The 2025-26 rowing season began in fine style over the weekend, with the staging of the annual Marlborough Rowing Championships.
Rowers from various clubs put their early season fitness to the test on the unique and demanding Wairau River course, starting at the Wairau Rowing Club and finishing in front of the Blenheim Rowing Club. With boat classes ranging from novice to masters, there was opportunities for young and old to shake off the cobwebs.
A large contingent of athletes from Marlborough Boys’ and Girls’ Colleges, rowing under the Wairau banner, got in some invaluable time on the water before heading into their respective campaigns, which will be capped by a trip to the prestigious Maadi Cup in March next year.
A highlight for young Wairau rowers Zac Jenkins, Logan Flight and Aidan Bennett was the opportunity to race in a quad alongside former Olympian Robbie Manson, still holder of the world’s fastest time for a single sculler over 2000m.
