SA Champs spanned Friday, Saturday and Sunday (4th to the 6th of March). Ideal conditions saw some exceptional racing in which a few records fell. Including heats, semi’s and finals, races went off every 6minutes all weekend. A big thank you must go to the officials and organizing committee that made this event happen. It is astounding to see how the sport has grown and hope that we see many of these juniors rowing in the senior clubs soon.
FRIDAY: (Pairs and Singles)
On the Friday we picked up our 1st medal of the weekend in the U16 pair. Botes and Barclay have had a good season, somewhat low on raw horsepower; they have brought home many medals this season in our new boat ARES. They have showed good boatmanship and been very reliable in their delivery of medals throughout the season, including buffalo regatta.
Lantieri placed 5th and Viadana 6th in the u14 singles event. Both of these boys have come on in leaps and bounds - and we all know that this gives us a lot of promise moving forward. Lantieri in particular, has not been rowing long at all and has surprised a lot of his more experienced counterparts.
In the u15 sculls young Daniel Kelly was 7th in his semi-final after placing 2nd in his heat. There were 8 heats in this event, meaning there were 64 entries for this title. Kelly is a gutsy racer and we congratulate him on a solid season.
In the open sculls, our junior open (u17) Francois McDonough won his heat, but felt the pace a little as he placed 7th in the semi. Hopefully this is a challenge for him and we can place next year in this event. It has been a few years since we had a competitive 1st sculler.
SATURDAY:
Saturday brought with it prospects of a few medals. The first four however had a disappointing day, rowing 3rd in the heat with an injury problem (cramp) which pushed them out of the final by a second. They won the B final convincingly with a good time and wishing that they could have shown their mettle in the A final. Lesson to us all; keep hydrated and keep the electrolytes up… Your best chance of avoiding this problem. That being said, there is no question that the boys gave it their all. Luckily, they didn’t have to empty the tank to win the B final, saving some legs for the eight on Sunday.
The 2nd four placed 5th in the B final, a good effort from them too, well done.
Then the highlight of the regatta, our u14’s won the one and only Gold of the regatta, in new record time. Having to work from a bout ½ a length down in the octuple, they brought some good speed towards the line which proved too hot for others to match. It has been an outstanding season for them and we congratulate them on a brilliant result! To top it off, the B oct won the B final, also rowing very well. Well dome to Attie and Lincoln, their dedicated coaches, for a fantastic season! Our U14 double was also 6th overall – also a commendable result for them.
Amidst many B final results, the u15 quad were disappointed with 8th in the “A” final and had to pick up the pieces and positively focus their attention on the oct (Sunday). The u16 eight placed a commendable 4th, although their expectation was far higher looking at their faces after the race… This crew has displayed great guts – having lost two of their mates to the 1st eight this season, the final line up actually had 4 novices (boys that started rowing on September camp) – thus, in my eyes, an incredible result. Well done Trevor and to the boys on turning this crew around. They started the season 45seconds of the pace and ended within 13 seconds of the exceptional Bennies combo.
SUNDAY:
For the 2nd time, the 1st team had a disappointing day. They finished 7th in a race where it was started before they were ready. Nick Tickle’s hand was up and the crew was backing and getting straightened up in the light crosswind. Very costly for them, as they had to fight extremely hard to get back on terms by the 1200m. They had a late rattle from about 600m to go, but the grind had been too much - and they ran out of legs in the final burst. The gutted crew, raced with a huge amount of commitment. It is a shame their result doesn’t do this justice. That’s the way it goes sometimes, no excuses, they say… They know that they gave it their all and that is all we can ask for. Hopefully most of them will continue into university rowing and have another crack at some races like that... That being said, it was an incredible final and there was some cracking racing this season. Well done to Bennies who regained the title of 1st eight champions.
The u14’s once again brought home the metal in the form of silver in the quad. Another great row by them, hoping to claim Gold I’m sure… Even number finishes are never sought after in a final! The nice thing is that we finished 2nd, 5th and 8th in this final: The only club to have 3 finalist combinations. Well done again, we owe many points to our youngsters this year.
The 2nd eight were 6th . Some boys in this group have worked hard in the last few weeks of the season. Well done to them on their improvement.
The u15 oct had a cracking final pulling a bronze in a classy event. The St. Johns winners rowed 3 10. Bearing in mind the u16 eights record over a 1000m which stood since abut 1987 was 305. Our oct was in at 3,17 in neutral conditions. They cranked out a good race. In the double, we came home with 8th position.
