30 Years of grit, growth, and glory
From its humble beginnings in 1995, Baradene Rowing Club (BCR) has grown into one of the most respected school rowing programmes in Auckland. In the last three decades, the squad has weathered early mornings, choppy waters, and fierce competition to become a force on the water – and a source of pride for the entire Baradene community.
With 55 rowers and coxswains in 2025/26, the sport now attracts more than 30 new “Learn to Row” students each year, drawn by a culture of teamwork, commitment, and the lure of race day.
Over the years, the club has also produced several New Zealand representatives, including Jemma James (U23 World Championships 2017–19) and Lucy Burrell, who competed at the Junior World Championships in 2019 and again in 2021 and now rows at Stanford University. Other BCR rowers who have, in recent years, gone on to secure US scholarships include Ruby O’Brien, Boston University (2018-2022); Amy Patten, Washington State University (2021-2025); and Harriet Burrell, Princeton University (2023-current).
Many former athletes stay closely connected – from mentoring and supporting to returning as coaches. Baradene alumnae who have given back their skills and experience to the next generation include current coach Sarah Simpson and coaches from recent years, such as Leah Hankey, Niamh McHugh, and Emma Larsen.
Under Head Coach Aimee Pink (2013–18), the squad secured three gold, seven silver, and four bronze medals at North Island Secondary Schools (NISS). Caspar Hammond’s tenure began in 2018, leading to the most successful Maadi in the school’s history in 2019 with the first gold in an Eight, silver in a Single, and bronze in the U17 Quad.
Today, Baradene Rowing is thriving, with recent seasons yielding consistent podium finishes, including a NISS gold in the U17 Eight (2021–22) and U15 Octuple (2023–24), as well as a Maadi bronze for the same U15 novice crew. In the 2025 season, we podiumed with a bronze in the U16 Eight at both NISS and Maadi.
But rowing at Baradene is about more than medals. As one athlete put it, “Rowing is the most mentally and physically draining sport I have ever done. After every long row, every hard erg, every race, I feel joy. The feeling of finishing together, the feeling of accomplishment, the feeling of so much love and appreciation for everyone around me – this is joy.”
It’s a sport that demands resilience. “Not every race is won, and not every goal is met immediately. These experiences teach us to analyse failures, learn from them, and come back stronger,” said another rower. “The courage and strength it takes to push yourself to the finish doesn’t just come from within, but from those around you.”
Over the past five years, there has been significant investment in facilities and equipment, ensuring future competitiveness. Fundraising has been both creative and successful, from the inaugural Rhythm & Row event, which raised more than $40,000, to the Oar Art competition, celebrating rowing through the school’s art community.
For many, the friendships forged on the water are the most lasting legacy. “I didn’t want to do rowing – it sounded like too much hard work and too many early starts – but I felt so drawn to this small bubble of happiness. The girls I row with have taught me to be brave. When my body tells me to give up, I think of them.”
As Baradene Rowing celebrates 30 years, it stands as a testament to what can be achieved when determination meets opportunity. It has grown from a fledgling crew into a thriving squad that produces not only competitive athletes but also young women who understand the importance of trust, loyalty, and the power of a shared goal.
Baradene has been proudly associated with West End Rowing Club for the full 30 years, a partnership celebrated earlier in 2025 with a number of BCR alumnae in attendance. We now look forward to celebrating as a college community with a special 30 Years of BCR Rowing event in December.
Watch this space – to register your interest, please email [email protected].
