It was an anxious time for the rowing club and other local sporting clubs on the Murray River, as flood water from the river crept higher and higher on November 2.
With peaks predicted above 7.6 metres members and friends of the club scrambled to move equipment before the water inundated the rowing shed, ensuring the damage would be limited.
All the white goods, gym equipment and low-stored boats were taken off site during the mammoth effort and subsequently, made the clean up a lot easier.
After almost two weeks of flood inundation, the water receded significantly from Rowers Park last week, allowing crews to go in and hose out the shed and clean up the debris.
With regattas at Bendigo, Nagambie and Geelong all cancelled, the club has decided to head to Penrith, the home of the Sydney Olympics, for the first regatta of the season this Saturday.
The club’s junior members and masters rowers will make the trip to compete over the 1,000m and 2,000m course.
On Sunday, the NSW Sprint State Championships over the 500m course will be conducted.
“While the club has been out of action during the floods, Corowa rowers have been working hard on their fitness with their on-land rowing machines,” coach Wes Canny said.
“As the river levels start to drop, it is hopeful that we can use the club's facilities and return to on water training. “We will also be encouraging the community to come and try the sport of rowing and enjoy the fantastic facilities.”
The three local clubs Rutherglen Lake, Wahgunyah and Corowa are still hopeful that the longest running regatta in Australia held at Lake Moodemere will still go ahead on January 14 and 15.