The last medal of the regatta came from the u16 four which had an outstanding row – their best in the 4 this season, no doubt.
All in all a good regatta and some definite promise. King Edwards continues to move forward, despite a lower medal count this year.
Friday, March 11, 2011
Monday, February 7, 2011
River Vaal Regatta 5th and 6th February 2011
It was a good weekend for the club in general. The prestigious regatta had to be held at Roodeplaat due to the recent flooding of the Vaal River.
Most impressive were the juniors, who claimed 1st in the u14 oct and quad and the u15's, who showed good speed claiming bronze in the octuple. Great to see our junior coaches getting some of the basics right early on - credit must go to them.
In u16 the eight also put on a fine display, once again just off bennies that are unbeaten this season so far. Disappointed with the result, they are very motivated and trying every day to close the gap by March.
In the open group, 2nd eight and 1st eight were knocked out in the semi final. The boys are getting stuck in to the final 3 weeks of preparation so as to bring their very best to SA Champs on the 4th, 5th and 6th of March.
Overall, a very good day for the club… Well done, we are moving in the right direction. 3 weeks to go!
Most impressive were the juniors, who claimed 1st in the u14 oct and quad and the u15's, who showed good speed claiming bronze in the octuple. Great to see our junior coaches getting some of the basics right early on - credit must go to them.
In u16 the eight also put on a fine display, once again just off bennies that are unbeaten this season so far. Disappointed with the result, they are very motivated and trying every day to close the gap by March.
In the open group, 2nd eight and 1st eight were knocked out in the semi final. The boys are getting stuck in to the final 3 weeks of preparation so as to bring their very best to SA Champs on the 4th, 5th and 6th of March.
Overall, a very good day for the club… Well done, we are moving in the right direction. 3 weeks to go!
Friday, February 4, 2011
VLC SPRINTS 2011
Last weekend saw the rowing club competing at the Victoria Lake University of Johannesburg regatta. All age groups were extremely competitive and the club placed in almost every event. Specific notable results were:
First Four – First
First Quad - Second
Under 16 8 – First
Under 16 Four - Second
Under 15 Octuple – Third
Under 15 Quad - Third
Under 14 Octuple – First
Under 14 Quad – Third
The club won the overall boys school trophy.
First Four – First
First Quad - Second
Under 16 8 – First
Under 16 Four - Second
Under 15 Octuple – Third
Under 15 Quad - Third
Under 14 Octuple – First
Under 14 Quad – Third
The club won the overall boys school trophy.
Friday, January 28, 2011
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
The Blades
www.theblades.co.za
THE BLADES is an exclusive boutique hotel situated on a 10 hectre expanse of untamed Bushveld. Built on the banks of the Roodeplaat dam, The Blades offers a unique combination of indigenous vegetation, landscaping and water-front luxury.
Roodeplaat Dam and the surrounding Dinokeng Tourism region provides a myriad of activities, from game viewing and bird watching to a wide range of water sports including rowing, canoeing and fishing. Bird watchers are treated to some 230 different species of indigenous birds.
Tours and day-trips can be arranged to visit near-by attractions. The world-famous Cullinan diamond mine is a mere 25min drive away.
The owners of THE BLADES are all members of the Old Edwardian Boat Club. After years of passionate planning it has been their vision to create a waterfront haven. This passion and personal commitment is palpable at THE BLADES. When we welcome you at THE BLADES we do so with unrivalled dedication and genuine hospitality.
The hotel itself comprises 4 Exclusive Double Suites, each with their own private balcony overlooking the water, as well as 2 Family Suites and 4 Double Suites situated on the banks of our own private dam. A further 24 double rooms and 8 family units are planned for the future. All suites are free standing to ensure tranquil privacy. Suites are decorated in elegant, earth tones with splashes of colour in keeping with the regatta feel. A central fireplace and free-standing bath in the Exclusive Suites create an atmosphere of warmth and romance.
The interiors subtly reflect the sophisticated rowing theme. Cool linen couches in the clubhouse offer the perfect summer retreat to sample our cocktail menu. Sundowners can be enjoyed on the timber deck with magnificent views of the dam and surrounds.
