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 how to carry those lessons forward.
We cover:
What to do immediately after the finish line
How to debrief results constructively — win or lose
Making notes and insights for next year’s race
Recovery tips for both rowers and coxswains
The social side of HOY — community, stories, and shared memories
A thoughtful wrap-up to the series, this episode celebrates the endurance, teamwork, and camaraderie that make Head of the Yarra one of rowing’s most memorable events.
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:
Arrival timing, rigging, and warm-up routines
The coxswain’s role in setting the tone — calm leadership vs. fired-up motivation
Managing the marshalling zone and maintaining composure
Race tactics
This episode is packed with practical insights for both rowers and coxswains to stay composed, confident, and connected when it matters most.
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 in the lead-up to the 8km race so you can perform at your best on the day.
We cover:
What your body needs for sustained endurance
How to approach carb loading and maintain gut comfort in the lead up
Fuelling strategies on race morning
Smart hydration before and after racing
Post-race recovery tips
Whether you’re racing HotY for the first time or fine-tuning your routine, this episode offers practical, tried-and-true advice to help you stay fuelled, focused, and ready for the river.
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 to steer it well.
Again, join me and Jennifer Pollock from Toowong Rowing Club, where in this episode we cover:
The major bends and landmarks — and where races are often won or lost
Steering strategies: training line vs. race line, and overtaking etiquette
Environmental factors such as wind, current, and narrow sections
Practical tips for crews who can’t train on the Yarra beforehand
Whether you’re racing HotY for the first time or returning to it again, this episode will help you visualise the course and prepare for the unique challenges of Melbourne’s iconic river race.
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 me and Jennifer Pollock from Toowong Rowing Club, where we cover:
Why HOTY demands a different training approach
Crew selection and the importance of technical compatibility over raw power
Key training sessions: steady-state, rate control, and long race pieces
The coxswain’s role in building rhythm, trust, and confidence
Balancing different experience levels within a crew
Whether you’re a rower, coach, or coxswain, this episode will give you practical strategies to get the most out of your HOY preparation.
In this live show, we assembled an expert panel to break down everything you need to know across all levels of the sport — from masters and school rowing to club competition.
Joining us are some of the most knowledgeable voices in the rowing community:
🔹 Alan Crute – The man behind Rowing Regatta Form Guides and Chat, bringing his sharp insights and deep understanding of the competitive schoolgirls rowing landscape.
🔹 Campbell Roberts – Creator of Campbell’s APS Rowing Review, with the inside scoop on the schoolboys' scene.
🔹 John Perry – A seasoned campaigner and Yarra Yarra Rowing Club member, offering a wealth of experience in the masters scene.
🔹 And of course, our resident expert Binky Kfouri, back again to share his signature take on what’s been happening in club and elite-level rowing.
Whether you're an athlete, coach, parent, or just a passionate fan of the sport, this is your go-to episode to get prepped for the season ahead.
Hit play, get informed, and let the rowing chat begin!
The Australian Rowing Championships are in full swing, and you won't want to miss our exclusive behind-the-scenes preview!
Special guests:- Campbell from "Campbell's APS Rowing Report" will dish out all the latest gossip ahead of the Finals for the schoolboys races from Barrington, Tasmania
And of course, Alan Crute from "Rowing Regatta Form Guides and Chat" joins as our regular panelist to preview the exciting schoolgirls' regatta action
The season has flown by, and after months of early mornings, relentless training, and countless hours on the water, it all came to a dramatic conclusion this past weekend at the 2025 Head of the Schoolgirls Regatta on the mighty Barwon River in Geelong.
It seems like only yesterday that athletes—and their dedicated parents—were setting alarms at ungodly hours to drag themselves out of bed for pre-season workouts, rowing sessions, and intensive training camps. From chilly dawn rows to grueling fitness drills, every stroke and every sacrifice led to this moment. Along the way, crews crisscrossed Victoria, traveling to rivers and lakes far and wide, refining their technique, building endurance, and forging the bonds that define this sport.
