Comp and camp the way to row

Oars splashed in the morning sun as rowers from across Australia took to the water in Canberra for the ADF Rowing Championships on September 25.

The event was held during the annual ADF Rowing training camp, which brought together new and experienced rowers for learn-to-row and return-to-row programs alongside intermediate and advanced groups.

Air Force took the championship by accumulating the most points across the regatta’s races.

Advanced rower SQNLDR Sarelle Woodward said one of the highlights of the championships was seeing rowers of all skill levels train and compete together.

"We enjoyed seeing the advanced, newer and keen rowers coming in that we can grow with into the future," said SQNLDR Woodward.

Although rowing is often associated with endurance and fitness, she said newcomers quickly discovered success on the water depended just as much on technique.

"Everybody sees people in a tiny rowboat and thinks, 'I can do that', then they come to rowing camp and leave mentally exhausted," she said.

For first-time rower CPL Liam Hampstead, the championships provided an opportunity to develop his skills alongside more experienced competitors.

Having only used a rowing machine before, CPL Hampstead said learning to synchronise his rowing with the team proved more challenging than the physical demands of the sport.

"The first few days were heaps rocky and then by Wednesday or Thursday, when you're starting to get in time with everybody, it's pretty rewarding," CPL Hampstead said.

"It was more mentally fatiguing than physical. Just learning to be in time with each other can be quite draining."

Officer in command for the event, LTCOL Rohan Jayawardena, said rowing developed teamwork, coordination and fitness through a sport that could be learned and refined over time.

He said growing numbers of Defence personnel were taking up rowing as adults, creating new opportunities to learn, compete and represent Defence.

With the championships complete, participants will now turn their attention to upcoming events, including the Col Patten Memorial Marathon on October 11 and the Head of the Shoalhaven Regatta on October 24.

ADF crews will also compete against some of the country's strongest rowing clubs at the Head of the Yarra Regatta in late November.