At THE BLADES we are able to accommodate all your Conferencing needs, with both a smaller, intimate venue as well as a much larger, thatched retreat, offering breathtaking views. Special day-time and evening events, team building, conferences and weddings may be held in the Conference Centre or on the rolling lawns, a stone’s throw away from the water.
THE BLADES Restaurant prides itself in serving unpretentious, yet sophisticated cuisine. Our menu offers a choice of carefully selected signature dishes. See our Dining link for more information.
THE BLADES is conveniently situated just 20 minutes from Pretoria and OR Thambo International and 45 minutes from Johannesburg, making it an accessible destination to both local and international guests.
THE BLADES is an exclusive boutique hotel situated on a 10 hectre expanse of untamed Bushveld. Built on the banks of the Roodeplaat dam, The Blades offers a unique combination of indigenous vegetation, landscaping and water-front luxury.
Roodeplaat Dam and the surrounding Dinokeng Tourism region provides a myriad of activities, from game viewing and bird watching to a wide range of water sports including rowing, canoeing and fishing. Bird watchers are treated to some 230 different species of indigenous birds.
Tours and day-trips can be arranged to visit near-by attractions. The world-famous Cullinan diamond mine is a mere 25min drive away.
The owners of THE BLADES are all members of the Old Edwardian Boat Club. After years of passionate planning it has been their vision to create a waterfront haven. This passion and personal commitment is palpable at THE BLADES. When we welcome you at THE BLADES we do so with unrivalled dedication and genuine hospitality.
The hotel itself comprises 4 Exclusive Double Suites, each with their own private balcony overlooking the water, as well as 2 Family Suites and 4 Double Suites situated on the banks of our own private dam. A further 24 double rooms and 8 family units are planned for the future. All suites are free standing to ensure tranquil privacy. Suites are decorated in elegant, earth tones with splashes of colour in keeping with the regatta feel. A central fireplace and free-standing bath in the Exclusive Suites create an atmosphere of warmth and romance.
The interiors subtly reflect the sophisticated rowing theme. Cool linen couches in the clubhouse offer the perfect summer retreat to sample our cocktail menu. Sundowners can be enjoyed on the timber deck with magnificent views of the dam and surrounds.
At THE BLADES we are able to accommodate all your Conferencing needs, with both a smaller, intimate venue as well as a much larger, thatched retreat, offering breathtaking views. Special day-time and evening events, team building, conferences and weddings may be held in the Conference Centre or on the rolling lawns, a stone’s throw away from the water.
THE BLADES Restaurant prides itself in serving unpretentious, yet sophisticated cuisine. Our menu offers a choice of carefully selected signature dishes. See our Dining link for more information.
THE BLADES is conveniently situated just 20 minutes from Pretoria and OR Thambo International and 45 minutes from Johannesburg, making it an accessible destination to both local and international guests.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Appeal for photo's
This is an appeal to parents and supporters for photographs. If you have any photo's of rowing we would like to post them on the net (with you permission of course) so that people can have easy access to good photo's of their sons. The KES rowing albums are available on the blog as slideshow's at present.
Please put all photo's onto a CD and hand to Andrew Grant or Trevor Dedlow so that we can add to this mass of KES rowing photo's...
Thank you
Please put all photo's onto a CD and hand to Andrew Grant or Trevor Dedlow so that we can add to this mass of KES rowing photo's...
Thank you
St. Andrews Regatta (u14 and u15) on the 15th January 2011
Our promising u14 age group continued with their winning streak from last year. The octopul managed 1st place, 20 seconds ahead of the field. Mitchell and Westphal were 1st and 2nd in their C sculls heats respectively. Viadana was 7th in A singles and our “A” double was 4th. The “C” quads also showed good improvement, coming in 1st and 3rd respectively.
In the u15 age group we saw huge improvement since last year in this first regatta. It is great to see the work that has gone in during camp in this group. The oct was 2nd to St. Johns, which is a big improvement from Gauteng Champs. Hopefully we can see further progress this term which will place the crew within striking distance of gold at champs.
We were also the only school to have two octopuls in this race, which is an indication of the depth in this age group.
Other notable achievements were a win in the C doubles, a 4th place for McCann and 12th for Burke the B single’s event. Dos Santos was 11th and Kelly 15th in the A single, also some commendable results from them. In the premier A quads event, we ended up 4th out of 12.
The Mondeor Senior regatta for u16 and open groups takes place at Roodeplaat next weekend and we wish the u15 boys good luck on their selection camp. The following weekend (29th Jan) we will be racing at VLC and the week thereafter, RVR which unfortunately will be at Roodeplaat due to the recent flooding of the Vaal.
