National Selection Regatta 2022

23 crews contested in this year’s National Selection Regatta in Tzaneen, Limpopo. The regatta was hosted by the Rowing South Africa International Commission led by Warren Boltler.

The regatta was held in Tzaneen due to the ongoing rebuilding of the Alan Francis Rowing Course at Roodeplaat Dam, the home of the RMB National Squad.

The RMB National Squad assembled a week before the racing got underway to prepare and build the course. This was also a rare opportunity for junior provincial coaches from Gauteng, Western Cape and Eastern Cape to collaborate with senior and U23 coaches in the buildup. This further reinforced the important foundations which were laid at the RMB National Squad’s coaches conference held in November 2021.

“The week was filled with collaboration, team work, education and ultimately racing. I was encouraged by all of it. Rowing in South Africa is in a good space.” said RMB National Squad Head Coach Tiago Loureiro.

Special thanks to Western Cape Rowing and CourierIT for their assistance in getting part of the rowing course up from Cape Town so that 4 crews could race at once in buoyed lanes down the 2000m course. Tzaneen Search and Rescue provided medical support throughout the regatta.

“The selection regatta was an absolute highlight and showed the resilience of all involved from coaches and organizes to athletes. The quality was exceptionally high and it was encouraging to see so many women athletes participating. The depth of the junior hopefuls was particularly encouraging.” said Sean Kerr, President of Rowing South Africa.

There were rowers and para-rowers competing for selection to the Junior, U23 and Senior World Championships as well as the USSAR World Student Games Team who were participating as part of their preparations for the now subsequently delayed World Student Games due to take place in Chengdu, China later this year.

“I am very proud of the provincial juniors who displayed true grit and speed over the NSR weekend. We look forward to watching these juniors develop into National athletes. Thanks to the RMB National Squad and coaching body for hosting a superb event.” said Junior National squad Co-ordinator and head coach Caitlin Dace.


Near perfect conditions met the rowers on each day across their 3 races. The rowers in different boat classes and combinations, raced against the clock which is then compared to the corresponding boat class’s world best time.

The Junior and Under 23 teams will travel to Varese, Italy in July.

Blog written by Grant Dodds, RMB National Squad Technical Performance Manager

Lightweight Women’s single sculler – Kirsten Macdonald
Mens Single Sculler – Thabelo Masutha