How to “cure” the fierce rivalry between Kaiapoi River rowing crews
The Cure Boating Club is a rowing club based on the Kaiapoi and Waimakariri rivers in North Canterbury, New Zealand. It was established in 1868 to “cure” the fierce rivalry between Kaiapoi River rowing crews that used to meet for high profile races on the Waimakariri and Kaiapoi Rivers. We have been training and holding rowing events on the Kaiapoi and Waimakariri Rivers since 1868, and we are the fourth oldest rowing club in New Zealand.
The club provides a fantastic base for Rangiora, Kaiapoi and other High School rowers and offers support to schools for participation in Canterbury, Otago, South Island and National regattas. We have a strong community ethic and know that any sport that requires effort, discipline and heart provides young people with a holistic package of health and wellbeing benefits, not to mention team spirit and fun. A great way to contribute to the overall wellness of our young people.
The club isn’t just a building with people, it’s a community within itself. It is managed by a committee of volunteers who provide a range of skills and expertise in business and rowing. The coaches are all volunteers and dedicate countless hours training, mentoring and fine-tuning our rowers for competition. Our head coach of over 35 years – Armin Svoboda and former Olympic rower, Alex Kennedy form the backbone of the coaching team. Due to the volunteer principles at Cure, the club is able to offer rowers affordable annual subscriptions and an environment of support and camaraderie.
Cure Boating Club is the breeding ground for a number of New Zealand representatives and a club we’ve won more than 50 national titles. Not only do we offer excellent opportunities for young people wanting to learn to row, but we also have a dedicated Master’s rowing programme which anyone over the age of 28 can become involved in, whether they have rowed before or not. We have a competitive senior rowing squad and competitive master’s membership, so all ages and stages of rowing are catered for.
Our clubrooms are literally a few metres from the Kaiapoi River edge and boast state of the art, newly constructed purpose built clubrooms. The clubrooms provide downstairs storage for boats with easy access to the water and upstairs there is a training and fitness area, kitchen and bathrooms, to create a multi use zone for the entire club. In due course the upstairs will be available as a community space for functions, meetings and gatherings.
To find out more follow us on Facebook at Cure Boating Club or on our website
www.curerowing.co.nz to see the fantastic facilities we offer and information on our upcoming season including have a go days. New rowers, coaches or social members are welcome.
Written by
Gendie Woods & Barb Tasker