In the u15 age group we saw huge improvement since last year in this first regatta. It is great to see the work that has gone in during camp in this group. The oct was 2nd to St. Johns, which is a big improvement from Gauteng Champs. Hopefully we can see further progress this term which will place the crew within striking distance of gold at champs.
We were also the only school to have two octopuls in this race, which is an indication of the depth in this age group.
Other notable achievements were a win in the C doubles, a 4th place for McCann and 12th for Burke the B single’s event. Dos Santos was 11th and Kelly 15th in the A single, also some commendable results from them. In the premier A quads event, we ended up 4th out of 12.
The Mondeor Senior regatta for u16 and open groups takes place at Roodeplaat next weekend and we wish the u15 boys good luck on their selection camp. The following weekend (29th Jan) we will be racing at VLC and the week thereafter, RVR which unfortunately will be at Roodeplaat due to the recent flooding of the Vaal.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
January Rowing Training Camp 4th - 10th January 2011
KES rowing was back in the swing of things on the 4th of January. With many boys arriving back from holiday only the day before, it was a bit of a shock to the system for some.
Roodeplaat was in pristine condition and the only thing that got in the way of water time was the thunderstorms that came through with remarkable regularity!! All in all, a very wet camp compared to the normal heat of January in Pretoria.
It seems that the standard of training during the "time off" has been fair, meaning that we can keep moving forward, rather than having to start over again. This is always a good indicator of the boy’s genuine motivation for results at champs. So, well done to the boys - and also to the dedicated team of coaches who really did some enthusiastic, quality work. We look forward to the racing... Only 6 weeks to go until the end of the season!
Unfortunately there were a few boys that did not attend camp due to various reasons. This is not ideal, but thanks to those who let us know ahead of time. It makes things a lot easier on the planning side.
Crews will now be selected from boys that were at camp - and then further selection will follow soon after the initial regattas.
Results will only come after training; the boys need to be at camps if they are to do justice to the time they spend on rowing during the year.
Thanks again to the parents for their transport, towing and maintenance efforts (and of course support of their boys). Well done to the coaches and boys for a very productive camp.
Roodeplaat was in pristine condition and the only thing that got in the way of water time was the thunderstorms that came through with remarkable regularity!! All in all, a very wet camp compared to the normal heat of January in Pretoria.
It seems that the standard of training during the "time off" has been fair, meaning that we can keep moving forward, rather than having to start over again. This is always a good indicator of the boy’s genuine motivation for results at champs. So, well done to the boys - and also to the dedicated team of coaches who really did some enthusiastic, quality work. We look forward to the racing... Only 6 weeks to go until the end of the season!
Unfortunately there were a few boys that did not attend camp due to various reasons. This is not ideal, but thanks to those who let us know ahead of time. It makes things a lot easier on the planning side.
Crews will now be selected from boys that were at camp - and then further selection will follow soon after the initial regattas.
Results will only come after training; the boys need to be at camps if they are to do justice to the time they spend on rowing during the year.
Thanks again to the parents for their transport, towing and maintenance efforts (and of course support of their boys). Well done to the coaches and boys for a very productive camp.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
1st VIII win boat race!!!
The King Edward VII School 1st VII won the Old Mutual Schools Boat Race on Sunday 5 December 2010 making history as the first KES crew to win the prestigious event. Now in its tenth year, the event attracts the 1st teams from all rowing schools in South Africa.
The Oxford - Cambridge style of race format is somewhat different from the 2km sprints that we are used to. The heats which take place on Saturday are time trials - each crew posting a time against the stopwatch. After this, based on the ranking from these heat times, boats are paired off into finals. In this case, we raced against Bishop Bavin School in the A Final.
This year a very strong incoming tide and near gale force wind in places made the race extremely tactical. Our crew managed to ward of repeated pushes from their opponents to make it a nail biting affair: A mere 5 seconds separating the two crews over 24 minutes of racing - it was incredible!
This is an outstanding result for a crew that has had humble beginnings this season. The crew is relatively small, but make up for that with excellent rhythm and cohesion. The unit has 5 senior opens (Grade 11) who were sitting in the stern, as well as one junior open (Grade 10) and 2 under sixteen athletes. A great deal of credit must go to the Nicholas Tickle who showed tactical insight of a very experienced cox in only in his first season of rowing.
