A squad of 17 Wānaka Rowing Club (WRC) athletes donned the club’s black and gold checks at last weekend’s (December 13-14) 2025 Meridian Otago Championships on Lake Ruataniwha.

Near-perfect weather over the weekend delivered stunning water conditions, setting the scene for a number of highlights and important firsts for the club’s younger rowers, and providing a strong platform to build toward the rest of the summer racing season.

McKenzie Hay and Jasper Lambert both rose to the challenge of racing in a single scull for the first time, gaining valuable experience on the championship stage.

The club’s larger boats also showed strong progress, with the men’s novice coxed quad sculls and the under-17 girls’ coxed quad sculls both performing well in the A finals. 

The regatta also provided an opportunity for several new double combinations to race together for the first time, benefiting from the exceptional conditions.

Master rowers and coaches Matt Rickard and AJ Humphreys took to the water over the weekend, while assistant coach Philip Massey contributed his expertise from the boat park.

Master rower and coach Matt Rickard also took to the water over the weekend.

That momentum now carries into a busy January for the club, which will be fundraising at a number of local events before returning to Twizel for the Canterbury Championships on January 17 and 18, followed by the South Island Championships on January 31 and February 1.

WRC junior regatta coordinator Tracey Pedersen said she encouraged locals to head to Twizel to watch the racing. 

“The regattas make for an easy day trip and offer great entertainment for the whole family,” she said.

Entry is free, and spectators are advised to pack a picnic, hat and deck chair, although food and beverage options are also available on site, she added. 

PHOTOS: WRC