Rowing: More water planned for varsity race

HAMILTON - Mighty River Power will release more water into the Waikato River on Saturday as river levels drop close to a record low.

The Waikato River in Hamilton is the course for the Gallaghers Great Race between Waikato University and the University of Washington on Saturday, but low river levels could make rowing a challenge.

Boathouse Events Ltd director Rob Hamill said the river's current level of 11.85m, measured at the Victoria Bridge in the city, was an issue. In 2002 the river recorded a low of 11.52m.

In particular, the trans-Tasman rowing race went downstream and one part of the course near Cobham Bridge was so narrow it would be impossible for two boats to row comfortably side by side.

"My concern is if the river is too low that area would be even worse," he said.

"If that was the case we would have to change the course, but that would be very last minute."

Race day event manager Jill Ibberson said Mighty River Power had agreed to release water from Karapiro Dam at 10am so it had time to settle before the international races began at 12.30pm.

- nzpa