Congratulations!
A picture album will follow shortly... Click on the albums to the right of this blog
Monday, November 29, 2010
SCHOOLS BOATRACE!
Its Boatrace time again…
The KES 1st eight has been hard at work on the Vaal River and are ready for some hard racing in Port Alfred on the Kowie River.
The event, now in its 10th year will once again be hosting school 1st teams in the form of boys eights and girls quads.
It is difficult to say who will be in the mix this year, but the Gauteng contingent will be fighting it out after the close racing at Gauteng Champs a month ago. The St. Benedicts crew has been dominant so far, but has not yet been pitted against the crews from SACS (last years SA Champs winners) and St. Andrews College Grahamstown (Hosts and Silver at SA Champs). Bishops could also be dark horses this year, with some strong boys back from last year’s quality combination.
No one is writing off the gaggle that have been chasing Bennies in Joburg either - that would be St Stithians, St Johns, KES, Parktown and Jeppe. Bishop Bavin are also bound to be quick, putting some strong small boat specialists into the eight for this prestigious event.
The heats are on Saturday the 4th of December. It is a head race against the clock, starting 30 seconds apart in last years finishing order. Based on the heat times, crews will then be paired into finals.
Last years results were as follows and this is the starting order for the heats,
A FINAL Abingdon (UK) beat SACS
B FINAL King Edward VII beat St Benedict's
C FINAL St Andrew's beat St John's
D FINAL Selbourne beat Bishop Bavin
E FINAL Somerset College beat St Stithian's
F FINAL Bishops beat Jeppe Boys
G FINAL Rondebosch Boys beat Parktown Boys
H FINAL St Alban's beat Grey High
I FINAL Nemato/Abingdon beat Mondeor
For more information go to www.sasru.co.za
Go School!
Sunday, November 14, 2010
World Championships
Tony Paladin (far left), old boy from 2000, represented South Africa at the World Championships this year. Tony has made a late comeback, replacing Matt Brittain who suffered a back injury recently and is rehabilitating after surgery. That is not to say Tony will give up his seat now: These seats are very hard to come by. Tony did SA proud, bringing some experience to the unit - they tussled with current olympic champions Denmark in the B final.
The newly formed unit seems bound for a good year in the 2011 season where they will race for olympic qualification. It is likely that they will go back into squad formation for a period now.
The lightweight coxless four, known to be one of the most fiercely contested events is definitely worth following. Have a look ... www.worldrowing.com for coverage of this and all international rowing.
Tony is not the only KES boy involved at this level, Dustyn Butler is the assistant National Coach and is working hard with Olympic Squad (including this four), as well as athletes that are being developed.
Have a look at the SA Team rowing blog for more insight http://web.me.com/barrowrow/Site/Home.html
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Gauteng Champs: Sunday 31st October
The 1st eight struggled to hold speed over the second 1000m on Sunday, stiffening up and shortening a bit. Saints and Bennies took full advantage, but remain wary of our crew. A few seconds closer to bennies that we were last week - 9 seconds - unfortunately Saints and St. Johns pushed their way between us and the leaders this week.
Needless to say, the boys were disappointed. The KES will have to make up for what they lack in raw horsepower with guts, determination and efficient rowing this year. I am confident that they will move forward as the technical execution of the stroke improves.
Our new sculler and bowman in the eight, U17: McDonough finished 11th overall in the 1st singles trophy. Matthew Kelly also placed a very credible 13th overall. This was a respectable result which he is focused on improving into the season. Unfortunately the pair could not race due to a clash with the fours event in the programme.
On a whole, it has been a pleasure working with such focused athletes - and we look forward to the second half of the season. We back you gents!
Besides the 1st squad, the 2nd eight has come on in leaps and bounds. Again, lacking a bit of raw grunt – they have made strides towards the medals, missing St Stithians in the bronze medal spot by less than a second. Not only the eight, but fours and quads have come on substantially.
We had some encouraging results from all other age groups as well. The U16 quad placed 4th, showing a lot of improvement from last week. The first medal of the day came in the form of the u14 quad (silver). Incidentally, an event which we fielded 3 boats in the “A” final! Well done juniors! Viadana and his partner also managed bronze in the U14 doubles. So overall for the regatta, our junior boys (u14’s) were outstanding.
