ARC Update - 21st September 2026
President's TED Talk
There is no doubt that Winter is well and truly behind us now - as the days grow longer and warmer, there have been some spectacular rowing conditions over the last few weeks. With winter sport finals wrapping up, it signals that the racing season is almost here.
This year, we want to define our Season as being known as a Club that turns up and competes every week. Premiership points are the goal, but turning up is the measure. It doesn't mean winning every race or entering 10 events a week - it simply means having a go, doing our best and building each race, with intent!
The first few regatta's of the RowingSA Season include a number of long-distance head races - not just a great test of aerobic fitness, they also offer plenty of time-efficient racing without taking up an entire Saturday. (It's rowing for busy people...)
These are mostly club-hosted events as well - so let's get behind our camrades from Mannum, Port Adelaide & Murray Bridge by supporting their events with entries!
As the saying goes - you have to be in it to win it - so let's get out there and have a crack!!! Keep an eye on the ARC WhatsApp Community channels and make sure you get in a racing crew where you can!
Let's keep getting after it ARC!
Mitch
Torrens Lake Looking Glorious again!!
The Torrens is open for use and looking spectacular for a post-work twilight paddle - so let's get some boats out and make the most of it! Many thanks to the teams from the City of Adelaide for their recent clean-up efforts!!!
Torrens Building Project
Members who attended the recent AGM would have heard Alex's update on the building project. Since then, progress has continued to accelerate!
Project Update
The Committee has formally endorsed the appointment of Thorne Constructions as the preferred contractor to deliver the project.
Contract negotiations are progressing well and are now in their final stages. The project will be delivered under a cost-plus/open-book model, providing a fair and transparent approach that appropriately balances risk between all parties.
Early works are imminent, beginning with structural repairs downstairs. These works will address legacy termite damage at the rear of the shed and beneath the bar and balcony areas.
Detailed measurements have already been completed and materials are being ordered. Members can expect to see the Thorne team on site very soon.
There will be some short-term disruption to gym access while these works are undertaken. We'll give updates via Whatsapp as best we can, but please give the Thorne team the space they need. We appreciate your patience and cooperation on this!
Upstairs refurbishment works will be delivered in stages, coordinated around existing function bookings. This staged approach allows costs to be managed carefully within the available budget.
We are currently targeting full completion by March 2027.
Fundraising Update
While we are still forecasting a funding shortfall to deliver the full project scope, the gap has reduced significantly and is now approximately $25,000 thanks to:
More than $10,500 in generous donations received from 10 donors since June; and
Further refinement of project estimates by the Thorne team.
If you are in a position to support the project, please consider making a tax-deductible contribution through the Australian Sports Foundation.
Our upcoming Quiz Night will be raising funds for the project, so get a table together for a great time and support the project!
Volunteers Needed
As works commence, we will also be seeking volunteer help with preparation activities around the Club, including moving furniture and equipment, clearing work areas, and helping ensure the project can progress smoothly. More information will be provided shortly, but if you're able to lend a hand, your support will be greatly appreciated.
We are excited to see this project moving from planning into delivery - further updates will be shared as work progresses.
Squad Schedules
Mornings | Afternoons / Evenings | |
Mon | ||
Tues | Senior 4-/4x Battle Paddle 5:30am @ WL | Masters & Socials ErgSquad 5:45pm @ Torrens (Heja) |
Wed | Torrens ErgSquad 6:30am @ Torrens | |
Thurs | Under 21 Small Boats 5:30am @ WL | Thursday Night Socials 6pm @ Torrens |
Fri | Big Boat Fridays 5:30am @ WL | |
Sat | Regattas - Let's get racing!!! | |
Sun | Under 21 Small Boats 7am @ WL Masters & Socials 7:30am @ WL (Heja) Intermediate 7am @ WL Learn to Row 9am @ Torrens | |
Reminders:
West Lakes course hours 0600-2000hrs Mon-Sat & 0700-2000 Sunday & P/Hols
Two lights (bow & stern) are required during low-light conditions - no lights, no rowing.
Let's try to keep noise within the boat and only to what's necessary, to avoid complaints from resident's. Use radios for boat-to-beach chat and keep the cox-box volume to the minimum!
LTR & Intermediate Update
Great to see our 3rd Learn to Row programme for 2026 coming to an end with another 8 participants completing the 5-week programme - well done to Erica Webb and her team for delivering another great programme! Our last block for 2026 is already booked out with 12 participants signed up - and still, the enquiries and interest keep piling up!
Sunday (yesterday) saw the pilot session of our Intermediate programme at West Lakes, with several LTR graduates resuming their rowing journey with ARC! We hope to see them make the leap to membership and joining in with our Social squad in the nont to distant future!! Many thanks to Claire Rogers for driving this forward!!!
Opening of Our 145th Season
All members, friends, family and comrades of the Club are invited to join us for the Opening of ARC's 145th Season, on the afternoon of Sunday 18th October at the Torrens Clubrooms.
We will have a boat naming of a pair/double, followed by the much-loved Old Buffer's row-past and the hotly contested President's Fours scratch racing. Refreshments available from the bar for enjoyment on the ARC balcony. Members are kindly asked to bring a plate of sweet or savoury food for afternoon tea.
ARC Quiz Night Fundraiser
This is one of our key social and fundraising activities for the year - with funds raised going towards the Torrens Building Renovations. Start getting your team together because this will be a great night not to be missed!!!
We're also on the hunt for donations for prizes for the night - please get in touch if you can contribute!
RowingSA Messages
NEW - Rowing Australia Coxes Accreditation - online course available here
Noise complaints from West Lakes resident's - please be mindful of our neighbours and keep noise to a minimum.
RowingSA presents Culture in Action by Raiise
Date: Monday 12 October 2026
Time: 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Venue: Riverside Rowing Club
RSVP by Friday the 9th of October, using this link - RSVP Culture in Action
