Winter Camp 23: Camp Recap

At Takapuna Grammar School Rowing Club, we believe in fostering teamwork, and nurturing talent. That's why our winter camp held at Karapiro was an unforgettable experience for all involved. From the athletes to the coaching staff and parent volunteers, this camp exemplified the PRIDE values that define our rowing club.

First and foremost, we would like to express our gratitude to our exceptional coaching team. Their expertise, commitment, and passion for rowing have been instrumental in shaping our athletes' skills and character. A special shout out to Sienna who played a pivotal role in the success of camp. She took charge of coordinating the coaching staff, crew assignments, and training plans, ensuring that each session, whether with coaches or coxswains, was thoughtfully planned and executed. Sienna's attention to detail and tireless efforts contributed to the seamless flow of the camp, making it an unforgettable experience for all participants.

We were also fortunate to have Kirsty Dunhill join us as a guest coach for the July camp. Kirsty, an ex Takapuna Grammar student and rower, is a highly experienced coach currently serving as the Head of Rowing at St Cuthberts. She is also a NZ selector for the U19, 21, and 23 Teams and is a selector for the Auckland Light and Dark Blues programmes. Kirsty's willingness to give back to her old school and club by becoming our guest coach was truly invaluable. Her coaching style was greatly appreciated by our athletes, leaving them feeling inspired and invigorated.

Camp was filled with remarkable moments and highlights. One of the most talked about aspects was the delicious food that kept our athletes fueled and energised. The miso soup with noodles and hot chocolates were particularly popular after wet rows, providing much-needed warmth and comfort. However, it was the hash browns for second breakfast that retained their well-deserved place at the top of everyone's favourite food charts.

The camp featured a well-rounded program of both water and land training. Our athletes engaged in strength-building exercises, learned about proper nutrition and participated in stretching sessions to enhance their performance and prevent injuries. On rainy days, laundry became a frequent task, with approximately 30 loads completed to ensure our athletes had dry gear for their training sessions. It was heartening to see our young rowers taking responsibility for their own well-being, dressing appropriately to combat the cold weather, and staying safe on the water.

None of this would have been possible without the incredible support of our parents. From countless loads of washing to the enormous amount of hash browns they prepared, their dedication and involvement were truly remarkable. Camp would not have been the resounding success it was without their selfless contributions.

The atmosphere throughout the camp was relaxed, positive, and full of enthusiasm. Every challenge was met with a can-do attitude, and every obstacle was overcome as a team. We are confident that the skills, friendships, and memories formed during camp will pave the way for an exceptional rowing season ahead.

As we reflect on this extraordinary experience, we express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who made camp a resounding success. The dedication of our athletes, the expertise of our coaching staff, and the unwavering support of our parents have solidified the Takapuna Grammar School Rowing Club as we work our way through this transitionary period.

Here's to a brilliant season filled with growth, teamwork, and Taka pride!