Bringing Teams Together Through Rowing

 The 2026 Rowing Victoria Corporate Rowing Challenge is a six-week workplace wellbeing program that offers Melbourne organisations a unique opportunity to strengthen teamwork, build workplace culture and improve employee wellbeing through the sport of rowing.

Designed for both experienced and first-time rowers, the program combines professionally coached training sessions with a memorable team experience that culminates in racing on Melbourne's iconic Yarra River.

 A Six-Week Corporate Experience

Teams train twice each week under the guidance of experienced coaches, developing confidence, communication and collaboration on the water.

Each session concludes with a catered breakfast, providing valuable time for participants to connect with colleagues, network with other organisations and build lasting relationships in a relaxed environment.

The program is designed to be inclusive, engaging and rewarding, creating a positive experience for participants regardless of previous rowing experience.

WHY CORPORATE ROWING?

Rowing is a lifelong sport that welcomes people of all ages, abilities and fitness levels.

Many adults discover rowing after transitioning from other sports, returning after school or university, or simply seeking a challenging, low-impact team activity that promotes both physical and mental wellbeing.

The Rowing Victoria Corporate Rowing Challenge provides an accessible introduction to the sport while delivering meaningful benefits for organisations, including improved teamwork, communication, resilience and employee engagement.

WHO SHOULD PARTICIPATE?

The program is designed for teams from Melbourne-based organisations across a broad range of industries, including:

• Professional services (engineering, accounting, legal, consulting and construction)
• Government departments and agencies
• Financial institutions
• Retail and consumer goods organisations
• Technology companies
• Healthcare providers

 WHAT IS INCLUDED?

• Location on the Yarra river based out of Boathouse Drive (near Princes Bridge)
• Two trainings per week
• Coaching by experienced Rowing Victoria coaches
• Use of eight oared racing shell (8+)
• Ergometer training
• 776BC technical training and racing t-shirt for each athlete
• Risk management and on-water safety supervision
• Catered breakfast after each training session
• Racing entry fees and event hospitatlity

CREW REQUIREMENTS

Participation is suitable for almost everyone from 18+ years of age, with minimum requirements;

• Participants: 18+ years of age and able to swim at least 50m continuously
• Crew manager: One point of contact to liaise with Rowing Victoria
• Committment: to enable an eight oared boat to be on the water 8 rowers must attend each session
• Coxswain: an experienced coxswain is required which can be provided if an team does not have a suitably experienced person.
• Attitude: enthusiasm and being prepared to embrace a new challenge

Delwyn Oliver

Rowing Victoria

State Development & Pathway Coordinator

E: delwyn@rowingvictoria.asn.au

P: 0447 373 456