Rowers relish early-season workout

The Wairau River was in a changeable mood for the recent Meridian Marlborough Rowing Championships.

On Saturday, rowers raced in relatively benign conditions on clear blue water. The following day the river was a muddy brown, flowing strongly after heavy overnight rain in the hills.

However, the assorted crews, from clubs and schools in Marlborough, Nelson, Canterbury and Wellington generally handled the varied conditions well, providing some exciting early-season competition.

The Wairau club convincingly claimed most points over the two days, their total of 95 points shading second-placed Nelson on 71.

The Wairau club now includes 33 Marlborough Boys’ College athletes who previously rowed out of the Blenheim club, along with 38 students from Marlborough Girls' College.