Melbourne Argonauts Rowing Club upcoming events

Learn to Row - Aug/Sept 2026 (15 Aug 2026)

Sat, 15 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Our program runs over four weeks, it's an introduction to rowing course which will give you access to 7 sessions of on-water training where you will learn:

The mechanics of rowing
Parts of the boat and the oars
Positions in the boat
Boat handling, rigging and launching
Four stages of the rowing stroke (basic rowing technique)
Manoeuvring of the boat
Basic rowing commands & terminology
Safety - for yourself, your crew and the equipment
Equipment care - cleaning, adjustments, how to avoid damage
How to use an indoor rowing machine
How to row as a crew with basic rhythm & timing
Stretching before & after rowing (inc. warm ups)
Rowing on Albert Park Lake & Marine Safety
The history of the Melbourne Argonauts Rowing Club
Swim session to confirm you can swim 50 meters (marine safety rule)
To have fun and enjoy the sport of rowing!

Program Structure

The program is developed and delivered by our coaches and coxes with support from our experienced rowers.

Kickoff Weekend - Saturday 15 August & Sunday 16 August (10am - 2pm) First session is off-water where our coaches will teach you the basics of rowing, provide you with an overview of the rowing shell (boat), and will introduce you to the rowing stroke on an indoor rowing machine (everything listed above). The second session starts off-water with a refresher on the basics, before giving you an opportunity to hop into a boat where you get to practice your new skills, supported again by the coach and also a crew of our experienced rowers.
Week One - Saturday 22 August (8:15am) This session will include an off-water refresher of the technique, a chance to ask questions and a warm up before going on-water in a boat with some experienced rowers
Week Two - Monday 24 August (6:15pm) & Saturday 29 August (8:15am) Two sessions, getting more comfortable on the water and with the equipment as we paddle around the lake, building our confidence and understanding of rowing.
Week Three - Monday 31 August (6:15pm) & 5 September (8:15am) Two sessions, the same as week two but we begin to pull your individual skills together as a crew and continue to build your confidence, ability and technique, leading to the a final on-water session.
Week Four - Monday 7 September (6:15pm) This week your swim session is held and we’ll also go out for a celebratory dinner with other club members and talk about your next steps now you’ll have graduated Learn to Row

After the Program

Following your graduation from Learn to Row, we hope that you will be keen to continue your development in rowing and become a member of the Melbourne Argonauts. We have a number of membership options available and if you decide to join you’ll be included in our Development Squad to continue your rowing journey.

Subsidised places The Melbourne Argonauts recognises that rowing and team sports have not always been supportive or inclusive of women, transpeople and gender diverse folk. We're wanting to change this by promoting and supporting those that have otherwise not been championed in the sport.

Please get in touch at ltr@maqrc.org to ask about our subsidised places for women, trans and gender diverse folks.

Subsidies may also be available in other circumstances.

Register to secure your place now, once registered you’ll be sent a confirmation with additional information about the program including what to bring and your participant handbook.

Please note, rowing is an all weather sport and the program will continue regardless of weather (unless very severe and it becomes dangerous) if we’re unable to go on-water for a session the program will transition to off-water training.

The program can be tailored to any special requirements of the rowers, please let us know when you book, or when you arrive, of anything we need to know.

Program participants must be aged 18 years or over.

We aim to provide a program and pathway into rowing for everyone, if there are financial or social barriers we can help with please do reach out to discuss, we can work out something for you.

If you have any questions please contact ltr@melbourneargonauts.com.au

OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Learn-To-Row program participants will be required to acknowledge and complete a Participant Disclaimer form during the Kickoff Weekend prior to formal commencement of program activities. Participation in any Melbourne Argonauts activities, including those offered under the Learn-to-Row program is conditional to prior acknowledgement and completion of the Participant Disclaimer form. In registering and paying for the Learn-To-Row program, you acknowledge that completing the Participant Disclaimer form is a term of the contract to supply recreational services between Melbourne Argonauts Queer Rowing Club Inc. and you, and failure to complete the form constitutes a breach of that contract.

If you would like more information or have any questions around the Participant Disclaimer form, please contact ltr@melbourneargonauts.com.au or secretary@melbourneargonauts.com.au

Camp Camp 2026 - Lake Eildon (11 Sep 2026)

Fri, 11 Sep 2026 07:00:00 GMT

Join us for Camp Camp 2026! Our annual trip once again promises a weekend packed with rowing, focused training, socialising, and plenty of fun! We encourage all Argos to come along, embrace new challenges, and connect with fellow club members; both familiar faces and new recruits.

Registration is open until 30 August 2026 to allow sufficient time for our amazing coaches to build and publish a training schedule and boat allocation in advance.

CAMP CAMP 2026

When: 5:00 PM, Friday 11 September > Sunday 13 September 2026

Where: OEG Camp Jungai and Lake Eildon

ACTIVITIES

Rowing sessions this year will be held at a new location on Lake Eildon (Eildon Pondage) which should provide better shelter from the elements, subject to council permit.

In addition to training sessions planned by our coaches, get ready for a diverse range of fun and relaxing social activities. It’s the perfect chance to unwind, have fun, and connect with your club mates.

Further details, including the full camp schedule and any further updates, will be shared via a dedicated Slack channel to those who register.

All boat allocations for the weekend will be made by the coaches. As part of registration, you’ll be asked to outline your training goals so we can tailor the program to help you get the most out of your weekend.

ACCOMMODATION

We’ll be staying at the excellent OEG Camp Jungai, 475 Rubicon Rd, Rubicon VIC 3712 (same venue as Camp Camp 2025).

Accommodation is comfortable, and everyone will have their own bed. Please note that rooms are shared, and you’ll be able to nominate your preferred roommates when registering - just be sure to confirm with those you nominate!

CATERING

Catering is included in your registration. Please inform us of any dietary requirements during registration.

Meals provided:

Friday: Welcome beverage on arrival
Saturday: Breakfast, Morning Tea, Lunch, Dinner
Sunday: Breakfast, Morning Tea, Lunch

Please Note:

Friday night dinner is self-organised, as people will arrive at different times. There are dining options in Eildon, or you may wish to stop en-route in Healesville or Marysville.
Alcohol is BYO. Please drink responsibly.
You're welcome to bring your own snacks and meals if you’d like.
Don’t forget to pack a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated!

VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES

Camp Camp wouldn’t be possible without our volunteers! While the Camp Camp Working Group has done the heavy lifting ahead of time, there are still plenty of ways you can help during the event; from food prep and transport to setting up the venue. We’ll be asking all campers to help out at times, so please lend a hand where you can to help make the weekend a success for everyone.

SAFETY:

Safety is our top priority. Please follow instructions, look out for each other, and don’t hesitate to ask for help if needed. Qualified First Aid Officers will be present as part of our safety plan.

INCLUSIVITY:

This event is for everyone in our club. If financial, social, or other circumstances might prevent you from attending, please reach out to Andy at vice.president@maqrc.org. We’re here to help make sure everyone can be part of Camp Camp 2025.

We acknowledge the Taungurung people as the Traditional Owners of the land and waterways where Camp Camp will be held. We pay our respects to their Elders, past and present.