And then, finally, race day arrived. The banks of the Barwon were packed with supporters, the air buzzing with excitement, nerves, and the occasional desperate search for coffee. Crews lined up, hearts pounding, ready to lay it all on the line in one final test of speed, skill, and sheer determination.
What a regatta it was—full of surprises, incredible results, and, of course, a few heartbreaks. But that’s the beauty of sport!
In this episode, tune in as Alan (Rowing Regatta Form Guides and Chat), Jo, and I break down all the action, from thrilling finishes to hard-fought battles, as well as the lighter moments from the banks of the Barwon. Whether you were there cheering or watching from afar, we’ve got the full rundown of racing and frivolity from one of the biggest events on the schoolgirls' rowing calendar!
The Big Dance is Here!
It’s that time of year again—the 2025 Victorian Head of the Schoolgirls Regatta is upon us! The Barwon River is set to host thousands of rowers, coaches and parents, all coming together for a massive weekend of racing and excitement.
Join myslef, Alan Crute from Rowing Regatta Form Guides and Chat, and Jo Hayman-McNally as we break down everything you need to know about HOSG. We’ll talk racing, rivalries, and much more.
We’re also joined by the master of boat repairs, Rob Manning from RowMann Repairs, and the voice of rowing himself, Richard Dorrstein, who shares his expert insights on what to expect as crews take on the mighty Barwon.
Whether you're a rower, a coach, or just here for the Champers and gossip, this is the episode for you. Tune in, get prepped, and we’ll see you at the river!
#HOSG2025 #Rowing #HeadOfTheSchoolgirls
The final hit-out before "The Big Dance" was on the weekend and in just under two weeks, the 2025 Victorian Head of the Schoolgirls Regatta will take center stage, and the excitement is building.
This week, Alan from Rowing Regatta Form Guides and Chat, Jo Hayman-McNally, and I break down all the action from Saturday’s racing at Nagambie for the 2025 RV State Championships. With State Champions crowned and a few unexpected results shaking things up, the competition is tighter than ever. Even Alan—rarely one to hedge his bets—admits that predicting this season’s winners in numerous classes and divisions will be no easy task. And let’s be honest, that just makes it even more exciting!
So, who’s looking strong? Who threw a curveball? And what does it all mean for the biggest regatta of the season?
Join our last Regatta Review for the season, remember to be tuning in for the 2025 HoSG LIVE preview show on Tuesday 11th March, 2025 on Facebook!
It was a massive weekend on Victorian waterways, with two of the biggest events on the rowing calendar: the 2025 RV Junior & Inter-Schoolgirls State Championships and the iconic 2025 Australian Henley Regatta.
Join Alan Crute from Rowing Regatta Form Guides and Chat, myself, and Jo Hayman-McNally as we break down all the action from the banks of the Barwon River in Geelong and the Yarra River in Melbourne. We discuss standout performances, the impact of extreme heat in Geelong that led to the cancellation of many Inter-Schoolgirls finals, and the controversy that stirred up debate at Henley.
Whether you were there or missed the racing, this episode has all the insights and behind-the-scenes stories from a thrilling weekend of rowing.
In this episode of Regatta Review, Alan from Rowing Regatta Form Guides and Chat, Jo Hayman-Mcnally, and myself take a deep dive into the 2025 Nagambie Regatta, where challenging conditions put all to the test (the usual wind came in...), leading to a mix of results.
We also look ahead to the 2025 Rowing Victoria Junior and Inters State Championships, discussing key contenders and what to expect from this highly exciting event.
Before we get into the racing, we take a moment to acknowledge the heartbreaking events at the Melbourne Grammar rowing sheds, which led to the tragic loss of a talented young athlete. Our thoughts are with Ed’s family, friends, and the rowing community. Vale, Ed.
Tune in for all the race insights.
