Finn Hamill’s Journey to the World Stage

Finn Hamill’s 2025 season marked his arrival on the international stage, highlighted by standout performances at Henley Royal Regatta and a win at the Head of the Charles. That success was built over years, not overnight. Growing up in New Zealand, rowing was always nearby. His father rowed for New Zealand and later crossed the Atlantic as part of a record-setting crew, but Finn was never pushed into the sport. He first picked up an oar in high school, quickly finding his rhythm in sculling boats. By 2019, he had already earned his first New Zealand team selection and international wins, setting the foundation for his breakthrough season. 

First Strokes with Concept2
Finn’s first encounter with Concept2 equipment came during his novice season, when he seat-raced into the top double and was introduced to a set of Concept2 oars. Finn immediately noticed how natural they felt on the water. By the following year, his squad had transitioned fully to Concept2, and the familiarity grew into trust. That trust deepened when he began training in a high-performance environment, where experimentation with different blades became part of daily training. Over time, Concept2 equipment became a constant as Finn continued progressing through national and international racing. 

Discovering the Comp blade
His introduction to the Concept2 Comp blade came during this period of exploration, shortly after the blade was released. From the first sessions, Finn noticed he could rate higher without feeling rushed or forced. Compared to Fat2 blades, which he feels load more aggressively at the front, the Comp offered a lighter, more progressive connection through the catch. That feel suited Finn’s rowing style, being able to generate speed due to a higher stroke rate. For a sculler who values rhythm and efficiency, the Comp quickly stood out.

Supporting the move to heavyweight
That benefit became even more important as Finn transitioned from lightweight to heavyweight rowing. Coming from lightweight racing, maintaining the ability to rate high was something he did not want to lose as his size and power increased. The Comp blade helped preserve that and supported a smoother stroke without sacrificing speed. While Finn still rows well with Smoothies and Fat2s, he notices subtle differences in how the boat responds. For him, the Comp blade has become a tool that complements both his technique and the evolution of his racing style. 

What rowing gives you
When Finn looks back on his career so far, two races stand out. Winning the Head of the Charles in 2024 remains special, not just for the result, but for doing it as a self-proclaimed “nobody,” racing free and finishing with a commanding margin. Equally memorable was his semifinal at Henley Royal Regatta against Olympic champion Oliver Zeidler, a race that tested both speed and belief on one of rowing’s most iconic stages. Beyond results, Finn values what rowing has given him away from the water. The sport, he believes, teaches skills that stay with you long after racing ends. Learning how to handle stress, pressure, and expectation is something every rower carries forward, no matter the level they reach.   

Explore the full range of Concept2 oars, including the Comp blade, here. Built on decades of testing and refinement, each design delivers a distinct feel on the water so you can find what works best for your stroke.