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2025 marked a significant milestone for All Saints’ College Rowing, celebrating 25 years since the program first took to the water. Over two and a half decades, rowing at ASC has grown into a program defined by commitment, teamwork and steady progression, shaped by students, coaches, families and the wider rowing community. This milestone year offered an opportunity to celebrate that journey, while also recognising the level of participation that continues to define the program today. 

Throughout the year, ASC rowers competed across a range of events that highlighted both performance and development. From long-distance head races to championship regattas, students tested themselves in demanding conditions, embraced new challenges and supported one another on and off the water. The season also reflected the strength of the rowing community, with opportunities for collaboration, cultural exchange and continued investment in the program’s future. 

One of the early highlights of the year came at the ANA Head of the Swan, where ASC fielded two coxed quads in the challenging 8.6km event. Rowers covered the distance twice, rowing to the start before racing back under official conditions. Despite unfamiliar equipment and tricky weather conditions, both crews delivered composed and determined performances, earning medals and representing the College with focus and professionalism. 

That momentum continued at the 2025 Act Belong Commit All Schools State Championship Regatta, one of the most successful regattas in recent seasons for ASC Rowing. Strong performances across multiple events saw students secure gold, silver and bronze medals, while novice and junior rowers gained valuable experience racing at a high level. Beyond podium results, the regatta highlighted the growth in consistency, race awareness and crew cohesion across the squad. 

Midway through the season, All Saints’ College also had the opportunity to host an international rowing exchange, welcoming the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club Youth Rowing Squad to Perth. Training and racing alongside ASC athletes and Curtin University Boat Club, the visit offered shared learning on the water and meaningful cultural connections off it. Composite crews, challenging race conditions and time spent together across the week reinforced the value of collaboration and adaptability in rowing. 

The year also saw the unveiling of Sakina, the newest boat added to the ASC rowing fleet. Announced at the season’s first All Schools Regatta, the name was chosen by the community and reflects calm, reassurance and composure under pressure, qualities central to rowing and to the culture of the program. Supported by the Parents and Friends’ Association, Sakina represents both growth and continuity within ASC Rowing. 

Among these broader milestones, individual student experiences captured the intensity, challenge and exhilaration of competition. Two students have shared their reflections from the ANA Head of the Swan, offering insight into the demands of racing and the teamwork required to succeed. 

There’s something quite intimidating about going into your second ever head race with a crew that’s completely relying on you to get them through the river without crashing. Not to mention the countless rowers surrounding us in bigger boats. But when you’ve got state champions in your boat, you’ve gotta act like you know what you’re doing. Fake it till you make it, right? 

 
It was at the 3km mark that the rain and wind hit, meaning more work to do. I focused in on keeping my line tight and my crew controlled. Ahead of us were these two big and powerful eights filled with adults that had started almost a minute before we did, and surprisingly, our little quad was keeping up with them. As we rounded the island, it became very clear to us that we had a very real chance of beating them on the water. The last kilometre to the finish line was the craziest final stretch ever, and with ten meters to go we got the overtake done on the second eight, leaving my team screaming with joy. Or maybe it was just me… 
 

Written by Charlie (Year 9) 

On Saturday 25 October 2025, our junior mixed coxed quad took part in the 8.6 km ANA Head of the Swan, Starting at Barker’s Bridge in Guildford and heading downstream along the Swan River. We concentrated on long, steady strokes and syncing as one crew, though by the middle section our legs and arms were burning and the water was less kind. The final 2 km were brutal—the fatigue was overwhelming and every movement felt heavy, but our coxswain kept the calls coming, urging rhythm, reminding us to dig deep, and steering us through the bends. 

Crossing the finish line outside the club’s boathouse, we were absolutely spent and unsure if we’d won since results were time based. When the official time came through, we discovered that we had won the junior mixed coxed quad category—making every aching stroke, every moment of doubt, and every bit of teamwork worth it! 

 
Written by Rosie (Year 10) 

As the College acknowledges 25 years of rowing, the experiences of 2025 speak to the program’s ongoing strength, grounded in teamwork and resilience. With students continuing to challenge themselves on the water and support one another through every stage of the season, ASC Rowing moves forward with a strong foundation built over more than two decades.