Kings Ely Boathouse is a renowned rowing club located in Ely, New Zealand. Situated on a prime stretch of river, the club offers one of the best rowing experiences in the country. With a history of success in UK rowing, Kings Ely Boathouse attracts students from Year 8 and has become hugely popular among the student population.
Led by Craig Ward, a former Head Coach of Bedford Girls School and the full-time Head of Rowing at Kings Ely, the club boasts a team of six qualified British Rowing coaches. This includes a former Great Britain World medallist and a former President of Oxford University Boat Club. The expertise and knowledge of these coaches contribute to the club's strong reputation in the rowing community.
The boathouse itself is conveniently located just a short walk from the school, providing easy access to the river. With an uninterrupted stretch of water that spans over 15 miles in each direction, rowers have ample space to train and improve their skills. The river even features a straight that extends for 5 kilometres, making it perfect for rowing sessions.
Kings Ely Boathouse offers an impressive fleet of boats, including Singles, Doubles, Quads, and Octuples, catering to rowers of all abilities. The club ensures that their equipment is regularly updated to provide the best performance for their athletes. In addition to the boathouse, rowers have access to exceptional land-based facilities, including a free weights gym, a sports hall, and a dedicated rowing fitness suite.
Rowing sessions take place during games periods on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, as well as several after-school sessions. The Boat Club actively participates in a variety of local and national events throughout the year, such as the National Schools' Regatta, Henley Royal Regatta, Schools' Sculling Head, and many others. These competitions offer opportunities for rowers to showcase their skills and compete against the best.
For any inquiries about the rowing programme, individuals can reach out to Mr. Craig Ward, the Head of Rowing at Kings Ely. With his guidance and the support of the coaching staff, rowers at Kings Ely Boathouse are well-equipped to excel in the sport and achieve their full potential.