TopRow Graduate – Hannah

Life after TopRow

Coming out of COVID, I wanted to get out and about again and decided I’d take up rowing. I completed the TopRow courses back in March 2021, as I never rowed previously it was a steep learning curve but thanks to the wonderful coaches I was soon hooked and eager to do more! After graduating I joined Richmond Rowing Club’s Development Squad.

 

Thanks to the close relationship between the LTR program and Richmond the transition from TopRow to the Development Squad was very smooth with a number of people from my TopRow courses joining with me. I spent about six months in the development squad getting comfortable rowing across different types of boats; singles, doubles, quads, and sweeping eights; and continuing to improve my rowing technique and fitness.

 

Moving into the Ladies squad there is a great sense of community with team coffee/breakfast after morning sessions and the occasional pub dinner after Thursday. Throughout the whole club the coaches are supportive of every member, wanting them simply to get the best out of each training session and really understanding where everyone is from a technical and fitness level.

 

My first Regatta was in April this year, at the Geelong Masters Regatta, racing in a coxed quad. Despite being extremely nervous and having no idea what to expect, we won out first race; which as I’d never really competed in team sports growing up this was my first real sports medal. Unfortunately, we weren’t as lucky with our second race; we managed to get tangled in the reeds and crash into another boat, coming last in the race. But still having a lot of fun!

 

The 22/23 Regatta season has just kicked off starting with the 4.5km Saltwater Challenge. It was incredible to see so many clubs and school groups competing, although slightly hectic with more than 50 boats on the water. Despite the constant blisters on the hands, cold mornings, and sore legs; it’s certainly not something I plan on giving up anytime soon.