Georg Gruetzner is the masters representative on the German Rowing Federation.
Resource: Structure of masters rowing slides
3 Value Bombs 1
- Use the Block Racing format for masters regattas to enable boat sharing
- Invest in masters learn to row pays dividends quickly (financial and participation)
- Look to other countries for innovations e.g. combine university and masters rowers for a big regatta
Timestamps
01:00 The Masters Officer in the Federation is responsible for the rules in Germany. There are many local groups who run masters events.
02:30 Masters are in many clubs. There are 55 clubs in Berlin alone – but it’s variable from year to year. Some masters come to racing from touring rowing – exemplified by a Hamburg club. Most clubs have fine boat regatta rowing and also touring rowing boats.
05:00 Some touring regattas are very long like 100km down the River Rhine. There are four main events – March ergo and long distance events. Starting in June the Meister Championnnat two day regatta. Then in July the German Master’s Championships happens which combines with the German champs and University champs in the same week. They use the block format for regatta organisation to enable boat sharing. There are around 650 masters participating each year. The outcome of the triple championships was well received – youngsters respect the masters and masters like staying in contact with the younger rowers. Euro Masters in Munich at the end of July is very popular internationally. Then the World Rowing Masters Regatta in early September which is in Brandenburg, Germany in 2024.
13:00 There are 85,000 rowers in total in Germany. Stimulating novice participation is important and offering them races means the future masters generations is successful.
14:00 Innovations in masters rowing
Adult Novices and young masters Many novices will race and some events also offer races for under 27 year olds. A little like the AA category in USA. They allow touring boats to be used by novices. The goal is to stay in masters rowing for life. The goal is to remove the break from 21 year old students and 27 year old masters.
Wolfgang Fritsch also runs masters seminars for people who want to improve and come from club beginner/novice courses. Clubs often do beginner courses but fall short when people need to improve their technique. This gap is filled by Wolfgang’s camps and seminars.
20:00 The structure of masters rowing in Germany has been examined to find the gaps and opportunities to improve. The German Masters champs are open and so other countries can participate as well. Recent years Netherlands, Austria and Belgian rowers participate.
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