In U15, the respective A and B u15 octopul combinations were 5th (in A final) and 4the (in B final). Dos Santos was 10th overall in the single scull championship – this was his debut in this event. Daniel Kelly, our regular sculler placed 7th overall.
Once again, we must believe in this group – the future is in their hands. Concentrate on the basics and keep things simple. With the horse power on tap, increasing the efficiency and cohesion will bear fruit not only this year, but more so into the senior age groups. Progress of the kids is a process - this needs to be understood by all.
For those of you that are involved and supporting the club, thank you!
Needless to say, the boys were disappointed. The KES will have to make up for what they lack in raw horsepower with guts, determination and efficient rowing this year. I am confident that they will move forward as the technical execution of the stroke improves.
Our new sculler and bowman in the eight, U17: McDonough finished 11th overall in the 1st singles trophy. Matthew Kelly also placed a very credible 13th overall. This was a respectable result which he is focused on improving into the season. Unfortunately the pair could not race due to a clash with the fours event in the programme.
On a whole, it has been a pleasure working with such focused athletes - and we look forward to the second half of the season. We back you gents!
Besides the 1st squad, the 2nd eight has come on in leaps and bounds. Again, lacking a bit of raw grunt – they have made strides towards the medals, missing St Stithians in the bronze medal spot by less than a second. Not only the eight, but fours and quads have come on substantially.
We had some encouraging results from all other age groups as well. The U16 quad placed 4th, showing a lot of improvement from last week. The first medal of the day came in the form of the u14 quad (silver). Incidentally, an event which we fielded 3 boats in the “A” final! Well done juniors! Viadana and his partner also managed bronze in the U14 doubles. So overall for the regatta, our junior boys (u14’s) were outstanding.
In U15, the respective A and B u15 octopul combinations were 5th (in A final) and 4the (in B final). Dos Santos was 10th overall in the single scull championship – this was his debut in this event. Daniel Kelly, our regular sculler placed 7th overall.
Once again, we must believe in this group – the future is in their hands. Concentrate on the basics and keep things simple. With the horse power on tap, increasing the efficiency and cohesion will bear fruit not only this year, but more so into the senior age groups. Progress of the kids is a process - this needs to be understood by all.
For those of you that are involved and supporting the club, thank you!
Sunday, October 31, 2010
World Rowing Championships 2010
Follow the National Team at the World Championships 2010 this week in New Zealand (Lake Karapiro) on their Blog http://web.me.com/barrowrow/Site/Blog_NZ_2010/Blog_NZ_2010.html
RSA have 2 crews entered: Mens Lightweight Coxless Four [LM4-] and Mens Pair [M2-].
Live internet results on www.worldrowing.com.
RSA have 2 crews entered: Mens Lightweight Coxless Four [LM4-] and Mens Pair [M2-].
Live internet results on www.worldrowing.com.
Gauteng Championships: Saturday Finals
A good day for KES today. Row of the day has to go to the u16 eight, which has improved at least 30secs relative to the field since last weeks race! Including a few novices (who started rowing on Sept Camp), the crew powered into silver today showing a huge amount of mettle. The u16 age group has shown great character so far this season, having had to deal with losing two of their top oarsmen to the 1st eight since September. That is never easy, but their ability to "make a plan" has been tremendous to watch and we applaud them. We now look on eagerly at what they can do this season, having proven to themselves today that they are a force to be reckoned with.
Mention must also go to the pair of Botes and Barclay (from the same eight) who managed bronze today. Their rowing in the pair has improved significantly in the past few weeks.
The u14 octuple also bagged the silver today behind Bennies. This is their first big result of the season. Hats off to the coaches and boys, who have done some sterling work! These boys are not even at KES yet, having started their rowing merely a month ago…
The u15's had a good day too, showing improvement in the quads. No medals for them today, but good to see 2 quads in the A final. This age group has a mass of potential and depth. We wish them all the best for the octuple tomorrow.
In the open age group, the 1st quad climbed the ladder, from 8th last week to fifth. The first four managed bronze - also a significant improvement since last week (5th). Both of these crews showed some grit today. With sole focus on the eight in preparation in the last month, these crews feel they have more speed to come with some time in small boats.
The championship format means that there are only A events. Some of our B crews that were entered raced particularly well. 2nd four, 2nd quad had good rows today, as did the u15B quad.
Tomorrow looks like it could be a cracker and we are looking forward to it. Racing starts at 8 and ends around 2.30pm (weather permitting!!).
