Aviators row to the top

Air Force has been named overall winner of the ADF Rowing Championships on Lake Burley Griffin, with a 20-strong team of new, returning and experienced rowers outscoring Navy and Army.

The win capped a week-long ADF Rowing camp run from the ADFA Marine Facility at Yarralumla, where members from around Australia trained in learn-to-row, return-to-row, intermediate and advanced groups before being mixed into service crews to race doubles, quads and eights.

It was AIRCDRE David Strong’s first camp. A schoolboy rower, he returned to the sport in January as part of his transition to reserves after 41 years of permanent service.

“My transition seminar talked about how to keep fit, stay engaged and build a social network, and I thought I had to take action,” AIRCDRE Strong said.

“I’ve rowed three days a week since and it’s made me happier and more motivated about my transition.”

The former F/A-18 pilot said Air Force’s numbers and energy made the difference.

“Army had a strong team physically, but the enthusiasm, the numbers and the energy of the Air Force team just came through,” he said.

“Rowing is like a fighter mission. You brief, execute and debrief, and it’s all about preparation and visualisation. It has all the elements of aviation, you’re just on the water.”

AIRCDRE Strong raced in a winning quad with WGCDR Matt Murphy, an EA-18G Growler electronic warfare officer who learnt to row on a staff course in 2024 and joined the return-to-row group at camp.

“We did our first practice row on the way over to the course and our first race was straight after that,” WGCDR Murphy said.

“Rowing tests your resilience and dedication, with Canberra winters and early starts. It’s individual preparation, but team execution.”

AIRCDRE Strong said the club’s respectful culture, coaching and mentoring stood out, and rank was left on the shore.

“Everyone’s on a first-name basis and we really got to know each other,” he said.

“We’re well supported with some of the best equipment of any boat shed in Australia. You feel really lucky to be able to use it and go out there and be your best.”

Next on his list is the Head of the Yarra in Melbourne on November 28, where ADF Rowing will enter crews.

His advice to aviators thinking about rowing was simple.

“Don’t hesitate. Make the time and get involved,” he said.

“I wish I’d started earlier, but there’s no time like the present to give it a crack.”

ADF Rowing is open to permanent members and SERCAT 3, 4 and 5 reservists, and runs learn-to-row programs about twice a year. To get involved, email adf.rowing@defence.gov.au