choose to wear a t‐shirt to protect your shoulders from the
sun, it must be white. A great training shirt is a Bonds T‐shirt.
As mentioned above, hats are compulsory.
Sunglasses are another recommended item to protect the eyes from the suns UV rays. The best
recommended lenses for rowing on water are ‘polarized’.
Sunscreen is also highly recommended. It is recommended that it is put on before you come to
training of a morning or afternoon to enable you to wash your hands with soap so that your
hands are not slippery for rowing. Sunscreen is also available at the rowing sheds.
Water bottles are also compulsory for each training session. You must remain hydrated and have
them with you 24/7. If your body is not adequately hydrated your performance drops drastically
and may also need to seek medical attention.
Hygiene is another very important issue:
29

Blisters
o
o
o
If blisters occur, the fluid must be drained. If not, the skin will tear the next time you
row. The hands must be kept clean otherwise infection of the area is a possibility.
Infection can turn to septicemia, which is poisoning of the blood in which you will be
hospitalized.
If the blister has not healed completely, strapping with Elastoplast will help protect the
raw skin.
Boils
o
o
o
Boils are also a common problem in rowing. Hygiene is a key factor that prevents boils.
You must shower well immediately after each session.
If your front chocks are cutting into the backs of your calves, you should either move the
slides if possible, wear long socks or strap Elastoplast to your calves and also wrap
around the front chock itself.
ALL ROWERS MUST SHOWER WELL IMEDIATELY AFTER EACH SESSION
9.0 OTHER EXPECTATIONS OF ROWERS
It is expected that every rower in the shed will:
Abide by TSS Rowing rules and general behavior around the shed,
Attend all squad and crew training sessions as set in the training schedule,
Be punctual to all sessions,
Treat all equipment with the utmost care,
TSS Rowing Coaches are volunteers that coach for the enjoyment. Be sure give them your
greatest attention and respect.
Be committed to constantly improving via the coaching network.
Be a team player in all aspects of the meaning ‘Crew’ around the TSS Boatshed. This includes
on and off the water.
10.0 TECHNIQUE
10.1 GRIP ON HANDLE
Drive Grip
Recovery Grip
The grip on the handle should be that of a flat straight wrist during the drive of the stroke with
the knuckles at the base of the fingers in the middle of the handle as pictured above.
Upon feather, wrists may bend (not excessively) then roll out into the fingers asap to flatten the
wrist a little during the recovery then squaring up with wrist in flat position once again at the
catch.
30

Do not hold the handle to firm, relaxed grip with hands to be at the end of the handle with the
thumbs on end of grip in sculling, and in sweep, outside hand at the end of the handle with the
inside hand towards the end of the blue grip.
The left hand should lead
the right hand away from
the body during the
recovery.
During the drive, the hands
should be the same as the
recovery, that is the right
hand drawing in ahead of
the left.
The hand positions during the drive and recovery.
10.2 CATCH
Shins vertical
Lower back tucked in, sitting up a little. Small
variations may exist amongst crew members with
different limb lengths. ie. shorter rowers may have
more body length, taller rowers less shin angle etc
Head straight – chin NOT up or down….or out of the
boat!
Shoulders relaxed, sometimes feel as if they are
pushed down.
No stop of the hands or seat.
10.3 PLACEMENT & FIRST PART OF DRIVE
Bottom edge of blade should be aiming to be
entering the water as the wheels of the seat still
have one – two full rolls to go to ensure that the
rower does not miss any water. The blade MUST go
in when the rower has reached maximum length.
Placement of the blade should be a very small hand
movement upwards burying the blade only –
minimal shaft. Catches must be shallow. MINIMAL
VERTICAL MOVEMENT IS GOOD VERTICAL
MOVEMENT. Remembering bottom edge of blade
entering the water on the way forward – back
splash.
Once the blade is in the water, the seat is the first thing to move – PUSH THE LEGS FIRST.
The placement of the blade with the hands should be that quick that the wheels of the seat
should not stop at the front.
When pushing the legs off the catch, the seat, shoulders and handles should be all moving at the
same speed. We don’t want the legs going faster (bum shoving) and we don’t want the body
coming on too early.
The upper body must remain at its catch angle for the first half of the drive feeling relaxed
shoulders and a straight arm hang through the lats.
31

