ADF Rowing crews put in determined performances at the ANU Regatta on February 14, pushing through challenging afternoon winds on Lake Burley Griffin to achieve six podium finishes.

Major Emma Kadziolka raced in the master’s women’s double with Major Kate Clarkson.

The pair had a strong start, holding the lead for much of the 1000‑metre course before being overtaken in the final stretch and finishing second.

“We had a three-second handicap for this race and managed to row quite strongly for probably the first 600 metres and then we were out in front, but it just didn't go our way,” Major Kadziolka said. 

“But that’s racing, it’s a bit of fun.”

She said everyone in ADF Rowing was committed to helping each other develop. Whether someone had rowed before or was completely new to the sport, they were given plenty of opportunities to learn and grow.

Major Kadziolka also raced in the mixed master’s quad, achieving another second place. The crew overcame a sizeable 30‑second handicap and rough water to chase down most of the field.

'Sometimes we take for granted the opportunity to learn what other areas of Defence do through an informal activity.'

Squadron Leader Zoe Martin teamed up with a mixed club crew for the master’s women’s quad scull. 

The crew managed only one row together before race day, but gave their best in the choppy conditions to finish seventh.

She said rowing appealed to her because there was always something to focus on for improvement.

“It's always a new challenge. No one is a perfect technical rower, so you get to focus on technique, fitness and meet new people while going through the posting cycles,” Squadron Leader Martin said.

Despite being in a composite crew, Squadron Leader Martin said it gave her an opportunity to connect with other like-minded athletes.

"Gemma, from the CGS Masters Rowing Club, asked each of us what our job is in Defence, which highlighted the variety of roles represented in the boat," she said.

“Sometimes we take for granted the opportunity to learn what other areas of Defence do through an informal activity.”

'No one is a perfect technical rower, so you get to focus on technique, fitness and meet new people while going through the posting cycles.'

For Squadron Leader Martin, the regatta was another chapter in a long rowing journey that began at ADFA.

She has rowed across multiple postings, and re-joined ADF Rowing in 2021.

In the men’s pair, Lieutenant Commander Daniel Watson and United States Marine Corps Major Ethan Dalton secured gold. With a focus on fast starts, the pair executed their plan with precision.

“It was the highlight of my week,” Lieutenant Commander Watson said.

“We had placed a lot of emphasis on the short-course training in the weeks leading up to the race, so it was nice to see a return on investment.”

ADF rowers also took bronze in the same race, as well as gold in the mixed master's double scull and silver in the men’s eight.

Having rowed in high school, Lieutenant Commander Watson only returned to the sport after posting to Canberra last year.

He recommended anyone seeking new skills to try rowing, with access to equipment and annual learn-to-row camps held by ADF Rowing, lowering the sometimes costly barriers of entry to the sport.