Author Archives: The Rondout Rower

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About The Rondout Rower

Born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, a Pisces, Nelsie Aybar-Grau not only enjoyed swimming in the Caribbean Sea but she has enjoyed travels that have brought her in close contact to the waters of the Thames, the Seine, the Yangtse, the Amazon, the Mississippi, the Hudson and the Harlem Rivers. Although she enjoyed swimming she had never pursued athletics in any serious way. After a career in computer programming for Wall Street area financial institutions she moved into the Hudson Valley upstate New York area. Then at 60 years of age as a favor to a friend she started photographing the Rondout Creek and the rowers in the Rondout Rowing Club. After four years of rowing both on land and water she became president of the rowing club from 2014 to 2017. Rowing has changed her life. Living steps away from the Rondout Creek has brought her closer to nature and the meditative rejuvenation that it provides.

Great day for a race!

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I got up at 4am to go to the Overpeck Summer Sprints (Leonia, NJ) at 5am. Caught a glimpse of the full moon. Met Coach Carlos Perez there who would also race. This is the only race that has categories like Women’s Master Rec (for recreational boat) 1X (single). BUT! Helas! No one showed up for that category but me! So I was put in another race, the Women’s Junior Novice 1X so that I could at least run the course. Of course I came in last of 4, but since I am 50+ years older than any of the competitors AND I was rowing a rec boat and not a slim, light racing single, I feel I did fairly well. Had a wonderful time AND I just LOVE my little medal. Well worth the trip and effort. Wonder why no other older women do this. Oh well! An interesting (but old) article on handicapping is: http://www.row2k.com/features/295/The-Truth-about-Age-Handicaps/