PARENT INFORMATION

Marlborough Boys' College Rowing

WELCOME TO NEW PARENTS

Welcome to the MBC Rowing whānau! This page is designed to support families new to rowing — outlining expectations, key dates and how to stay involved throughout the season.

Season Overview

Season start: September (winter training begins earlier)
Regattas: December – March
Training camps: Lake Rotoiti in December and Twizel in January
Pinnacle event: Maadi Cup late March / early April

Training Schedule Overview

Training is structured weekly with a mix of on-water sessions, strength work, fitness training, and crew drills designed to build endurance, technique, and team unity.

Schedules and communication regarding training are via the Heja app. Please contact us for a team ID link if you have not yet joined.

Download the Heja App

ATHLETE INFORMATION

Training Expectations

Consistent attendance, readiness to learn, and a positive attitude are the foundation of success in our programme.

Attendance at training is important, and boys are expected to attend as many sessions as possible. We understand other commitments may arise, especially early in the season, but ask that rowers keep coaches informed, as irregular attendance can affect boat line-ups. Crews build confidence and strength by training together consistently.

If a rower is sick, injured, or unable to attend, please notify the coach as early as possible. Ideally, coaches need 24–48 hours’ notice to plan sessions. If a rower wakes up unwell on training day, they should text the coach early. Rowers are expected to take responsibility for their attendance and return to training only once fully recovered.

Learn More About Training

Code of Conduct

All athletes are expected to uphold our code of conduct at training and competitions.

Code of Conduct

Equipment & Uniform

Athletes compete in club and school colours as per registration. Information on uniform options will be emailed to parents at the beginning of the season.

REGATTA INFORMATION

What to Expect

Consistent attendance, readiness to learn, and a positive attitude are the foundation of success in our programme.

Unless otherwise agreed with the coaches, all boys are expected to attend rowing camps and regattas and should not withdraw at the last minute.

If a rower needs to miss a camp or regatta due to personal circumstances, the Head Coach must be informed at least three weeks in advance, as bookings and regatta entries are usually due around this time.

Early in the season, rowers compete under Wairau Rowing Club colours at events such as Marlborough Champs, Canterbury Champs, and South Island Club Champs. Senior rowers may also be invited to the NZ Rowing Champs. Later in the season, rowers compete under Marlborough Boys’ College colours at the South Island Secondary Schools Championships and Maadi Cup.

Finally, please note that rowers will miss some school during Term 1 due to regattas. These absences will be communicated to the school on your behalf, and teachers are generally very supportive. For the NZ Rowing Champs and Maadi Cup, where time away is longer, rowers are encouraged to bring their laptops and schoolwork to help them stay up to date.

Travel & Accommodation

Information on transport, accommodation options and logistics for away regattas will be provided ahead of key events.

Parent Helper Roles

Parent support is vital — from fundraising, logistics and catering, to race day coordination. We would love for you to get involved.

Learn How You Can Get Involved

COMMUNICATION

Coaches will create contact lists for rowers to communicate through platforms such as Heja, WhatsApp, Instagram, text, email, and phone calls. All communication relating to training, attendance, and team requirements is the responsibility of the rower, not the parent. Rowers must contact their coach directly if they are unable to attend training or have any issues that may affect participation.

General programme information will be shared with families through email, the closed MBC Rowing Facebook group, and relevant WhatsApp groups. Parents and rowers are encouraged to request access to the official MBC Rowing Facebook groups.

WhatsApp Groups

Communication for rowers and coxswains — including van transport coordination — is managed through WhatsApp groups set up by coaches and committee members. These groups are the primary method for sharing last-minute updates, transport requirements, and key reminders.

Roles and Boundaries

A clear boundary exists between the roles of the coaching team and the parent/support group. All decisions regarding crew selections, training programmes, and regatta entries are made solely by the coaching team.

Welfare and Camp Concerns

Student welfare concerns are managed through the Child Welfare Liaison, while welfare and discipline during camps and travel are the responsibility of the Camp Manager. If a parent has any concerns about their child while away, they should contact the Camp Manager directly to discuss the matter.

MBC Rowing - Parent Group

Marlborough Boys College Rowing

Wairau Rowing Club

FAQS

What time is training?

Training times vary depending on the stage of the season and crew level. Most water sessions are early mornings before school, with additional gym or afternoon sessions as required. Weekly schedules are shared via email and WhatsApp.

How do boys get to training?

On school days, a van service runs between Marlborough Boys’ College and the Wairau Rowing Club. On Saturdays and public holidays, families arrange their own transport. Rowers must confirm via WhatsApp or Heja if they need a van seat.

What happens if my son can’t attend training?

Rowers must notify their coach directly as early as possible — ideally 24–48 hours in advance. Illness or injury should also be communicated promptly. Attendance affects crew combinations, so communication is important.

Does my son need prior rowing experience?

No. Many boys begin rowing in Year 9 as complete beginners. The novice programme is designed to teach technique, fitness, and race preparation from the ground up.

Are rowing camps compulsory?

Yes, unless otherwise discussed with the Head Coach. Camps are a key part of preparation and crew development. Early notice is required if there are unavoidable conflicts.

What regattas do crews attend?

Early season events are under Wairau Rowing Club colours (e.g. Marlborough Champs, Canterbury Champs, South Island Club Champs). Later in the season, crews race under Marlborough Boys’ College colours at SISS and Maadi Cup.

Will rowing affect schoolwork?

Rowers may miss some school during Term 1 for major regattas. The school is informed, and teachers are supportive. Boys are expected to stay organised and bring schoolwork to longer events such as NZ Champs and Maadi.

What uniform and gear is required?

Rowers must supply appropriate training gear, warm clothing, and personal equipment. A gear list is provided at the start of the season. The club provides a sponsor t-shirt.

What costs are involved?

Costs include regatta entry fees, camp accommodation, travel, and uniform items. A seasonal cost outline is shared early so families can plan.

How can parents get involved?

We rely heavily on parent support for camps, regattas, food preparation, transport, and committee roles. Even small contributions make a big difference to the programme.

Is safety taken seriously?

Absolutely. Rowing NZ safety guidelines are followed at all times. Coaches are trained in water safety, and weather conditions are carefully monitored before sessions proceed.

How are crews selected?

Selections are made by the coaching team using a combination of training performance, attitude, fitness, technique, and tools such as erg testing and seat racing. Selections are always made in the best interest of the squad as a whole.

How is communication managed?

Rowers are responsible for direct communication with coaches either by phone, WhatsApp or Heja. Parents receive updates via email, the closed Facebook group, and WhatsApp. All crew and regatta decisions sit with the coaching team.

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