Coastal Rowing News

Visit the Rowing for Life New Zealand charitry row new web site and facebook page to see progress with the Stewart Island southern section of the charity row.. 

• Rowing for Life Web Site Link 

• Rowing for Life Facebook Link

• ***Temporary Postponement***

• This Rowing for Life Coastal Rowing Adventure has taken us all the way to Kaikoura - over 600km rowed. Unfortunately, we must postpone the journey due to some of the team having covid. We have returned home to recover and undertake maintenance on the coastal rowing equipment. We’ll have to go back to a couple of spots in more favorable conditions – we see you Bluff, Banks Peninsula & Kaikoura - as well as continue the journey northwards. Thanks to all those who have expressed interest in joining us - we’ll stay connected to continue the journey with you on board.Ian Hamilton

Monday 8 May 2024

After 6 days the Southerly winds proved to be too strong to row out of Otanerito Bay (Banks Peninsula), so to keep on schedule and meet the commitment to the Lions Clubs functions, it was decided to drive into the bay and carry the boat out on the trailer. 

The row from Sumner to Waikuku Beach was very successful, with Waimarie Surf Club meeting us along Christchurch’s New Brighton beach. This is where we had our first sprints race between the Surf and Coastal Boats.  The 4 man double hull surf canoe hit the lead, but not for long, we soon wound them in and took line honours after 150 metres. We exchanged farewells and thankyous. It was good to see them. 

At Waikuku the Surf Life Saving Club sent out their IRB’s to guide us onto the beach, and performed a guard of honour.  The Te Matauru Primary School kapa haka group from Rangiora also welcomed us.  The Lions Clubs had a fun day arranged, with the Fire & Emergency Dept providing a meal in the evening.  The next morning we left Waikuku for Motunau, in reasonable conditions. The wind was supposed to shift to the North West, which would have been in our favour, but unfortunately it turned North East and created a head wind and cross current, making it hard work.  The 37km trip ended up being one of the hardest, and the Motunau bar and channel proved to be quite challenging.  With the help of the local fisherman Geoff Basher, we were guided into a safe landing spot.  The North East wind persisted and we ending up staying at Motunau for a few days.  In the meantime we had taken the boat to Chch for some maintenance, and then I tested positive for covid.  I was dropped at my sisters in Chch to isolate, and the others headed back to Motunau.

Kaikoura was the next meeting place with the Lions, so with a skeleton crew, rowed around the peninsula to meet everyone at Goochs Beach, Kaikoura.  Once we had met with the Lions in Kaikoura it was decided to have a temporary postponement, until everyone was well and rested.  It also gave us a chance to check all the equipment and review the schedule before heading towards Cook Strait and the North Island.

Thanks for all your support. Ian Hamilton

Sunday 17 September 2023

Caitlin Te Tai, first time coxing did very well in the long distance race on the mighty Oreti River last weekend. In addition to Caitin coxing, Ian's crew this time included Suzanne Townshend, Steve Dyer and Gavin McKenzie.

Sunday 10 September 2023

Training row – Oreti River estuary towards Omaui and back.

Met at the IRC Clubrooms at 8:00am. Loaded the ‘Sydney 2000’ onto trailer with the Coastal Boat and started row from Whalers Bay about 9:00am. Nigel Jack, Gary Jack, Darren Jack, Jeremy Hamilton, and cox Luke Hamilton in the Coastal Boat. Ian Hamilton, Jordan King, Kate Taare, and Gavin McKenzie in the ‘Sydney 2000’ with Steve Dyer in the Coach boat for safety (carrying the PFD’s). Rowed around the corner, against the tide, towards Omaui for about 2 km, then changed Kate and Jordan into the Coastal Boat with Jeremy and Darren, continuing the row along the Sandy Point side of the river.  Changed the crew once more around 10:00am with Gary, Darren, Kate, and Jordan (Luke still coxing) in the Coastal Boat. With about 30 minutes left of incoming tide we headed back to the Ski Club, on the Oreti River, sticking close to each other, as a head wind had picked up for the last 5 minutes of the row. A total distance of about 12 km. We got off the water about 11:00am and unloaded the boats at the Clubrooms by 12:30pm.  Everyone had a great row.

Sunday 20 August 2023

The coastal quad was used once again for the Oreti River Long Distance Race. The boat was well suited to the conditions with a hard slog to the start line due to an outgoing tide and a head wind.

Ian's crew this time included Jordan King in the cox seat, along with Suzanne Townshend, Steve Dyer and Gavin McKenzie.

Sunday 23 July 2023

The coastal boat was used to race in the Oreti Long Distance Race. Well done to the Jack family, first time in the coastal boat. Dad, Nigel in No.1 seat with daughter Lilah in 2 seat as a novice it is the longest distace she's ever rowed, Jenna Sheperd welcome back. Ian Hamilton was stroke, and cox was son Sam Jack as his first time in a rowing boat. Well coxed Sam.

Sunday 25 June 2023

With the weather being so good it was time to do another salt water row, this time from Colac Bay to Riverton Rowing Club.

Coastguard advised we'll be on water 12:30pm with ETA 15:00 hrs. 

Life preservers on board

Cell phone

VHF radio

Personal locator beacon

Land based supporter thanks Michael Gorton.

Crew cox - Kevin Neylon  Riverton

     Stroke - Ian Hamilton  INV

   3   seat  - Malcolm Sellars  Riverton

   2   seat  - Steve Dyer       INV

        Bow  - Blake Green     INV

Team brief given, we pushed off into a slight head breeze but reasonably flat water, bit of sun mixed with clouds.

First 5ks covered we were getting hot so took off some clothing, drinks break  and photo opp while being sheltered from breeze behind Riverton hills. Everyone feeling great so we carried on. With Malcolm checking his stock were  in the right paddocks especially the bulls, which they were.

Another couple of drinks breaks mixed with hand line fishing, got our drinks but no fish, must have been the stinky bait. We felt the current pushing us along and around the Riverton Rocks which we thought was great, until we picked up a nice round wave that was going our way, Maaan what a ride the fastest we've ever been in a row boat, we all just started laughing as fast as the stroke rate, feeew.

Everything settled down after that with a nice row up the Riverton harbour to the rowing shed.

After cleaning up washing gear we advised Coastguard that we were back safe and sound.

A debrief was held at the Aparima.

Man what a great day thanks guys :)

Ian Hamilton