Christchurch girls rowing extra kilometres

Christchurch Girls’ rowing team returned to training on a full course in the build-up to Maadi after being restricted since the earthquake.

Co Coaches: Doug Bull and Micheal Petherick. Photo: Gemma Coffin
HAPPY COACHES:  Doug Bull and Michael Petherick. Photo: Gemma Coffin

Christchurch Girls’ High rowing team are reaping the benefit of being able to train on a full course.

The school trains on the Avon River, parts of which were closed after the 2011 Christchurch earthquake, restricting rowers to 2km.

Just under a year ago the full 5km became available again. Co-coach Michael Petherick said that made training much more effective, although there are still some restrictions because the river is partly tidal.

With bronze in the novice eight and bronze in the U17 four at the Maadi Cup, Petherick is pleased.

“It’s been good, it’s been really good, really good weather, the crews have been racing reasonably well.” Petherick said.

The team also featured in the Cricket World Cup opening ceremony.

Petherick’s fellow coach Doug Bull, attended the ceremony. Bull said it gave him a moment of pride when he saw the team on the big screen. “It was only for a few seconds, I saw them up there.”