N.Z. Oarsmen “Lacking Physical Strength"

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31209, 5 November 1966, Page 16

N.Z. Oarsmen “Lacking Physical Strength"

(From Our Own Reporter) WELLINGTON. The decision whether to send a crew to Canada next year should be made immediately, Mr R. Porter the coach of the New Zealand crew which competed at Bled, Jugoslavia, said at the annual meeting of the Amateur Rowing Association in Wellington last evening.

The Canadian Centennial regatta will be held next August. Adequate preparation time was essential for a crew competing in world-class regattas, said Mr Porter. “A decision must be made immediately so that all prospective oarsmen can start developing now the physical strength which is seriously lacking in New Zealand oarsmen.”

Two-year Training Mr Porter found that most countries started preparation for world championships in Bled up to two years ago. The Jugoslavs were on paid leave of absence from their jobs for two years, and most crews were under the direction of a paid coach. The physical training programme based on the English pattern should be circularised to all clubs so that when the crew came together next March or April each member would be physically strong. “It is useless trying to make an oarsman from a man who has not the basic physical strength, particularly in legs and back,” said Mr Porter.

“Strength alone would not make an oarsman, but it was an essential ingredient. Gruelling Tests

“Modern rowing is power rowing. We must select only those who are prepared to work really hard in the gymnasium and to stand up to fairly gruelling tests. We must not select on past records only.” It was essential that the selected crew lived in the same district for at least four months under the direction of a coach and physical director. Mr Porter suggested that about 16 men should be chosen for the squad from which a four and an eight could be named by the coach and selectors, not by the selectors alone

—this was the overseas pattern. Overseas, the coach was the key man of all successful crews. In addition to years of experience, he needed the ability to handle men, maintain team spirit, draw the best out of each man and study the temperament of each as he must obtain full co-operation not just obedience. Two Crews Suggested Mr Porter recommended that a four and an eight, plus two coxs and one reserve, should go to Canada with a coach and manager. “As I think all the members of the present eight are eligible for next year it would be a pity to break up the crew completely and merely build on whichever crew will win the New Zealand championship.

“It should be announced that this crew will be strengthened by better oarsmen if available,” said Mr Porter. “There is little we do not know in New Zealand about rowing but we must work harder with the wonderful material at our disposal. “To win in Canada we must not only reduce our time for the 200 metres by about six seconds but we must be fit enough to stand up to four days of hard rowing. “After three hard races at Bled the crew just did not have anything left for the final and rowed about six seconds slower than their best time,” said Mr Porter. The estimated cost of sending the 15 men to Canada would be about £4OOO-24500.