"There is no better feeling than crossing the finish line first," said Rhodes University rower, Murray Roodt.
"There is no better feeling than crossing the finish line first," said Rhodes University rower, Murray Roodt.
He is optimistic about the university's coming performance at the annual Boat Races to take place in Port Alfred over the weekend of 19 September. Rhodes joins Stellenbosch University, University of Cape Town, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, University of Kwazulu Natal and University of Pretoria in competing for a national title.
Rhodes boasts seven student teams and one staff team. The Rhodes rowers have been training since January, but have focussed their efforts on preparing for boat races since the end of April.
The dedicated athletes are at Grey Dam as early at 6.30am, four mornings a week, ready to take to the water.
"Although the training can be unpleasant at times, I've never gotten out of the water and said 'I never want to do that again', " Roodt said.
The four eight-man crews will race a 5.5km long course, while the three eight-woman crews race a 3.8km course.
"We are aiming to make the A Finals," the 1st's men’s rower said.
The three-day long event along the Kowie River has gained in popularity in past years. The weekend now has a music festival component, in which popular acts such as Crazy White Boy, DJ Fresh and PH Fat will join local performers and DJs like Words Untame, DJ Von Dirty and DJ Kenichi.
A weekend pass giving you access to the river, camping zones, secure parking and entertainment is R200 if pre-booked and R250 at the gate.
