The Nowra teenager was recently presented with a NSW Union of Rowers youth scholarship, helping to cover the costs of competing in the national titles at Western Australia.

The scholarship also helps with ongoing regatta entry and gym training costs as the young rower continues to develop as a bright young rowing talent.

Damon was one of five scholarship recipients, with the rest coming from Sydney and Newcastle.

He is among large crowds of rowers who have been out on the Shoalhaven River in recent days, making the most of the improved weather and inspiration following Australia’s Olympic success.

The club’s learn to row programs, headed by coach D avid Eddington, have been so popular they have even attracted participants from as far away as Wollongong and even Sydney, who have been travelling to Nowra for the lessons