10.4 SECOND HALF OF DRIVE
Once half slide is reached, the body begins to come on with
the arm draw not too far after that.
The legs are by far the strongest part of the stroke,
they must be used early. The body then continues
the acceleration for the arms. If there were no body
used, the arms are not strong enough to continue
the acceleration by themselves.
The elbows should be drawn straight back, not up or
down. The forearms should be parallel to the water.
The shoulders should end up past the line of the
hips but not too exaggerated lay back, this can
cause back injuries in school rowers.
Hand heights must be close together drawing the right hand slightly in front of the left.
10.5 THE FINISH
Do not let the seat collapse back under once in the
finish position.
Should be drawing up to keep the blade fully
covered until ready to tap down. This is when the
handles are in line with the front of the body.
Should have a relative straight back, sticking the
chest out slightly with the elbows and shoulders
drawn back.
Hands then tap down a little BEFORE we start to
feather. Be sure not to start to feather while the
blade is still in the water.
Should have minimal bend of the wrist.
The left hand leads out slightly ahead of the right.
10.6 THE RECOVERY
Hands should be moving away at a similar speed that
they came in at, if anything a little faster.
Keeping the blades about ¾ of a blade height off the
water, moving the arms out until they are straight and
then rocking over with the body until the hands are
past the knees.
Rocking the body over, the body needs to be at its
catch angle by the time the rower is at half slide.
The last half of the slide should be leg movement only. – EARLY PREPARATION. – Very important.
32

The knees should be one fist apart.
The blades should then start to square when the
hands are over the toes so that they are square
for the last part of the slide movement.
During the whole recovery, the hands should
remain close together. The knuckles of the right
hand tucking up below, and touching, the palm
of the left hand during the first part of the
recovery.
10.7 BALANCE OF THE BOAT
Balance of the boat is very simple. It comes from the three points that the rower has contact
with the equipment:
o The seat – the rower must be sitting relaxed and evenly on the seat. Must not be moving
the mid section of the body or rocking the legs side to side to attempt to balance the
boat.
o The feet – the rower must be relaxed in the shoes, feeling the feet drawing them
forward.
o The hands – the hands (blade heights) must be level from one side to another. The
hands should be moving parallel to the water during the recovery with no vertical
movement until placement of the blade. Small adjustments with the hands should be
made to correct balance.
The profile of the blade is very important. This
diagram shows the path that the blade must
travel.
Hand heights reflect blade heights and
blade heights reflect balance.
Practice make perfect ‐ is incorrect ‐ PERFECT PRACTICE, MAKES PERFECT
33

10.8 MUSCLES ACTIVATED
The Catch
Early Drive
Finish
Late Drive
Recovery
34

11.0 COMMON ROWING TECHNIQUE FAULTS
Too little body reach
Hands too low
Too much body reach – shins not vertical
Diving of the shoulders
Bent arms early in the drive
Bum shoving
34

Pulling arms too early
Swinging to one side
Body swing back too early
Raising shoulders
Not enough body swing
Pulling arms too late
35

