After years of hardship, the Lismore Rowing Club returns

The regatta was the first event of the Northern Rivers Rowing Association season which gives clubs the opportunity to qualify for the national Australian masters competition.

Clubs from Oxenford, Gold-Coast, Murwillumbah, Tweed and Grafton all travelled down to compete in a thrilling and fun event.

Laurie Lynch, President of the Lismore Rowing Club, was excited to see his club back in water after years of setbacks since the floods.

After the flood, the club was reduced to a skeleton crew and they lost 22 boats. However, three of the boats were repaired and thanks to the good fortune of some Sydney clubs 13 boats were donated.

"That meant that we could reestablish our sport and we are now a stage that we can rebuild the club," Laurie Lynch said.

When Laurie joined the club, they had two teams of eight to compete at local regattas. However, there has only been one club that has nominated an 8's event in recent years.

Laurie is now dedicated to bringing these numbers back.

"We want people to enjoy rowing as a sport and recreation - competing is only an option," he said.

One of the initiatives of the club is to help Trinity Catholic College gain experience rowing.

The club allows the school to utilise their equipment, providing them with the opportunity to learn how to row and compete.

In the coming weeks, there is plenty more rowing action in the region with two events to be held in Grafton before the end of the year.

On Sunday November 12, there will be a 1km race on the Clarence in Grafton and the Head of the River will be held on December 9.