Talent Identification

Rowing rewards a particular kind of athlete: tall, powerful, with a big aerobic engine and the patience to keep refining one movement. Plenty of the country’s best rowers came from another sport entirely and did not touch an oar until their teens.

Our Talent ID testing day is how we find them. It is free, it takes one morning, and you do not need to have rowed before.

Who it is for

Young athletes aged 13 to 18 who are physically well suited to rowing and are looking for a sport where they can go a long way. You might already play something else at a decent level, or you might just be tall and strong and not yet know what to do with it. Either is fine.

No rowing experience is required. We are testing for potential, not for technique.

What happens on the day

Testing takes place at the Red Shed and is all done on land. You will be assessed across three areas.

Results are compared against benchmarks set by Rowing Australia.

Upcoming testing days

Sunday 11 October 2026

Free to attend. Ages 13 to 18. Red Shed, John Cardiff Close, Acton ACT 2601.

What happens after testing

If you meet the benchmarks, you will be offered a place in our accelerated Learn to Row program at a discounted rate. The accelerated program is built to move capable athletes onto the water quickly and financial support will be provided for your first season of rowing.

If you do not, you are still welcome. Everyone who tests is invited to join our term based Learn to Row or school holiday programs, and plenty of good rowers start exactly there.

Nobody leaves the testing day without a way to keep rowing with us.

Where it can lead

Rowers who come through Talent ID and continue into competition may become eligible for the Red Shed Scholarship Program, which helps with regatta costs and access to the gym for additional training.