26 Hour
Row for Yak
All proceeds go directly to Yak
A mate of the Rhino community is fighting the hardest battle of his life. The Rhino community is coming together for a 26-hour continuous rowing fundraiser to support Jacek — known to everyone as Yak — on his road to recovery. Buy a slot. Show up. Row hard.
Who We're Rowing For
Yak's Story
"Getting into a clinic that will prioritise my recovery 24/7 is the best chance I have for walking again."
On 21 February 2026, Jacek — Yak to everyone who knows him — was playing a trial match for the Burleigh Bears when his life changed in an instant. Caught awkwardly in a tackle, he landed on his head. His C4–C5 vertebrae were dislocated on impact, and he lost all feeling from the shoulders down.
He was airlifted to Princess Alexandra Hospital, put into an induced coma, and underwent emergency surgery to fuse his C4–C5. Over the following two weeks he had two neck surgeries, was brought out of the coma, and had a tracheostomy performed. His immediate fight became getting off the ventilator and out of ICU.
That fight isn't over. Spinal cord injury recovery is different for every person — there's no guaranteed path, no silver bullet. Which is why Yak and his family are focused on getting him access to the best SCI rehabilitation clinics in the world, where specialists can work on his recovery around the clock.
That level of care costs between $750,000 and $1,500,000 for six months, plus flights and ongoing support. Every dollar from this event goes directly toward giving Yak his best shot at walking again.
— From Yak: "To anyone who has already donated or helped in any way, I sincerely thank you from the bottom of my heart."
Date of Injury
21 February 2026 — trial match for the Burleigh Bears
Injury
C4–C5 dislocation. Loss of feeling from shoulders down. Two emergency surgeries, induced coma, tracheostomy.
The Goal
World-class SCI rehabilitation overseas — the best possible chance at a full recovery.
What It Costs
$750,000–$1,500,000 for 6+ months of specialist rehab, plus flights and ongoing care.
Where Your Money Goes
Every single dollar raised from this event goes directly to Yak. No fees, no cuts.
Can't make it on the day? You can still support Yak directly.
Book Your Hour
Claim a Time Slot
$100 per slot — every dollar goes straight to Yak. Click your rower, pick your time slot on Humanitix, and lock it in. Let's sell out both! 🦏
Total Raised
$3,600Goal
$10,000Slots sell out automatically on Humanitix when purchased. Check each rower for current availability.
Can't make it on the day?
💛 Donate for Yak's RecoveryCan't make it on the day? No worries — there's still a way to show up for Yak. Every dollar donated goes directly to Yak and his family to help fund world-class spinal cord injury rehabilitation. No minimum — whatever you can give makes a difference.
How It Works
What to Expect
Everything you need to know before you sign up.
📍 Location
Rhino Health & Fitness
7/16 Mangrove Lane, Taren Point NSW 2229
💸 $100 Per Slot
100% of proceeds go directly to Yak. No fees, no cuts — straight through.
🚣 Your Job
Show up to your time slot ready to row for your full hour. You'll be handed off from the previous rower.
📅 Dates
Saturday 2 May starting at 6:00 AM through to Sunday 3 May at 8:00 AM. 26 hours straight.
👥 Sharing a Slot
One slot, up to 4 people max. Solo, pairs, threes, or a full team of 4 — split the hour however you like. One $100 payment covers the slot.
❓ Questions
Reach out at ryan@rhinohealthandfitness.com.au or DM us on Instagram.
Bragging Rights on the Line
Most Metres Wins
It's not just a fundraiser — there's a competition running across every slot. Most metres rowed in your hour takes the crown. Four categories, four sets of winners.
Solo
Just you vs the rower. One person, one hour, as many metres as you can pull. Pure individual effort.
Pairs
Two people sharing the seat. Tag-team your way through the hour and stack up the combined metres.
Threes
Three rowers rotating through the hour. Fresh legs, no excuses — keep the metres coming.
Team of 4
The full squad. Four people, one rower, maximum rotation — go after the biggest combined distance of the day.
Total metres displayed on the rower monitor at the end of your hour is your official score.
One winner per category — most metres in the hour across all slots for each team size. Results posted after the event.
Photo your monitor reading at the end of your slot and send it through to us so we can log it.