"We always row in the Tauranga singlet at the nationals and it makes you proud to do well for the club," he said. "It has always been great being part of the club. I go back to under-15s when I started here with Aquinas and finished with Tauranga Boys'."
Stevenson says she wants to encourage girls to take up the sport.
"It is hard in New Zealand sport for girls, when you have the All Blacks and there are a lot of role models for boys in sport," she said. "Rowing is a really good pathway for girls and they can actually see people who they know have made it, from the same place they are from. They can give rowing a good go and really see the pathway.
"This is where our roots are and we are quite proud members of the Tauranga club and we really love the culture and all the people here. We always enjoy coming back and catching up with all the rowers whenever we can at the regattas. It is a pride thing really."
They continue the legacy left before them of greats such as Zoe's dad, Herb Stevenson who was a world champion in the 1980s.
"(Adam and Zoe) are looked up to. They often go back to their schools and talk there at the beginning of the season to attract members," he said. "We want to showcase our club so we can attract some numbers. Rowing only works when you have good numbers of athletes and the renovations we have done will hopefully attract new members. The upstairs hall can now generate some income to help the other side function more effectively because all equipment costs a lot of money."
-Tauranga Rowing Club is holding its annual season opening day regatta at Memorial Park from 4pm tomorrow.
Those who want to give rowing a go are welcome at 3pm to experience being in a boat, followed by watching some Eights racing and a social barbeque.
