Club Patron - Steven Duff
I have been involved in rowing since 1970 at the age of 12 at Geelong College in Victoria. Learning to row in heavy “state of the art” S&B timber boats at school down in Victoria. It has always attracted me as the ultimate team sport. You learn to push yourself beyond the pain barrier both mentally and physically. A great skill to learn in the life path.
The experience of rowing in the Head Of The River was something very special. Winning would have been even better!
My daughters went to Pymble Ladies College. There was a call out to parents to support a fund raising event called the Hope Regatta back in about 1999. Surely I could survive a 500m dash.
The bug returned. In my early 40’s I decided to join LRC. The club had 2 timber 8’s back then. Both were about 4th hand. A quad steered from the 3 seat was perhaps my favourite.
With the upgrade of the club house thanks to the involvement of Pymble, membership kept growing. From about 60 it went to some 350 pre-covid. A great example of “build the facilities and they will come”.
During this period, I got involved on the Committee as many others did. There was far more going on than the average rower thought. Managing LRC with a relatively small group of volunteers is a big responsibility and also a precious one.
Operating since 1886 many people have come and gone. LRC has had its share of Olympians, World Champions and Novices. You can feel the history when you look through the photos on the walls in the shed. Our role is to make sure we continue the prosperity and pass on a “going concern”.
I have had the privilege of being Captain and President at LRC for many years. I have learnt from my predecessors and hope to be able to pass on some of that knowledge to those who decide to step up as well.
A rowing club is a great environment for the human spirit. At LRC we have been able to accommodate a wide range of ages from our Juniors right up to 80 year old masters. Healthy life style, good role models and friendships all add together to create a place our members enjoy visiting regularly year round.
By day (and night), I am a restaurant owner. I created City Extra back in 1985. My family has supported my indulgence in rowing as a healthy break from work. I appreciate their tolerance.
Steven Duff
Some of the Leichhardt Rowing Club medalists from 2023 Australian Masters Rowing Championship (Steve 7th from the left)