Too much body swing
Throwing back to body too hard
Hands pulling down
Falling over handles
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12.0 TRAFFIC RULES
Traffic rules that TSS Rowing abide by are that the same as Queensland Transport and the wider
International Marine Traffic Rules.
The rules in particular that relate to TSS Rowing include:
Rowing on the correct side of the river. This means staying to your starboard side (bow side;
green in colour). In simple terms, the COXSWAIN must stay to his right.
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Always be mindful of other crews. If you are in the right, it doesn’t mean everyone else is. This
goes for other motor crafts as well – keep an eye out!!
The middle of the river should be traffic free with crews traveling nearer the bank allowing room
for jetties and moored vessels.
The two trouble spots to be aware of are as follows:
If on the grey line returning to TSS,
you must cross the river. In doing so,
be aware the crew and other craft
on the black line heading away from
TSS at intersection marked 1.
f on the grey line heading east
wishing to continue around Chevron
Island at intersection 2, you must
give way to crews on the black line
heading away from TSS as well as
crews returning to TSS traveling on
the same part of the river as the
black line but in the opposite
direction. AND If you are traveling
north on the grey line traveling back
to TSS and you wish to turn left and
go via Surfers Paradise Rowing Club
(west side of island), you must give
way to traffic on the black line.
I
In short, stick to the right side of the river and be aware at
intersections and prepare to give way!
There are no excuses for being on the wrong side of the river.
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13.0 ROWING STRETCHES
Downward Dog
Put even weight on both hands and feet.
Straight legs/bend knees slightly if back
is arched.
Push hips high.
Push heels down.
Standing Hamstring
Legs wide apart.
Knees slightly bent.
Stretch hands forward and sit bottoms
back.
Adductor stretches
Legs wide apart.
Knees slightly bent.
Reach both hands through legs and grab
ankles and pull head between legs.
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Standing Hamstring
Legs together.
Bend knees and lock hands under feet.
Aim to bring the legs to a slight bend.
Work at getting chest towards knees.
Hip Flexor
One knee bent on floor, other foot
forward.
Keep chest up, push hip forward and
down.
Pull belly button in.
Quads
One knee bent on the floor, other foot
forward.
From the knee that is on the floor, pull
that foot up behind.
Keep chest up and push hip forward
while pulling foot toward bottom.
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Hamstring
One knee bent on the floor.
Straighten out the front leg.
Stretch hands forward, sit bottom back,
keep chest up.
Glutes
One leg bent at 90 deg.
Hips square and other leg straight out
the back behind you.
Keep long through the chest.
Can take chest to floor.
Seated Hamstring/Lower Back
Legs out in front and together.
Keeping chest up.
Stretch forward with hands trying to
bring chest to knees.
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Adductors/Lower Back
Legs in front and wide apart.
Keep legs straight, keeping chest up.
Stretching forward with hands and
trying to bring chest towards knees.
Back/Lats
Legs in front and wide apart.
Keep legs straight, keeping chest up.
Bringing one hand out behind you and
the opposite hand to the outside of the
opposite foot and pull back.
Groin
Sitting up tall, feet together, knees
apart.
Hands on ankles, elbows pushing down
on knees.
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Thoracic Spine
Sitting up knees apart.
Put hands under calf muscles and hold
feet.
Chin on chest, keep arms locked under
and pull back.
Spine Mobility/Glute
One leg straight, other bent and across
other straight leg.
Bring opposite arm up across bent knee.
Push against the knee and look over the
opposite shoulder.
Hip Flexor/Lower Back
Lying on back.
Hug one knee into chest.
Other leg straight.
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Back Flexion
Lying on back.
Hugging knees into chest.
Do a roll back.
Put your legs over your head.
Supporting yourself on your shoulders.
Glutes
Lie on back, bend both knees.
Put one leg across other.
Grab leg under knee.
Pull leg towards you and roll bottom
towards floor.
Hip Capsule
Sitting up.
Both legs bent.
One on floor at 90 deg.
Other foot on top of opposite knee.
Push down on knee.
If able, reach hands forward.
Lats
Kneeling on all fours.
Take one elbow onto the floor.
Opposite arm across that arm and keep
it straight.
Take body weight down and pull bottom
back.
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GLOSSARY OF TERMS
BOW
BOW SIDE
STROKE SIDE
STROKE
ALIGNER The person at the starting dock who aligns the boats evenly for a fair start.
BACK ARM Supports & stabilizes the pin and is mounted on top of the pin back to the side of the boat.
BACK CHOCKS The plastic part screwed on to the slide nearest the bow.
BLADE Flattened or spoon shaped end of an oar; often used as the term for an oar.
BOW
End of the boat closest to the direction of travel. See diagram. Also to be used to refer to
one‐seat, or in conjunction with either four or pair. Bow‐four refers to seats four through
one. Bow‐pair refers to seats two and one.
BOW(MAN) The rower in the seat nearest the bow.
BOW BALL The safety ball fitted to the bow of the boat.
BOW SIDE Same as starboard; green in colour; the side in which the rower has the oar out to the left
side.
BUTTON The plastic ridge half way up the oar that prevents the oar sliding through the gate.
