How to Join West End
2023/2024 WERC Club Squad
Whether you’re working, going to uni, or both, we believe in a balance between personal life and training so there is flexibility whatever your situation may be. We offer a fun, competitive, and successful club program with a focus on NZ Nationals. MORE
Learn to Row - Novice program
Has rowing always been one of those sports you wanted to participate in but haven’t had the opportunity? Here is your chance to learn why rowers are mad for the sport! Have a go and see what you think without committing to a full season, and then if it’s for you there is an option to carry on as a novice club rower. MORE
GIVE IT A Row
Our new course for those interested in just trying something new and learning about rowing, the technique and equipment. This program is run every Sunday morning, for 5 weeks.
The current 5 week course is already underway but if you are interested in joining the next course please register your interest here.
2023/2024 WERC Club Squad
For those with aspirations for the New Zealand Rowing Age Group or Elite crews or simply looking for high-level full-time training, International-class coaching and high-performance development from a world champion coach we will develop your rowing peak performance through our club head coach Nick Dawe.
This year WERC Club squad athletes earned 2 gold, 1 silver, and 4 bronze medals in senior/club grade events at the 2023 NZ Nationals and with your help we plan to improve that performance next year!
“I think the club has such a strong team culture which I felt as soon as I joined. Being a part of a driven, disciplined and motivated team made every success even greater. I’m proud to row for West End.”
Our official club squad season begins in September and runs through to NZ Nationals in late February. For those with High Performance aspirations, training and preparation will continue through until the NZ Rowing trials.
We attend several regattas throughout the main season including: The Erik Verdonk Memorial Regatta, Bennett Shield Regatta, KRI Club Regatta, KRI Memorial regatta, Christmas Regatta, North Island Club Championships, and the NZ National Championships. If a high enough standard is met, the club will consider extending the season for high achieving crews to attend overseas regattas as well (Henley Royal Regatta, Royal Canadian Henley, or Head of the Charles Regatta to name a few!).
Most sessions take place in our club house on the Whau River in Avondale, Auckland. Primary sessions will take place as a squad and secondary training will also be prescribed for those with flexibility to complete it. We have a modern facility including a massive pontoon, full gym, erg room, modern racing plant of international standard, and large changing rooms with hot showers.
We will have at least one extended training camp on Lake Karapiro after New Years to kick- start the NZ Nationals campaign. When able, we may also have mini training camps throughout the year at our second clubhouse shed on the Waikato River at 36 Mercer Ferry Rd, Mercer.
We have a friendly club environment with a sense of community and a proud history dating back to 1884 that has included several members as NZ representatives and Olympians such as Mahé Drysdale and most recently Stephen Jones at Tokyo 2020.
In 2023 five previous West End RC members competed in New Zealand U23 Crews at the World Rowing U23 World Championships. You could be the next NZ legend!
West End elites. Stephen Jones, Lewis Hollows, and Jono Kumerich rowed with SPC before becoming West End club rowers. Mahe Drysdale started rowing at West End as a novice club rower while at university in Auckland.
Sound interesting?
Next steps contact Rowing Manager & Head Coach Nick Dawe with any questions or to express interest and receive more information; rowingmanager@werc.co.nz or 021 025 91392
Learn to Row - For Novice ROWERS
What you will learn;
On land using rowing machines and stationary rowing shells to learn the basic rowing stroke
Water safety, details about your boat and oars
On the water sessions will be based around getting boats on and off the water. Focusing on the basics of rowing e.g. not tipping out, listening to the “coxs”, rowing in time, boat balance and making the boat move across the water as efficiently as possible without catching the infamous “crab” + more fun
At the end of this course you will have a good understanding of the principles of rowing and be able to decide if you want to become part of the West End novice squad for the summer season.
Participants; Must be 17-24 years of age, be able to swim 50m unassisted and be healthy enough to participate in moderate physical exercise.
Cost; The course costs $200 per person.
Must be paid in full and in advance to hold your position on the course. This fee is non-refundable should you pull out before the course is completed.
Location; West End Rowing Club,
26 Saunders Place, Rosebank, Avondale
If you have more questions please email
Nick Dawe rowingmanager@werc.co.nz
To register please complete this form here
