Rowing Camp

Barker Rowers and Coaches headed to the ACT in mid-January for the Annual Rowing camp.

Black Mountain Rowing Club was our base for the week, providing access to smooth water on Lake Burley Griffin. The Rowing Club is located at Black Mountain Peninsula which, like so many areas in Canberra, is an open parkland and recreation area. The location proved ideal for both on water and dry land training. A running loop, with hills for shuttle runs up and back was testing in the dry heat. While the open grassed area was ideal for core and strength exercises. Being lakeside it was then only a short walk to the lake to cool off, which was welcomed often.

The rowers alternated between two and three training sessions per day. A three session day looked like this:

• 5.30am Rise & Snack

• 6.30am – 9.30am On Water Rowing/Dry Land Training Session 1

• 10.00am Breakfast

• 10.30am – 1.00pm On Water Rowing/Dry Land Training Session 2

• 1.30pm Lunch

• 2.00pm – 3.00pm REST

• 3.30pm – 6.00pm On Water Rowing/Dry Land Training Session 3

A two training session day gave the rowers recovery time and allowed for a fun activity like Mini Golf. The skill crossover from rowing to golf remains to be seen. Senior rowers entertained the squad with ‘sock’ awards at the end of the week recounting funny moments, comments and acknowledging effort. The camp was a real highlight. It was amazing watching the team share their highs and lows and working together to form a bond and respect. Camps are important for not only developing sporting skills but also for developing personal and team skills. This camp certainly ticked all those boxes.

Kylie Mildren Secondary School Sport Coordinator