This is a huge episode bringing together our highly experienced and knowledgeable panel to cover the absolute peak of the Victorian rowing calendar. I’m joined, as always, by the doyen himself Alan Crute from Rowing Regatta Form Guides and Chat, alongside Campbell Roberts from Campbell’s APS Rowing Review, and Kat Read more
In this episode, I’m joined again by Alan Crute from Rowing Regatta Form Guides and Chat, along with expert rowing parent Kat Dunel, to preview the upcoming 2026 Victorian Head of the Schoolgirls’ Regatta taking place this weekend. Around 2100 athletes will take to the Barwon River in Geelong for Read more
Time has flown, maybe not for the kids on the ergo’s and parents on early morning duties, but it certainly has for the rest of the spectators. As the Victorian school rowing season builds toward its crescendo, I chat with two of the most knowledgeable voices in the space for Read more
Episode 5: Beyond the Finish — Celebrating, Learning & Recovering Crossing the finish line isn’t the end of the Head of the Yarra — it’s the start of reflection, recovery, and celebration. In this final episode of Inside the Coxswain’s Mind, we look at what happens after the race and Read more
Episode 4: Regatta Day — Strategy, Timing, and Crew Mindset Race day — the moment everything comes together. In this episode, we talk about how to manage the pressure, logistics, and mindset of Head of the Yarra day so your crew can perform at their best. We cover: This episode Read more
We all know the idea of training zones — many athletes follow heart rate zones religiously, keeping track of Zone 1 through Zone 5 (or more, depending on what methodology you follow) to ensure they’re working at the right intensity. Yet in rowing, you’ll often hear the terms UT1 and Read more
Episode 3: Fueling for Endurance — Diet & Hydration Before HotY The Head of the Yarra is a long, demanding race — and how you fuel your body can make all the difference. In this episode, Jen, from Toowong Rowing Club , and I explore what to eat and drink Read more
Navigating graded racing categories can be challenging, especially when balancing crew combinations to meet specific Rowing Score (RS) requirements for grade races. Our new Rowing Grade Calculator—designed specifically for Rowing Victoria competitions — simplifies the process entirely! Just enter your rowers’ names and their individual Rowing Scores (based on Rowing Victoria’s Read more
Episode 2: Reading the River — The Course, Conditions & Steering The Head of the Yarra course is unlike any other in Australia — 8 kilometres of winding bends, bridges, and heavy river traffic. In this episode, we take a deep dive into the course itself and what it takes Read more
Episode 1: Training for the Challenge — Building Your Crew for HotY The Head of the Yarra isn’t just another regatta — it’s 8 kilometres of rhythm, teamwork, and endurance. In this episode, we break down how to prepare your crew for the challenge of Australia’s biggest head race. Join Read more