Rowing: Rowers to the fore in lastest mix of entrants

The Aramoho Wanganui Rowing Club's mixed masters quad got one back for the rowers in the July race of the 2014 Wanganui Winter Series yesterday after the recent domination by the waka crews. Photo/Stuart Munro

Those who row backward finally had it over those who paddle forward as the rowers took out the top placings in the July event of the Winter Series on the Whanganui River yesterday morning.

School holidays and last-minute withdrawals had reduced the small field to 15 craft for the 7km course, down even on the 18 that did last year's postponed then rescheduled July event.

The previous two month's races were dominated by waka crews and individuals in the top spots, which are decided by who gets the highest percentage of their 'prognostic time'.

However, this month it was the Aramoho Wanganui Rowing Club's mixed masters quad who did the best, as their 29m 21s time was 79.55 per cent of the international standard for their grade.

Trevor Rush, Richard Brock, Steph Rush, and Jacs Rush were the winners, with Jacs Rush having said previously they were still trying to perfect what the fairest waka prognostic times should be for the series.

"Seems like we've finally got the waka times about right the rowers rejoice. [Previous winner] Anne Kauika's still right up there though.

"Was good flat water and not too cold, but against the tide and it was a real slalom out there, avoiding the logs," said Rush.

"Crews with a good, clear line and someone in the bow keeping a good eye out were at a distinct advantage.

"The wakas would have found battling the tide a lot harder than usual and Charmaine [Matiaha, Masters Waka ] stayed back with the two juniors, seeing as they were new to the long distance racing in singles."

The next series race will be on August 10 with an 8km course.

Results: 1. AWRC Mixed Masters Quad (Trevor Rush, Richard Brock, Steph Rush, Jacs Rush) 79.55 per cent; 2. Wellington Club Men's Double (Matt Brock, Griffin Hunt) 79.14; 3. UBC Masters C Men's Single (Pat Carroll) 78.74; 4. AWRC: Masters G Men's Single (Garth Hammond) 77.67; 5. TRMTH Waka V1 Snr Master Women (Anne Kauika) 74.06.