Rower numbers tipped to rise

Maadi organisers expect a boost in rowing numbers after last year’s drop.

Rowing experts say they have noticed a trend in growing rowing numbers closer to the Olympics.

Numbers usually begin to drop by the Olympic year, said Cambridge boat builder Bob Rout.

Last year being an Olympic year, rowing numbers dropped by nine percent in the U18 age group.

“People expect to be a world record holder in three years, they have unrealistic expectations and drop out,” said Rout.

This year numbers for rowing have started growing again and it is expected that they will continue steady over the next three years according Rout.

The largest drop in the U18 age group is 35 percent.

Rowing New Zealand chief executive Simon Peterson says this figure is a reflection of an athlete’s transition from school to work; university or moving out of home.

Wakatipu coach Allan Ruffell says five percent  of his squad would continue with rowing after high school.

The 2013 drop for U18 age group is: U15 35%; U16 16%; U17 33% and U18 35%.

Rout, whose business Kiwi International Rowing Skiffs has 70 percent of the rowing market, says KIRS research suggests rowing is growing and over the next three years rowing will not be getting any smaller.