The 2025 Victorian Schoolgirls Rowing season is in full swing! Last weekend, the Barwon River in Geelong hosted the 2025 RV Junior & Inter Schoolgirls - St Catherine's Regatta. I’m joined by Alan Crute from Rowing Regatta Form Guides and Chat, along with Jo Hayman-McNally, to bring you all the insights from the banks of the Barwon. Plus, we break down the key takeaways from the NSW State Championships. Tune in for expert analysis and behind-the-scenes perspectives!
As the season gains momentum, we take a closer look at the standout crews, emerging talent, and key rivalries shaping up across the competition. With major regattas just around the corner, we discuss what to watch for in the coming weeks and how the early results could impact the road to the Head of the Schoolgirls.
Welcome to the first podcast review of the 2025 Victorian Schoolgirls rowing season!
We’re kicking off the 2025 season with two massive regattas—the RV Junior & Inter Schoolgirls Morongo Regatta on the Barwon River and the JG King Homes Wendouree Ballarat Regatta on Lake Wendouree. This is our first real look at what the schools are bringing to the water this season.
Joining us to break down all the action are Alan from Rowing Regatta Form Guides and Chat, along with Jo Hayman-McNally. Stay tuned for all the insights, race highlights, and standout performances from both events!
Now the 2025 Victoria Schoolgirls Regatta season is in full swing, join myself, Alan Crute (Rowing Regatta Form Guides and Chat) and our exciting "new recruit" Jo Hayman-McNally, rowing parent and previous HOSG winner, as we discuss the schoolgirls rowing season ahead and what to expect at the Head of the Schoolgirls Regatta in March.
Alan gives us his usual in depth insights into what we can expect to unfold in the months ahead.
In todays “casual convo” I was lucky enough to be joined by Chris Brown, President of Hawthorn Rowing Club; a huge thanks to Chris as he not only has a newborn at home but he is also managing the enormous role as President at Hawthorn Rowing Club (time is limited….), for joining me, as we dive deep into the challenges of running a modern day rowing club.
In this episode, I have the privilege of being joined by Jo Cripps, the winner of the 2024 Head of the Yarra Coxswains Award! Jo didn’t just outperform us local coxswains—she absolutely owned the river that day.
I’m thrilled to gain some insight from her on her rowing journey and what it took to conquer the Head of the Yarra this year!
Join us and an incredible panel of experts as we dive into a preview of the 2024 Head of the Yarra! There’s no better way to get the inside scoop than hearing from those who know this event inside and out. I’ve gathered a few of the best in the biz to chat all things HotY!
Proudly brought to you by Rowmann Repairs, CrewNerd, and Gym 24/7.Don’t miss it! #HeadoftheYarra #Rowing #RowmannRepairs #CrewNerd #Gym247 #RowingLife #2024
Today I take a refreshing break from our usual masters rowing conversations to chat with Sam Lincoln, a Richmond Rowing Club coxswain and recent recipient of Rowing Victoria's Coxswain of the Year award.
Sam brings a unique perspective to our discussion, straddling both worlds as he is not only a cox but taking on the oar and doing pretty well as a rower. What makes this conversation particularly fascinating is Sam's insightful take on the eternal debate of motivation versus discipline in rowing.
Sams drive and philosophical approach to the sport offers a window into the mindset of rowing's next generation. His perspective on what keeps him showing up day after day, whether in the cox seat or now with an oar in hand, gives us all an insight into what is possible if you stay focused.
Tune in for an engaging discussion that proves wisdom in rowing isn't always about the years you've put in, but the perspective you bring to the sport.
Join me in the coxswains seat for an intense 480m sprint at the 2024 Bendigo Grade and Masters Sprint Regatta!
Listen in as the Hawthorn Rowing Clubs Female Masters coxed quad (FMX4+) takes on this short, sharp course. The action starts at 3:40 on the video as we move into position, but don’t skip the build-up.
All the intensity of sprint racing from the best seat in the house!