CANVAS The deck of a boat in front of the bowman, and behind the person furthest the stern.
CATCH The part of the stroke where the blade is put in the water.
CHECK IT Coxswain call that makes all the rowers drag their oar blades through the water
perpendicularly, effectively stopping the boat.
COCKPIT The space in the boat for the rower/s.
COURSE A straight race course for rowers that has 6‐8 lanes. The length is between 1500 and 2000
meters.
COX BOX A small electronic device which aids the coxswain by amplifying his voice, and giving him a
readout of various information.
CRAB A stroke that goes bad and can be extremely difficult to get the blade out of the water.
DRIVE The part of the stroke when the blade is in the water, from catch to release.
ERG (ERGO/ERGOMETER/ERG MACHINE) ‐ Rowing machine that most closely simulates rowing in a boat.
FEATHER To turn the blade flat once the blade is out of the water to lessen wind resistance.
FIN
The small plate structure inserted in the hull near the stern to assist the stability and course
of the boat.
FINISH (Release)The part of the stroke where the blade is leaving the water.
FOOTSTRETCHER The unit that holds the shoes or clogs where the rower puts their feet.
FRONT‐LOADER A boat where the coxswain lies in the bow.
FRONT CHOCKS The plastic part screwed on to the slide nearest the stern.
GATE The square plastic item on the pin which you put the oar into to connect the oar to the
rigger.
GUNWALE The top horizontal lengths of the boat that run along the entire cockpit on each side.
HANDLE
HANDS AWAY
The part of the oar that the rower holds.
The term used for the action of getting the blade out of the water and moving the handle
away from the body until the arms are straight.
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HULL
The underside of the boat that travels through the water.
INBOARD The distance between the far end of the handle and the blade side of the button.
KEEL
The centre line of the hull running the length of the boat.
KNIFING When the blade has to little pitch and is caused to travel deep through the water.
LAYBACK The amount of body lean the rower has at the finish of the stroke.
LENGTH The arc in which the blade moves to propel the boat through the water.
LEG DRIVE Term used for driving the legs against the foot stretchers on the drive.
"LET IT RUN!" Coxswain call for all rowers to stop rowing and to pause at the finish, letting the boat glide
through the water and coast to a stop. Used as a drill to build balance
MISSING WATER Bad technique where you aren't moving the blade through the water as much as you could.
Usually caused by not getting the blade in the water soon enough at the catch.
OAR
The lever which moves the boat through the water. It has a handle on one end, the blade on
another, with the sleeve & collar in the middle. It is held together in length by the shaft.
OFFICIAL An official regatta race administrator that follows behind the current race in a motorboat.
The official makes sure all boats stay in their designated lanes.
PIN
The pin on the end on the rigger which the gate rotates.
PITCH The angle of the vertical side of the gate closer the pin. When the sleeve is pushed up against
this side during the drive, the angle (pitch) determined the blade depth in the water.
RATE
The number of strokes per minute.
RECOVERY The time between strokes where the blade is traveling through the air.
REGATTA An organized crew race.
RHTHUM The ratio of the time spent with the blade in the water during the drive to that of the blade
during the recovery.
RIBS
Internal structures that support the shape of the hull.
RIG
The mechanical set‐up of the boat for a particular crew eg. Spread, inboard, oar length etc.
RIGGER The structures (usually metal) attached across the boat that have the pins and gates attached
to the end.
ROWING(sweep) Each rower using one oar only.
RUDDER The device used to steer a boat.
RUN
The distance the boat travels in one stroke; the distance between puddles.
SCULLING Opposite of sweep. Sculling is rowing with two oars (an oar on each side of the boat). The
length of each oar is about 9 feet long
SEAT
What the rower sits on to move up and down the slides.
SHOULDERS Structures that run up the gunwale where an out‐rigger attaches the boat. Winged rigger
boats do not have shoulders.
SKYING Bad technique where the blade is too high off of the surface of the water at the catch
SLIDE The tracks in which the rolling seat rolls .
SLEEVE The plastic part of the oar that wraps around the shaft where the button screws onto.
SLIDES The parallel tracks that the seat rolls on.
STERN The back of the boat.
STROKE The complete cycle of movement that moves the boat through the water. It includes the
catch, drive, finish and recovery.
STROKE MAN The rower closer the stern of the boat.
STROKE SIDE Same as port; red in colour; the side in which the rower has the oar out to the right side.
SHELL Another term for a boat. Specifically, a boat used in racing.
STROKE RATE How fast a stroke is being taken. In terms of strokes per minute.
SWEEP Rowing with one oar on one side of the boat. The length of the oar is about 12 feet long.
WASHING OUT Similar to missing water except it means taking the blade out of the water too soon at the
finish
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THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
Bruce Lynton BMW
Sanctuary Cove
Wintech Racing
ATL Composites
Goldstein bakery
Emma and Toms Fruit Juice
Wayne Parfitt
Kerri Alderson and Scotty’s Trading
Post Southport
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