What it takes to make it

Watching her rowers make their way down Lake Karapiro, principal of St Margaret’s, Gillian Simpson, knows what goes into producing results.

“It the hours and the time and for families it’s supporting them, getting to the trainings and feeding them, transporting them.”

“Time’s the biggest commitment,” Simpson said.

The time and commitment rowing demands from the students builds well-rounded students.

“It’s the ultimate team sport, when the pressures on you can’t sub on and off. It’s that incredible life-long lesson of actually going through the pain barrier, really pushing yourself to the limits.

“I’ve never seen a rower fail academically either, balance and time management are really important.”

Rowing is  strong at the school  but is also a financial demand for all.

“For the she school it’s a bit of a financial commitment because you’ll try and give some extra hours to your teachers. A little bit of financial support funding the coaches.

“Most of the funding comes from the parents.”

Finding the right team to train and support the rowers is a big part of their success.

“Relationships need to improve before you can get any success or any progress, you just have to get the people right.”

Although training takes up most of their spare time, the students still have time to have fun within the sport.

“It is intense, you’re associating with other fit focused young people so you can still have fun.

“It’s the camaraderie and the fitness and its almost addictive with the endorphins when you’re really fit and getting into that routine.”

However, there is still need  to find a way to keep older students committed.

“The big issue is how do you keep supporting them when they leave school, really make sure that transition from when they leave school.”