Although competition against overseas crews of world class is the only real way of attaining the standard necessary to win world or Olympic titles, expense has been a serious problem. Over the past 10 years the standard of rowing in New Zealand has improved greatly, due to several factors: first, to the increasing number of proficient oarsmen being trained in secondary schools; secondly, to the use of better equipment and more efficient coaching methods by the various clubs; and, thirdly, to competitors passing on the fruits of their overseas experience to fellow club members.