MANNING River Rowing Club will be one of the venues for the inaugural Australian Indoor Rowing Championships to be contested next month.
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More than 50 competitors are expected to take part in the Taree round, although official co-ordinator Hugh McLeod anticipates there’ll be more.
He assured the event isn’t restricted to rowing club members or even experienced rowers.
The championships will be held over November at various venues around Australia, starting in Perth. Times will be collated at the conclusion of the championship where the places will be determined.
McLeod started indoor rowing classes at the Manning club earlier this year and now conducts afternoon sessions from Monday to Friday. He was contacted by Rowing Australia to see if he was interested in running the national championship round here.
Events will include men's and women's open and lightweight 500m, 1000m, 2000m and one minute rip. There also be a mixed 4 x 500m relay. The maximum weight for lightweight men is 75kg and 61.5kgs for women.
The championship will be open to anyone aged 12 and older and will include para rowing and adaptive competitors.
McLeod understands there’ll be a strong contingent of rowers from the Newcastle area taking part. However, he’s confident of a solid representation from the Manning-Great Lakes as the activity is growing in popularity in this area.
“There’s a strong emphasis on fitness here. Indoor rowing experience isn’t necessary but anyone who wants to try it out before can come along to one of the classes,’’ he said.
McLeod is confident the Manning club will be the one of the regional centres to permanently host one of the rounds.
For further details go to IndoorRowing@rowingaustralia.com.au or check the Manning Rowing Club’s Facebook page.
Meanwhile the dates have been confirmed for Manning Rowing Club’s Summer Regatta – the major event on the club’s calendar.
The three day event will start on Friday January 13 and will attract rowers from throughout NSW.