Mention must also go to the pair of Botes and Barclay (from the same eight) who managed bronze today. Their rowing in the pair has improved significantly in the past few weeks.
The u14 octuple also bagged the silver today behind Bennies. This is their first big result of the season. Hats off to the coaches and boys, who have done some sterling work! These boys are not even at KES yet, having started their rowing merely a month ago…
The u15's had a good day too, showing improvement in the quads. No medals for them today, but good to see 2 quads in the A final. This age group has a mass of potential and depth. We wish them all the best for the octuple tomorrow.
In the open age group, the 1st quad climbed the ladder, from 8th last week to fifth. The first four managed bronze - also a significant improvement since last week (5th). Both of these crews showed some grit today. With sole focus on the eight in preparation in the last month, these crews feel they have more speed to come with some time in small boats.
The championship format means that there are only A events. Some of our B crews that were entered raced particularly well. 2nd four, 2nd quad had good rows today, as did the u15B quad.
Tomorrow looks like it could be a cracker and we are looking forward to it. Racing starts at 8 and ends around 2.30pm (weather permitting!!).
Friday, October 29, 2010
Gauteng Champs 2010
Tomorrow and Sunday promise to be very exiting racing.
Since camp, starting about 1 month after the private schools, all age groups have shown a great amount of promise.
The U15's have great depth and hopefully can put together some good races this weekend. We are now just short of 3 octuples, which is some kind of record I'm sure!
u14's too, have a lot of boys. There are some very motivated youngsters who will be attending their first championship regatta. Very keen! awesome to see! Well done to coaches Cal and Attie - definitely taken a big step forward in the past 2 weeks.
The u16's bring a new combination along on Saturday, complete with some talented novices that are soaking up the coaching. 2 eights are entered in u16.
The open crews look to have had a good week and we are hoping to move up a few notches. The 1st eights race last weekend saw us getting within a length of the strong Bennies crew. A good result, that all the boys are looking to improve into the season.
Go school!
Since camp, starting about 1 month after the private schools, all age groups have shown a great amount of promise.
The U15's have great depth and hopefully can put together some good races this weekend. We are now just short of 3 octuples, which is some kind of record I'm sure!
u14's too, have a lot of boys. There are some very motivated youngsters who will be attending their first championship regatta. Very keen! awesome to see! Well done to coaches Cal and Attie - definitely taken a big step forward in the past 2 weeks.
The u16's bring a new combination along on Saturday, complete with some talented novices that are soaking up the coaching. 2 eights are entered in u16.
The open crews look to have had a good week and we are hoping to move up a few notches. The 1st eights race last weekend saw us getting within a length of the strong Bennies crew. A good result, that all the boys are looking to improve into the season.
Go school!
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
January Camp 2011
Our January camp will be held from Saturday 04th January 2011 to Friday 10th January 2011 at Roodeplaat dam. Real term, we will have two months before the South African School Championships and if we are to do well at this regatta we need to be a lot more focussed going into the new year.
Boys will be on holiday shortly after the end of November, so we will not be able to track boys down at school to check attendance. Your co-operation in returning forms promptly will really help us with planning.
Monday, October 25, 2010
Wemmer Sprints 2010
We had good results from the Wemmer Sprint Regatta this past Saturday. Unfortunately not all our boys could participate due to the weather and then later suspending the rest of the days racing.
Nonetheless – here are a few of our boys results:
JM14B 1X : Spark: 1st, Keanne: 4th,
JM15C 1X : Abader: 1st
JM15B 1X : Dos Santos: 1st
JM15B 1X : McCann: 2nd
JM14 A/C2X : Mitchell : 1st
JM15C 4X : Tinney: 1st, Fourie: 3rd
JM15A 1X : Kelly: 2nd
JM15 B4X : Roux: 1st, Abader: 4th
JM15A 4X : McCann: 5th
JM14B 4X : Nadas: 2nd
JM15B 8X : Abader: 1st
MB 4X : Tinney: 1st
JM14 A4X : Read: 2nd
MA 8+: Hornsey: 2nd
See you at St Dunstan’s Regatta on Saturday.
St Dunstan’s Regatta:
On Saturday 16th October we will be racing at the St Dunstan’s regatta at Roodeplaat. This event is a junior U14 and U15 event so we anticipate that the day should end early. We have not as yet received the draw so are unfortunately unable to confirm exact times. We will confirm details once we have received the draw. A bus will leave the school at 06h00 for any boys needing a lift.
