For many people, rowing is something left behind after school or university — a sport tied to early mornings, intense training, and competition.
But at the Picton Rowing Club, rowing is being rediscovered in a very different way.
Over the past few years, the club has quietly built one of the most inclusive rowing environments in Marlborough, attracting a wide range of members through a culture focused on participation, flexibility, and enjoyment of the sport.
Today, Picton’s members range from teenagers through to rowers in their 70s and beyond, with many returning to the sport after years — sometimes decades — away from the water.
“We’re seeing more people realise that rowing doesn’t have to be all-or-nothing,” says club coach Amanda Inkster.
“You can row socially, row for fitness, row competitively, or simply get back on the water because you miss it.”
That philosophy has helped the club grow steadily and build a strong community culture that sits alongside its competitive success.
Members can choose from a range of rowing opportunities, from traditional flatwater rowing through to the club’s growing coastal rowing programme.
The addition of coastal rowing has opened the sport to many more people. Using wider, more stable boats designed for open water, coastal rowing offers a relaxed and social way to enjoy the harbour and coastline, while still providing the fitness and connection that rowing is known for.
For some, it’s a gentler introduction back into the sport. For others, it’s become their preferred way to row.
The club believes this balance of social rowing, coastal rowing, flexibility, and competition is what makes Picton unique within the Marlborough rowing community.
While other clubs in the region focus primarily on school rowing, high performance pathways, or competitive masters rowing, Picton has deliberately created a broader environment that caters to a wider age range and a variety of goals.
That approach has helped foster strong membership growth and a welcoming atmosphere where people of different ages and experience levels row together.
Importantly, the club is now keen to reconnect with people who have rowed in the past — whether at school, university, or another club — but may not have considered returning.
“There are a lot of former rowers around Marlborough who probably still miss being in a boat,” says Amanda.
“What surprises many people is how flexible rowing can be now. You don’t have to train six days a week or race every weekend to be involved.”
Flexible membership options, social sessions, coastal rowing, and casual rowing opportunities are all helping make the sport more accessible for people balancing work, family, and other commitments.
And while the atmosphere may be welcoming and social, Picton continues to punch above its weight competitively — a reflection of the depth of experience and enthusiasm across the club.
Club member Sally Kent, 60, praised the efforts of the club’s coaching team. “We get amazing coaching, they're so dedicated in giving their time and sharing their knowledge with us newbies. They’re incredibly patient and we have a lot of fun,” she said.
Sally learned to row at Picton three years ago and has since won gold medals at three South Island Masters regattas.
The club also acknowledges the invaluable support of local businesses, sponsors, and funding agencies whose contributions have helped Picton Rowing Club continue to grow and evolve.
Support from organisations including Port Marlborough, Rātā Foundation, Pub Charity, Churchill Trust, The Lion Foundation, Pelorus Trust, Grassroots Trust, Marlborough District Council, local hospitality businesses, and many others has helped the club invest in equipment, facilities, coaching, and the development of its coastal rowing programme.
For the Picton club, success is measured not just by medals, but by keeping people connected to rowing for life.
And for many former rowers, that journey may simply begin with getting back in the boat.
