FAQs

Here are some answers to the common questions we get from parents and rowers joining the MAGSROW squad.

When does the rowing season begin and end?
The season runs from September to March, and for those selected for Maadi Cup this takes place in early April. The first competitions begin in late October.

How much training is involved?
Novice rowers start with rowing and land training sessions at the West End Rowing Club (WERC) after school and on the weekend.  The squad generally trains five days a week during rowing season (September to March), with some sessions at school, and others at the rowing club.

How do the kids get from school to the West End Rowing Club?
The season’s fees cover weekday rides to WERC in either a bus or taxi van. Parents/rowers need to make their own transport arrangements for rides home from WERC and on weekends.

Are there any carpools?
Many parents carpool and find it a great way of reducing the amount of driving involved with having a MAGS rower.  Get talking with other rowing parents at pick-up times and you'll soon find you have some contacts in place for carpooling. You’ll also be added to a WhatsApp group for your rower’s age group, which will connect you with other parents who may be interested in sharing pick-ups and drop-offs.

Where are regattas held and how often?
Regattas are held at Lake Pupuke, and Lake Karapiro between October and late March.  The full squad generally competes in 5-6 regattas each season. Some rowers are also selected to attend the Maadi Cup regatta at the end of the season.  This is held at Lake Karapiro and Lake Ruataniwha near Twizel on alternate years.

What about transport to and from regattas?
MAGSROW transports all team members to and from regattas held at Lake Karapiro and Twizel (Maadi Cup). Parents are responsible for transport to and from Lake Pupuke regattas, and many make carpooling arrangements on these days.

Do you have training camps?
There are training camps during the spring and summer school holidays. Most are based in Auckland, although camps may also be held at Mercer or Lake Karapiro from time to time. Optional winter training camps may also be made available for seniors.

How much are MAGSROW fees?
Season fees are set at the beginning of each season at the AGM, which is generally held in July. Fees are payable in two installments, usually in September/October and early December.

The fees cover most costs for the season, including food at training camps and weekends away at regattas, uniforms, WERC membership fees, race entry fees, insurance for our boats and trailers, professional coaches’ fees and many other costs associated with a successful rowing programme. Please note: Additional costs apply for rowers who attend the Maadi Cup, and for training camps located outside Auckland.

What’s the difference between a novice rower and a senior rower?
In general novices are rowing for their first season, although second-season rowers sometimes train with the novices as well. Sometimes older novices are promoted to the senior squad if they are making good progress.

How much involvement is required of parents?
As is the case with all school sports, the more parents help, the better the squad will function. Besides getting rowers to and from training (carpools are a great way of spreading the driving load), parents are encouraged to help at regattas (e.g. food preparation for out-of-Auckland regattas, supervision, driving). Helping out is a great way of getting to know other parents and meeting the rowers in your child’s squad.

How long does a regatta go for?
Lake Pupuke regattas are typically held on Saturdays but Head of Harbour 2022 is being held on a Sunday. Karapiro regattas run from Friday to Sunday. The Maadi Cup runs from Monday to Friday. MAGS rowers are required to stay for the entire duration of the regatta, so they can support their teammates who are out on the water.

What uniform is required for rowing?
The main uniform items are a MAGSROW rowsuit, a West End Rowing Club rowsuit, row shoes, bucket hat or cap, and a boat park uniform. Rowsuits and row shoes are ordered as part of the registration process. Boat park uniform and hats are available from the school uniform shop, The Lion’s Den. Opening hours for the uniform shop can be found on the school website.