Holy Rosary Regatta:
Saturday 23rd October sees the Open and Under 16 boys competing at the Holy Rosary Regatta at Roodeplaat. This allows our junior boys and parents the weekend off which I’m sure will be most welcome. We may schedule training on the Saturday morning at Wemmer Pan but will confirm this closer to the time.
Cheers!
Thursday, October 7, 2010
September Camp
Camp ran from 23rd to 27th September. We had a record attendance of 96 boys, including 32 grade 7’s that are yet to start at KES next year. It really was a fun camp – the new boys seemed to come out of their shells and skits night on Sunday was classic.
The club also has a large number of novices from school in grade 8-11. Definitely a good sign to have so much interest in the club at school... The coaches are getting stuck in to try and get them to speed in a hurry. No pressure :)
The days flew past, but it seemed to be a productive camp for all age groups. The 1st team squad also rowed on Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday before we returned to school, playing a bit of time catchup with private schools that started rowing a month ago. The crews are to be finalised this week and some will race at Wemmer this weekend. It is a Junior Regatta (u14 and u15) as well as Seniors - Sn A, B etc.
During camp we also elected the leaders for the club and this year we have made an exception and have two vice captains. The open group as a whole is showing good leadership - and will hopefully lead by example this year.
The club also has a large number of novices from school in grade 8-11. Definitely a good sign to have so much interest in the club at school... The coaches are getting stuck in to try and get them to speed in a hurry. No pressure :)
The days flew past, but it seemed to be a productive camp for all age groups. The 1st team squad also rowed on Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday before we returned to school, playing a bit of time catchup with private schools that started rowing a month ago. The crews are to be finalised this week and some will race at Wemmer this weekend. It is a Junior Regatta (u14 and u15) as well as Seniors - Sn A, B etc.
During camp we also elected the leaders for the club and this year we have made an exception and have two vice captains. The open group as a whole is showing good leadership - and will hopefully lead by example this year.
Monday, October 4, 2010
Old Boys Dinner 22nd September 2010
The Old boys’ dinner was hopefully the first of many. We had a quality gathering at Old Eds, where plenty of stories from the “good old days” came to light. The dinner served both to re-establish ties with the old boy network - and also as a simple gathering for old crew mates to take a trip down memory lane.
We challenged each of those present to round up 5 people for the next get together, which hopefully will rapidly increase interest in the club.
K.E.S. Rowing has become a force once again in the past few years, but it is the plan to move into a more dominant position in the next 5 year cycle. We want the old boys to be a part of this revival – as it is the establishment of the club by all of you that allows us to do what we do today.
Under the guidance of the school, it is not only important that the school benefits from your support (in whatever shape or form); but also that you get something from seeing our club (and boys) succeed and strive. We want old boys to feel that they have something to do with the club, not only in the past.
We challenged each of those present to round up 5 people for the next get together, which hopefully will rapidly increase interest in the club.
K.E.S. Rowing has become a force once again in the past few years, but it is the plan to move into a more dominant position in the next 5 year cycle. We want the old boys to be a part of this revival – as it is the establishment of the club by all of you that allows us to do what we do today.
Under the guidance of the school, it is not only important that the school benefits from your support (in whatever shape or form); but also that you get something from seeing our club (and boys) succeed and strive. We want old boys to feel that they have something to do with the club, not only in the past.
Monday, September 20, 2010
ARES, our new pair!
Last week Tuesday saw the naming of ARES (our new John Waugh Pair Oar) by legendary “rowing mom” Felicity Fussell. Two of her four sons were at the ceremony: Andrew, who rowed for South Africa in the early nineties - and James who is actively involved in rowing and officiating to this day. Mr. Fussell Senior, otherwise known as “Bob”, was also in attendance, proud of his families’ strong contribution to rowing and to the school over the years.
The pair was kindly donated by an anonymous old boy. This is an important step for the club, having been short of a quality pair for many years. It will allow more specialisation in this boat class, not only bringing more points at regattas, but also giving our boys a better chance to perform in National Squad trials in March next year.
The boat was unveiled at a special ceremony at the Rob Wray Pavilion last Tuesday night, after which Parents and a few old boys shared stories in the pavilion over a few quiet drinks.
Thank you again to all that were involved, it was really memorable evening.
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