The Griffith University Paradise Regatta

The Griffith University Paradise Regatta has made a splash on debut with the Australian and New Zealand Media.

As the count down to the Griffith University Paradise Regatta broadcast commences on Fox Sports, Sky Sports NZ and ESPN Star (Asia/Pacific) the stack of coverage the event got is worth reflecting upon.

A sincere thanks must go out to David Polglase of Rowing Australia and Sophia Browne of Griffith University External Relations for their efforts that set new records for rowing regatta exposure in Australia. 

World Rowing Website:

http://www.worldrowing.com/display/modules/news/dspNews.php?newid=324746

TV NZ:

http://tvnz.co.nz/othersports-news/paradise-stella-cast-nz-eight-3049848 

Radio NZ:

http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/sport/2009/10/06/1245cd485c01 

Gold Coast News:

http://www.goldcoast.com.au/article/2009/10/10/146755_sport.html 

http://www.goldcoast.com.au/article/2009/10/11/146865_sport.html 

Stuff.co.nz

http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/2952167/Kiwis-pipped-in-Trans-Tasman-rowing 

Ballarat Courier 

http://www.thecourier.com.au/news/local/sport/general/firstclass-crews-meet-for-a-regatta-of-rivals/1645661.aspx 

Courier Mail

http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,26193199-3064,00.html 

Rowing NZ

http://www.rowingnz.com/Article.aspx?id=3547&Mode=1 

It had the energy of a WWE smack down and its saw some of the Tasman's greatest athletes pull off something special.

Pumped up and excited the 300 competitors at the Griffith University Paradise Regatta charged onto the grassy knoll at Circle on Cavil, Surfers Paradise.

With the Red Bull DJs and adrenaline pumping the teams hit the ergos for a 1500m team challenge.

With a few pointers on the art of swapping on and off the teams were away - some with headcams strategically strapped to capture the action.

Congratulations to the winners of the Ergometer Challenge:

• Schoolgirl Race - St Peters
• Schoolboy Race - Brisbane State High School
• Corporate Men - Single Lads (TSS Oldboys)
• University Women - University of Queensland
• University Men - University of Queensland
• Trans-Tasman Kings of the Ergo - New Zealand

 

The New Zealand VIII have landed in Coolangatta and after being taken to their river front accommodation at Panorama Tower set about getting the Swift Racing Australia VIII set up for some of the biggest names in world rowing.

Mahe Drysdale, 4 time World Champion in the single scull and Olympic bronze medalist, looked focused as the team coached by Conrad Robertson set the pitches and spans to their optimum.

Jade Uru, Tobias Wehr-Candler, Conrad Robertson, Hamish Burson, Mahe Drysdale

 Mahe adds the final touches to the Swift Boat.

World Mens pair champion Hamish Bond rigging at Surfers Paradise Rowing Shed. 

The Australian crew have come together to train on the Griffith University Paradise Regatta course on a spectacular Gold Coast Friday afternoon.

"Its incredible out there today, lets hope for weather like this tomorrow" James Marburg crew 7 seat said.

Never before has such a line up of Australia's recent world medalists come together against a NZ team of the same ilk.

"To win would be amazing. It's going to be very close and unpredictable" Duncan Free Olympic gold medallist said.

 The crew posed for the media before doing 3 laps along the 2km stretch from Buds Beach to the Gold Coast Arts Center.