For three years, Simone Archer was up well before dawn to take her son Matthew to rowing. She would sit in the car and snooze or do some work online. Weekends were spent volunteering at. regattas, never imagining in a few short years she would be on the water herself, mastering a notoriously difficult sport with a group of like-minded women.
Fast-forward and Simone is now part of a group of females who beat the odds to become accomplished Masters Rowers. In November 2022, her team, the Flying Swans, travelled to Melbourne and won silver behind a group of hand-picked elite Australians in the 3.5km Melbourne Head Regatta.
The average age of the women is 54, and is made up of mums, career women, business owners and a grandmother-of-nine.
"There is nothing like having a group of supportive friends who love hanging out and learning together," says Simone, 58. "It has been so empowering to lift other people up and feel that support back from others too. You don't always get that in other areas of your life."
Getting a crew together was the wild dream of the only experienced rower, Fiona Trevelyan, who convinced a group of mums she had met while volunteering at their children’s regattas to try the sport for themselves. After a Learn to Row course at the North Shore Rowing Club, the Flying Swans were on their way.
“It was an ambitious idea – a group of middle-aged women taking on this dream really was a leap of faith,” says Fiona, 57.
But the risk has paid off , with the team agreeing the experience has been life-changing.
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة March 31, 2023 من New Zealand Woman's Weekly.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك ? تسجيل الدخول
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة March 31, 2023 من New Zealand Woman's Weekly.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك? تسجيل الدخول
The bearer OF GIFTS
Jeremy reckons kids are in it just for the loot, but sometimes they truly care
This is for MY MUM
Jude’s star shines bright because of a special lady
Five minutes with...MIRIAM MARGOLYES
The beloved actor puts on her witches britches to star alongside Rhys Darby
Pack up your TROUBLES!
While the getting there can be a hassle, Michele explains the beauty of a trip
Dog-less days ARE OVER
Kevin is getting ready to hear the pitter-patter of small paws once again
A bit of a STRETCH
Bend and extend your way to amore flexible 2025!
Habits that STICK
As the festive cheer fades and January begins, the allure of setting those ambitious, life-changing New Year’s resolutions can be very tempting.
Paragliding survivor I'M LOOKING FOR A MIRACLE'
Hayley-Marie loved the feeling of flying like a bird, but after an accident left her paralysed, she’s more determined than ever she'll soar again
Queen of the court SHELAGH'S AN ACE VOLUNTEER!
It's love all for the tennis fan, who'll be serving up more hugs at the ASB Classic
'Our nature baby!"' THE NZ BUSINESS THAT BOOMED
How a resourceful couple cottoned on to an idea and made it truly sustainable