The respective schools around the region have strict BAS guidelines to abide by which allows them to begin off-water training in term three, before beginning on-water training in term four.

Schools around the region will partake regional regattas throughout term four, before finalizing its crews in January in preparation for the Wendouree Ballarat Regatta in the lead up to the Head of the Lake in late February.

Ballarat Grammar’s Rowing Director Sam Pullin, who oversaw a victorious open girls 2016 Head of the Lake crew, said the school’s program has the student’s welfare as the priority, valuing quality training over quantity – mindful to not overwork it’s students.

“You can get out there and row around the lake and do kilometre after kilometre, there is a benefit to that for sure,” Pullin said.

“As a senior athlete you could do that but as a junior athlete you’ve got a short amount of time before they start to struggle.

“There’s also the need to have a mental and physical conditioning all in one, I’m very much a believer in the quality of training.”

Ballarat Clarendon College’s Rowing Director Ross Henderson, who took out this year’s open boys Head of the Lake, takes a similar philosophy with his group and spoke of the other benefits rowing offers.

“They’re (the BAS regulations) designed to ensure student welfare is first and foremost,” Henderson said.

“We take a backseat to other sports at the moment. People are still playing football, netball and basketball.

“It’s all about personal development, personal growth. Not only getting fitter and technically better but learning skills such as resilience and team work.”

Pullin expected to retain much of senior crew given it had a strong contingent of year 11 girls.

“We’re looking at at least 50% of our senior first, second and third crews coming back … I think most of our year 11 girls will return.”

While Henderson said Clarendon College would again have a plethora of students involved in the program, expecting more than 140 students to take part.

Henderson also said while winning the Head of the Lake was a fantastic achievement, it wasn’t the sole focus of the school. With the series of events leading up to and proceeding the marque race holding great significance.

The Vikings Club, the Ballarat Grammar rowing support club, is showing the Will To Fly on Friday, August 5 to raise funds to support junior rowing. 

Tickets can be purchased from www.fan-force.com