The sole Tasmanian in three national teams that toured New Zealand for the Trans-Tasman Regatta late last week, the under-21 lightweight single sculler recorded three podium finishes at the North Island’s Lake Karapiro.

After winning gold in the lightweight singles, Ryan teamed up with Queenslander Portia Bennett to win silver in the mixed lightweight double, and capped it off with bronze in the mixed quad.

Returning to North Esk Rowing Club on Tuesday, Ryan said he had enjoyed his first taste of international waters.

“It was good to go over, that was the first time I’ve been out of Australia and especially to race some international (crews) - not only New Zealand but Canada as well – it was really good,” Ryan said.

“It was very high intensity-wise and from both nations there was no weak racing, it was all very fast and very intense.”

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Ryan said study commitments prevented him from tacking on a brief over-the-ditch holiday to the end of the regatta.

“I had to come back to Tassie to get uni going again which is unfortunate - I would have liked to (have stayed a bit longer), it’s a great place.”

The 19-year-old will have a break of sorts before returning to competition on the Tamar this weekend, where he will represent University of Tasmania’s Northern campus in the University Rowing Challenge.  

“In September we’re going to Queensland for the Uni Games, so this North versus South will be my first thing back from New Zealand,” Ryan said.

“It’lll be my first hitout after having this week and a bit of next week off.”