At our rowing club, every member's journey is unique, shaped by their personal experiences, goals, and love for the sport. From seasoned veterans to newcomers, each rower brings a distinct perspective that contributes to the rich tapestry of our community. Here are the stories of five remarkable individuals who have made rowing a central part of their lives.

Bill: A Lifetime Pursuit of Rowing

Bill’s journey with rowing began in 1961 when he first picked up an oar at the age of 11. His passion for the sport quickly ignited, and he thrived in schoolboy races, carrying that competitive spirit well into adulthood. As one of the original founders of our club, Bill has played a pivotal role in shaping the inclusive, vibrant community we enjoy today. Though he last competed in 2022, a muscle tear in his arm temporarily sidelined him. However, his determination remains strong—Bill is preparing to return to competition at the Lismore Regatta in 2024, and if all goes well, he plans to race in selected regattas in 2025. His story is one of resilience, dedication, and a lifelong commitment to the sport, inspiring rowers of all ages.

Viv: From Bodybuilding to Rowing

Viv’s journey into rowing began during her off-season as a natural bodybuilder when she was searching for a new physical challenge. She stumbled across a local rowing club and, despite being told she looked like a rower, had no idea what she was getting herself into. Starting in a single, Viv faced the steep learning curve head-on, falling out of the boat multiple times. While her ergo racing took off quickly, excelling due to her strength, rowing on the water was a far greater challenge than she had anticipated. Now, four years later, she’s shifted her focus to on-water rowing, embracing the technical finesse and enjoyment the sport offers beyond just physical power and is a regular medal winner at local, national and even international regattas. Viv's dedication is a true testament to the persistence and passion that rowing requires.

Lin: A Late Bloomer with Competitive Drive

Lin had always been active, but she didn’t discover rowing until she was 61. Encouraged by friends to join the club, she quickly found herself hooked on the unique combination of physical exertion and mental focus that rowing demands. After two years of learning the ropes and gaining confidence on the water, Lin decided to take the plunge into competition—and she hasn’t stopped since. Now a regular at regattas, Lin proves that it’s never too late to start a new sport or to compete at a high level. Her story is a testament to the inclusive nature of rowing, where anyone can find their stride, regardless of when they begin their journey.

Ana: Returning to Rowing, Together

Ana’s rowing journey began early in life, and it’s also how she met her husband, Cauan, at a rowing club back in their home country of Brazil. After taking a break from the sport to focus on family life, Ana found herself missing the camaraderie and physicality that rowing brought. As her daughter grew older, Ana seized the chance to return to the water. Rejoining the club after years away wasn’t without challenges, but with Cauan rowing by her side, she quickly regained her form and passion. Now, Ana balances rowing with motherhood, setting an example for her daughter about self-care, commitment, and pursuing what you love. Her journey, alongside Cauan, serves as a reminder that it’s never too late to return to what brings you joy.

Rafael: A Newcomer with Big Ambitions

Rafael is the newest addition to our rowing family, having recently completed the Learn to Row program. While he’s still finding his rhythm on the water, his enthusiasm is unmistakable. Rafael first approached rowing as a way to stay active, but it didn’t take long for the sport to capture his heart. Now, he’s setting his sights on competition, with hopes of racing in the coming years. For Rafael, rowing represents not just a sport but a personal challenge, a way to push his limits and see how far he can go. His journey is just beginning, but his determination and positive attitude promise great things for the future.

These five stories highlight the diversity of paths that can lead someone to rowing. Whether you’ve been rowing since childhood, discovered it later in life, or returned after a break, there’s always room for personal growth and achievement in this sport. Our club celebrates every individual’s journey and is proud to support each rower, from beginners to veterans, on their unique path.

To find out more about joining - Contact us - Gold Coast Master Rowers Inc. (gcmrowers.org.au)