• An opportunity exists for an Under 17 Male to join the ERC Under 17 Quad crew in training for the Australian Rowing Championships to be held in Perth in early March 2012. The athlete should have rowing experience or be prepared to undertake an ‘accelerated training program’. Contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
• School leavers wishing to continue their rowing careers are particularly welcome this year at Essendon. The ERC has vacancies in lightweight crews as well as under-age and heavyweight teams. Contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
• The Junior Learn to Row program at the ERC is free and has a number of vacancies for boys and girls (see below).

Background:

The Essendon Rowing Club (founded 1880) has a strong and successful background in Junior and Youth Rowing. In the 2010-11 season the club dominated the Rowing Victoria Club Premiership as well as winning eight titles at the Rowing Victoria State Championships. The fleet is constantly being improved with the recent additions of two coxless quads/fours, a coxed eight, a coxed quad/four, a double scull, two pair/doubles, six single sculls, and a large number of sweep and sculling oars. The committee has also approved the purchase of two new double sculls along with a new elite single scull and sixteen new sculling blades. The purchase of a new coxed eight and a coxed quad/four is also being considered. This fleet upgrade places the ERC in an enviable position.

The club has a large number of active juniors with several crews expected to compete at the Australian Rowing Championships held in Perth in early March 2012. The ERC will assist the team with fundraising aimed at subsidising the costs of travel and accommodation.

The Squads:

Junior Boys and Junior Girls Squads

These squads cover the Under 17 and Under 19 males and females with ages commencing at fourteen. Younger boys and girls may be accepted if they meet certain criteria. Coxswains can be as young as twelve. All participants must be able to satisfy the ‘swimming ability’ requirement. While learning to row the focus is on fun and fitness.

The Junior Boys are coached by Dave, Rob, Andrew and Mick along with experienced rowers acting as mentors. The Junior Girls are coached by Glenn and Barry with senior rowers also assisting with training and competition. The number of training sessions varies according to the time of year and the crew. Usually during the off-season the juniors train 2-3 nights a week plus a session on the weekend. They are also encouraged to continue their school sports as part of their cross-training. During the season the training sessions increase in frequency and vary in intensity. Some rowers may be asked to join the ‘morning group’. This group trains before school/work and has higher expectations and workload.

Youth Squad

This squad work closely with both the senior and junior squads. It generally covers the ages from eighteen through to about twenty three. Crews tend to row at a more senior level and lightweight rowing becomes a feature for some. The coaches involved with the Youth Squad are Rob, Glenn, Jess, Barry, Jeff, Mick, Scott, Tamara, Craig, Richard, Mark and Tim.

School Leavers:

The ERC welcomes school leavers who wish to continue their rowing careers at a progressive rowing club. Before (or after) the Year 12 exams interested athletes should contact the Essendon Rowing Club and discuss ‘targeted’ crews. Rowers can choose to join an elite crew or may wish to compete at club level, win heaps of trophies, and have lots of fun.

Junior Learn to Row Program

The Junior LTR is run by experienced volunteer coaches who oversee the Junior Squads. The program is free! The ERC understands that young people try a number of different sports before deciding on a particular activity. There is no cost at all for the first four weeks of training. After four weeks the participant needs to join the club. The cost of junior membership for season 2011-12 is $200 per year and includes affiliation with Rowing Victoria, use of the gym and boats, and free coaching. Other costs to look forward to are the cost of a ‘zootie’ (rowing suit, $55) and seat fees for regattas.

Initially the Junior LTR takes place on Sunday mornings. Participants should arrive at 10.15am for warm-up with the session commencing at about 10.30am. You need to book your first session by contacting This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or by phoning Glenn (junior squad coach) on 0414256958. Some Saturday spots are available for those involved with Sunday winter sports. Why not give it a go?