HISTORY
Age is no barrier. It’s a limitation you put on your mind.
Jackie Joyner Kersee
Black Stump
Standing proudly as a testament to the rich history of the Renmark Rowing Club, the Black Stump, a charred relic of a River Red Gum tree, can be found approximately 2 kilometres upstream from our clubs hallowed boatshed. In bygone years, this very spot marked the starting line for thrilling 1-mile races, a tradition steeped in the annals of our clubs history. Today, the Black Stump holds profound significance for our rowing community. It stands not only as a silent sentinel but also as a poignant memorial to five cherished past members, their ashes lovingly spread at the base of this iconic tree. More names await their place on this sacred list, a testament to the enduring bonds formed within our club. Our members honour this tradition with unwavering dedication. Whether rowing upstream or downstream, there is no room for coasting past the Black Stump. It is a matter of respect for those who came before us, a nod to the Old Boys who would not have appreciated slackers. This tradition, etched into the very fabric of our club, ensures that the legacy of the Black Stump lives on, reminding us of our shared history and the commitment we hold to each other and the sport we hold dear.
Vietnam Veterans
In the year 2008, a remarkable journey began when a group of Vietnam Veterans, all without prior rowing experience, decided to embark on a new adventure. This bold endeavour was set into motion by the late Peter Richardson, who, inspired by a group of fellow Vets rowing at the Riverside Rowing Club in Adelaide, brought together 11 local Veterans to join the ranks of the Renmark Rowing Club. Their journey into rowing has unfolded with a tapestry of pleasures, shared laughter, and, most significantly, a unique outlet for camaraderie among friends, all while gliding along the waters of a breathtaking river. As they navigate the currents together, these rowers have found not only a physical pursuit but a profound appreciation for the beauty that surrounds them. Today, though the original group has seen its numbers dwindle, the enthusiasm and dedication of those who remain burn as brightly as ever. These stalwart individuals have become an integral and cherished part of our club, infusing it with their spirit, wisdom, and indomitable camaraderie. In their presence, we are all enriched and reminded of the enduring power of friendship, the joy of discovery, and the unity that rowing, as a sport and a shared passion, brings to us all.
World Record Marathon
In a remarkable feat over Easter in 1984, the Renmark Rowing Club etched their name into history by setting a world record for an extraordinary marathon row covering a staggering 210 kilometres, equivalent to 132 miles, all within the incredibly demanding time frame of just 24 hours. This exceptional accomplishment earned the club a well-deserved place in the prestigious Guinness Book of World Records. The exceptional crew, comprising Michael Bodroghy, Bill Parousis, Rick Edmonds, Sam Pearce, Michael Lang, Stewart Scott, Brendan Dempsey, Chris Vine, and cox Colin Tucker, embarked on an epic journey from Renmark to Pollards Cutting and back. While their primary goal was to secure a world record, they were also driven by a noble purpose – raising funds to acquire the boat aptly named '“Marathon 84.” Through their awe-inspiring determination and unwavering spirit, this extraordinary team managed to raise a substantial sum of $5000, a testament to their dedication and the enduring legacy of their incredible achievement. Each member of the extraordinary crew received a cherished token of their historic achievement—a small brass replica of an oar, elegantly encased in velvet, and accompanied by an inscribed plaque that read, Commemorating the Renmark Rowing Club Crews Successful World Record Row on April 19th - 20th, 1984. The blade of this oar replica bore the engraved inscription RRC 24 Hour Marathon 1984, a lasting reminder of their incredible accomplishment and the date etched in history. While the Renmark Rowing Clubs record-breaking feat held its place in history with great pride, it was eventually surpassed by another remarkable rowing achievement. Richard Tonks, an Olympian from the Munich Games, along with his Union Boat Club crew, went on to set a new record by rowing an astonishing 301.5 kilometres in the span of just 24 hours. While records may be broken, the Renmark Rowing Clubs legacy of determination and resilience remains an indelible part of their history and the broader world of rowing.
