There is a brand new $35,000 boat in the shed.
There are two new coaches and about 20 novice rowers.
The Rio Olympics has helped stir up some passion for the sport at the school, better known for its exploits on the rugby field or basketball court.
Former pupil Hamish Bond’s effort to help win back-to-back Olympic gold medals in the men’s coxless pair would not have hurt the sport either.
"We’ve had a huge interest this year, which is great coming off an Olympic year," coach Jamie McKenzie said.
"They are such big numbers and that is what you need to be able to retain such a successful school programme."
McKenzie (21) has joined the programme at Otago Boys’ this year.
He is in his final year of a teaching degree and wants to pursue a career in sport management.
He rowed while attending John McGlashan College but switched to coaching after leaving school.
"I just found a real passion for coaching ... and that kind of fostered my love of teaching as well, which is what I study. The two really complement each other."
He has been coaching at school level for four years and is in his third year coaching the Otago under-20 sculling team.
The other new coach to the programme is 18-year-old Charlie Turner.
She is the daughter of celebrated golfer Greg Turner.
"I’ve been rowing since year 8 at Wakatipu High School and I was asked to do some coaching for them for the novice rowers coming in," she said.
"Then they asked me to do some coaching during the season and I ended up being a fulltime coach."
Turner is a first year student studying media, film and politics.
"I think that rowing is something that is becoming stronger and stronger nationwide and the intake this year for us is quite significant."
The school has about 30 boys in the programme and both coaches believe the new boat will be a great asset for the school, help lift participation, boost morale and maybe even improve results.
