Alexandra Bull, Murray Pioneer

A foggy and chilly Saturday morning did not dampen the spirits of all 201 rowers rowing in the annual Renmark Rowing Club Wharf to Woolshed Long Row.

With 44 crews on the water, slightly challenging conditions marked the start of the 36km row, with fog saturating the first 10km.

Despite difficult conditions kicking off the row, 2024 Long Row co-ordinator Anna Petersen said the event went “really well”.

“The foggy start was a challenge but given that we had considered that in our risk assessment, I think that the crews were really understanding of the situation,” she said.

“We had the knowledge of the support boat drivers on the water and they were able to safely escort the crews through to the first stopping point.

“Fortunately, the fog lifted and we were able to carry on as we had planned, so that was a benefit.”

The Riverland was well represented in the event, with two crews from the Renmark Rowing Club and one crew from the Waikerie Rowing Club taking to the water.

Her Excellency the Honourable Frances Adamson also jumped into the Renmark Rowing Club eight for the last 10km of the row, a former Adelaide University Boat Club rower and its first female captain.

“Her Excellency was really pleased with the event,” Mrs Petersen said.

“She jumped in at Headings Cliff into the aptly named Govern-Eight-Oars boat, and was really positive about the whole event.

“We were just really honoured to have her not only just express an interest in the event but also willing to participate in the way that she did as well.

“We know that she travelled up just to be part of this event, so we are really grateful to have had her in the crew.”

Ms Petersen added that “we are really lucky to have had the weather we did and showcase the stretch of river that we could”.

“There was a lot of positive feedback on the scenery; even rowing through the fog, some crews thought it was a little bit eerie but I don’t think anyone complained about it,” she said.

“Crews were just grateful to have had the opportunity to row through the fog. It’s not desirable for but I think that the overall experience was positive aside from having to be slowed down a little bit.”

The post-row dinner also saw 15 participants recognised for completing their fifth long row event.

“We had our first international rowers from New Zealand and they were really blown away by what we had to offer here and the event and how well run it is,” Mrs Petersen said.

“They have been to a few larger rowing events and just couldn’t believe how efficient everything was and just how friendly and helpful everyone was.

“That was a first for us, so we are now an international event.”

The date has also been set for next year’s event, with the Long Row to fall on Saturday 21 June 2025, which coincides with the winter solstice.

“It’s just something different for the rowing community to get involved with if they want,” Mrs Petersen said.

“In terms of racing and competition it sort of moves it away from that a little bit and gets the onus back on just enjoying the sport for what it is and the natural environment you can do it in.”

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This article appeared in the Murray Pioneer, 26 June 2024.