Some of the most elite and promising rowers in NSW have spent 10 days in Taree to prepare for the 2021 representative season.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Sydney University Boat Club (SUBC) rowers called the Manning River home at the start of the new year as they gear up for the State titles, national titles and Australian selection trials.
Coach Jack Hanley said this was the tenth consecutive year the club has made the journey to Taree for the training camp.
"We come up to the Manning every year because it's got great water and good, long kilometres can be done," Jack said.
WATCH: See what the Sydney University rowers enjoyed most about their trip to Taree.
Jack assured all rowers returned negative results to COVID-19 tests before travelling to Taree.
SUBC is traditionally hosted by Manning River Rowing Club but with the clubhouse being rebuilt, they set up camp at the adjacent sailing club building.
Those who prepared for senior A and Olympic trials focused on single scull while development athletes used both larger and smaller boats.
Athletes rowed about 60km a day across three training stints. Time was also spent in local gyms or the Manning Aquatic Leisure Centre.
Their parents, accompanying them on the trip, kept them fed with nutritional meals.
The group was thrilled with the hospitality of the Taree community.
"The community has been very nice hosting, it's been second to none," Jack said.
Campbell Watts trains with the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) in Canberra in readiness for the Tokyo Olympic Games.
After he headed home to Sydney for the Christmas break, the ACT government enforced a two week quarantine for any returning citizens due to the outbreak of COVID-19 cases in Sydney.
So instead of sitting in a room for a fortnight, Campbell and a fellow AIS rower decided to continue their training with the club in Taree.
"Instead of being locked in a room on a rowing machine and a bike, we're on the water and training with the club," Campbell said.
He enjoyed training in Taree, namely for the access to facilities and the mighty Manning River.
"It's important to connect with the younger rowers and create the idea that there is a pathway from where you started rowing to the Olympics," Campbell added.
Campbell was part of Australia's quad scull team at the 2019 World Rowing Championships. Here they placed third in a semi-final and secure their place for the Olympics.
Marcus Britt participated in his fifth Taree camp.
"All you have to think about is train, eat and sleep and then trudge up to the motel and try avoid KFC on the way up and the pubs on the way down," he laughed.
The club, established in 1860, has produced dozens of athletes who found State and national success.
While you're with us...
Did you know the Manning River Times is now offering breaking news alerts and a weekly email newsletter? Keep up-to-date with all the local news: SIGN UP HERE.