West Norfolk Rowing Club Makes Waves at Norwich Small Boat Head
In a spirited display of determination and teamwork, the West Norfolk Rowing Club (WNRC) recently participated in the Norwich Small Boat Head race, an event that provided invaluable experience for rowers of all skill levels. The 3-kilometer course along the River Yare served as an excellent testing ground for the club’s members, from first-timers to seasoned competitors transitioning from the summer regatta season. Though not all crews faced direct category competition, the focus remained on achieving personal best times and gaining crucial race experience in a supportive environment. The mix of veteran masters crews alongside promising juniors highlighted the club’s strong multi-generational character and commitment to developing rowing talent across all age groups.
The women’s crews from West Norfolk demonstrated remarkable skill and tenacity during the event. Penny Legg and Anne-Marie Robertson, competing in the Women’s Masters B double category, completed their very first head race with an impressive time of 14 minutes and 24 seconds. Their performance nearly matched that of their more experienced clubmates, Liz Palmer and Helen Pryer, who raced in the Women’s Masters F double category and finished strong at 13 minutes and 53 seconds. The small gap between the novice and veteran crews speaks volumes about the quality of coaching and preparation at the club, showcasing how quickly newer members are developing their skills while benefiting from the guidance of experienced rowers. The camaraderie between the different women’s crews exemplifies the supportive culture that the WNRC has cultivated.
The junior members of West Norfolk Rowing Club particularly distinguished themselves at the Norwich event, demonstrating the bright future of the club. Briar Hobbs and Georgie Perity claimed an impressive second place in their WJ16.2x competition, clocking 14 minutes and 11 seconds – just 10 seconds behind the winning Norwich School crew. This narrow margin against a well-established school program highlights the quality of junior development at West Norfolk. Perhaps even more remarkable was Magnus Perity’s performance in the Open J14 single scull, where he recorded an outstanding time of 13 minutes and 15 seconds. For a young sculler to navigate the challenging 3-kilometer course with such speed and precision speaks to both natural talent and dedicated training, positioning him as one to watch in future competitions.
The third division saw more impressive performances from West Norfolk rowers across different categories. Matty Parle and Owen Lewis represented an RAF/WNRC composite crew in the Open Masters C double, completing the course in a swift 12 minutes and 55 seconds. Meanwhile, juniors Magnus Perity and Philippa Hingley collaborated for their first race together in an Open J14 Double, finishing in 14 minutes and 22 seconds – a promising debut for this new partnership. These mixed categories and composite crews demonstrate the club’s flexibility and collaborative approach to competition, allowing members to find suitable racing opportunities regardless of their specific age or experience level. Such variety in racing combinations helps develop versatile rowers who can adapt to different boats and partners.
Beyond the competitors themselves, the strong showing of support from fellow club members played a crucial role in the day’s success. The banks of the River Yare were lined with West Norfolk supporters who assisted with the myriad tasks involved in racing: handling oars and boats, helping with footwear and rigging, managing the logistics of loading and trailering equipment, and providing vocal encouragement throughout the races. This behind-the-scenes support system highlights the true community nature of the sport and the club, where everyone contributes to collective success regardless of whether they’re racing on a given day. For smaller clubs like West Norfolk, this all-hands-on-deck approach is essential for navigating the complex logistics of away competitions.
Liz Palmer, one of the club’s experienced masters rowers, captured the essence of the club’s ethos when she expressed heartfelt thanks to all the supporters. “It makes such a difference,” she noted, acknowledging how the comprehensive support system – from practical assistance with equipment to enthusiastic cheering from the riverbank – truly enhances the racing experience. Her comments reflect the understanding that rowing is not merely an individual or even crew-based sport, but rather a club endeavor that requires coordination and contribution from many members. As West Norfolk Rowing Club continues to develop its racing program and introduce more members to competitive rowing, this strong foundation of mutual support will undoubtedly remain one of its greatest assets. The Norwich Small Boat Head served not just as a racing opportunity but as a demonstration of what makes club rowing special: the combination of personal challenge and collective achievement.
