Unley High School (UHS) is one of only three public schools in Adelaide who offer rowing as a school sport, along with Adelaide High School and Norwood-Morialta High School.

The UHS Boathouse is located on the southern side of the Torrens River, three boathouses eastward of the Morphett Street Bridge. This facility is shared with Norwood-Morialta High School. UHS also has access to a boatshed at West Lakes, which we share with Adelaide High School and Norwood-Morialta High School.

Regattas are conducted mainly at West Lakes, although occasionally at the Torrens Lake, Murray Bridge, Mannum, Renmark, Berri, and Port Adelaide are utilised as regatta venues. Rowing regattas take place during Terms 1 and 4 each year. It is possible to participate in other sports at the same time, but efficient time management becomes very important. Students are encouraged to participate in a different sporting activity during Terms 2 and 3. The rowing season culminates in the Head of the River (HOR) Regatta at West Lakes at the end of March or the beginning of April each year.

In 2017/2018, Unley High School won numerous races across all year levels. At the recent HOR we entered 21 crews, making us the second largest entrant behind Scotch College. UHS also underlined the depth of our rowing program by winning the Year 8F Boys division. One of the most impressive performances came from our Boys First VIII who finished in 3rd place, our best finish in decades and ahead of traditional powerhouses Prince Alfred College and Scotch College.

UHS also carries the distinction of being the only South Australian school to win a medal at this year’s National Championships with year 12 student Mitchell Reinhard winning the Schoolboy Single Scull. We have had many students and ex-students represent both South Australia and Australia over the club’s 40 year history.

There are usually two to three training sessions each week. Other fitness work, such as running and ‘ergos’, are highly encouraged. Weight training is also important, but definitely not at Year 8 and 9 level.

Training sessions for Year 8 crews are held at the Torrens River. Students usually travel to training on the 172 bus straight after school and during the first few weeks of training, fellow rowers or coaches will accompany them. Parents or caregivers are required to arrange transport home from training, which usually concludes at 6-00pm.

It is a myth that all rowers need to get up at 5am each morning. At Unley High School, morning training does not occur until the senior years.

The Unley High School Rowing Club appoints at least one credentialed rowing coach per year level. All rowing training programs are overseen by our Head Coach .