Category Archives: Educational

The Red Rose Crew

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Most people mention the “Boys in the Boat” as the book through which they learned about rowing. But “The Red Rose Crew” gives you the history about the “girls in the boat” and I find this to be the MOST UPLIFTING book about rowing for women. Especially chapter 2 about Gail Pierson who started as a single sculler. Here’s a quote from that chapter:: “Single scullers were an odd lot, even in the peculiar world of rowing. They were both revered and distrusted by other rowers—-revered because sculling was a higher form of rowing art, much harder to learn than the “sweep” rowing done at colleges……..single scullers were outcasts in the world of rowing, frequently the one’s who couldn’t stand being coached or weren’t very tolerant of rowing in the same boat with others. ”

The Red Rose Crew  A True Story of Women, Winning and the Water

The Red Rose Crew cover

Balance or no?

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If you go to the RegattaCentral website you will see a beautiful picture (this one) in a slideshow of beautiful rowing pictures. A young lady sculling is presented and you think to yourself how balanced she looks. But look closely and you will see that the boat is tilted slightly to the left. That is her right, her port side. The boat handle grips show the standard “left over right” , the natural cause of the tilt.Out of balance Regatta Central photo

On balance – part 1

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my back

When I can’t row (because of periformis pain or other pain), I go for long walks along the Rondout waterfront.  And practicing balance is a productive way of using the time to improve my rowing.  Balance is what it is all about.  Today I only managed to go 239 steps on the trolley tracks on which I practice balancing.  I had hoped for 300+ and was very surprised and disappointed.   So I thought about what I would need to do to improve. When you do this you should make sure you put on some insect repellent so the bugs don’t spoil it for you.  And the shoes you wear should be lighter and more like bare feet.  I wore Nike sneakers and it made for difficult stepping at times.  Mostly you need to focus.  Set your gaze at a point ahead and focus continually as you balance.  You will fail if your mind wanders.  Count your steps out loud to keep focus.  Notice how you walk and keep your head straight, your back upright.  Pace is VERY important.  Go too fast and you will most assuredly fail.  You need to be patient and go slow while you gain skills needed to stay in balance.