By Casey O'Connor
On a perfect Stanthorpe morning recently with Storm King Dam looking like a millpond a coxed rowing eight emerged from a slight mist at 5.30am.
Eight female rowers and a Cox, under the watchful eye of coaches Kate Dearden and Chris Morison, launched their rowing eight for the first time.
The group of ladies range in age from teenagers to seniors and have completed learn to row courses with the Storm King Boat Club under the expert instruction of ex Australian rower Kate and husband Chris, but this was the group’s first time with “sweep” rowing where each participant has only one oar to manage.
The boat donated by the Summerville House School Rowing and refurbished by Chris is one of various sizes and configurations owned by SKBC currently being used for exercise and fun on Storm King Dam.
After a slow start due to drought and an empty dam, the Storm King Boat club has now grown to over 50 members, and recently held an open day for potential new members to come see what rowing is about and view the facilities and what happens.
The club welcomes male members however it seems the ladies have been quicker off the mark.
If you would like more details, please email AnDHarslett@gmail.com
