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!