Two Ōamaru rowers are on course to reach their goals after success competing for the South Island under-18 squad last week.

After trialling in Twizel on April 16, Emma Spittle (17) and Angus Loe (16) were two of 24 rowers selected to travel to Lake Karapiro, Cambridge in the second week of the school holidays, to race against North Island crews.

Emma, year 13 at Waitaki Girls’ High School, was “absolutely thrilled” with her selection, mother Anna Spittle said.

Angus, who is a year 12 boarder at John McGlashan College, said it was “pretty cool” to be part of the squad.

Emma was selected to row in the single and the quad, while Angus rowed in the double and the quad.

Emma Spittle (17, second from right) competing as part of the South Island under-18 quadruple sculls crew.

This year at the New Zealand Secondary Schools Rowing Championships (Maadi Cup) Aungus competed in the under-17 age group and managed a silver medal in the double, a bronze in the quad, and came sixth in the single.

He was happy with the result, as his goal this season had been to win a Maadi medal.

“So I ticked that off.”

It was his first time with the South Island squad. 

“It’s nice being able to hang out with a bunch of boys that I normally compete against, be on the same team as them, just people from all over the South Island.” 

Emma’s selection came after a strong season, and a fourth place in the Under-17 single sculls at Maadi Cup. She was also selected to trial last year, but had to withdraw due to injury.

Earning the South Island spot was a positive way to end the Year 13 Waitaki Girls’ High School pupil’s season, after she was left disappointed by her Maadi result.

“Fourth is a hard place,” her mother said. 

After the two rowers found out they had made the cut for the squad, they spent a day in Twizel training, before flying to Karapiro, where more training took place before two days of racing. They arrived back home last Thursday (April 20).

Both Angus and Emma’s quads won their races, and Emma came second in her single. The South Island squad came away with the regatta win and a trophy.

Emma loved her week away and the experience she gained. 

Angus said it was “probably one of the coolest experiences I’ve got to have”, and was a good stepping stone to that next level.

Both teens had their sights set on New Zealand Under-19 selection next season. 

“I’ll have a crack at it next season,” Angus, who has just finished his third year in the sport, said.

“It’s a far-fetched goal, but anything’s possible if you really go for it.”

Angus Loe (right, 16) competing in the double sculls for the under-18 South Island sqaud.