Sometimes Good Intentions...

On Sunday morning not too many hours after swigging my last gulp of Pirate Punch at the infamous R & R party, I left for Putney, VT to row in the Head of the Green Mountain Regatta. I was entered in a double with a friend who is a hard nosed competitor. The weather was wet and the field where we parked steeped in mud. Still, seeing 267 shells in one place was impressive and even in mist and drizzle, Vermont in the fall is strikingly beautiful. Our "class" crossed a few age divisions and as older rowers, winning wasn't likely. However, what chance we had blew up when we pulled around a buoy at the half way point and my partner's oar popped out of his hi-tech Magilock oarlock. The seconds ticked by as he rushed to put it back in. When we got underway again, we were 30 seconds down--too far back to make a move in such tough competition. Instead we got into a good drag race with the crew that had caught up to us. We maintained a 27 to 28 spm rate. The words of my college crew coach entered my head that last mile as the lactose built up; "Are you willing to pay the price?" Well, I did feel like I paid it at the end and rode home listening to the Patriots thinking about how I could row better next time. But win, lose or draw, racing has inimitable pleasure. I'm glad to hear there are a few R and R rowers thinking of entering the Head of the Charles rec division.

WHERE ARE ALL THOSE RNR PICTURES?

Good question. If you take some time to venture down the left side of this BLOG layout underneath the "COUNTDOWN TO BLACKBURN" you'll discover "WEB SITES WORTH CHECKING OUT". There you'll find some links of pictures to the different events hosted this summer. Now granted, I haven't been able to process them all yet (must be a couple of hundred), but Celilia and the year-end party has been posted. In the next couple of months the others will be up for your viewing pleasure

PIRATE PUNCH RECIPE (SEE BELOW)

FOR ALL YOU SWABBIES WHO ATTENED LAST NIGHTS SEASON END FESTIVITIES AT GAILS HOME THAT BE NOW WANTING MY SECRET RECIPE TO ME PIRATE PUNCH HAVE TO WAIT NO FURTHER.

THE CAPTAIN IN HIS GENEROSITY HAS DECIDED TO LET THE SECRET OUT ONE MORE TIME.

MIND JA' NOW BE CAREFUL. THIS PUNCH OF MINE CAN CARRY A WHALLUP IF NOT PROPERLY MANAGED. FOR INSTANCE, I NEVER ALLOW MYSELF TO HAVE MORE THAN 3 GLASSES IN ORDER TO GET THE BALANCE OF THE FLAVORS JUST RIGHT. BREAK OUT A PENCIL NOW AND TAKE THIS DOWN. OF COURSE YA SWEAR ON DAVIES JONES LOCKER THAT YA NOT BREATH A WORD OF THIS OUT SIDE THE RnR MEMBERSHIP.
________________________________
16OZ BACARDI 151 RUM
8OZ MEYERS DARK RUM
4OZ OF MALIBU COCONUT RUM
2.5 CUPS OF PINAPPLE JUICE
2.5 CUPS OF ORANGE JUICE
4OZ OF ROSE'S LIME JUICE (FOR THE SURVEY YA' SEE)
3 TBLS OF GRENADINE SYRUP

MIX WELL AND GARNISH W/A COUPLE OF "CROSSBONES"
DRINK HEARTY ME MATES
HERE'S WISHN' FOR A QUICK RETURN TO THE WATER-CAPT

"Pinned at 270 Degree" and the "best row of the season"

Last Thursday morning at 6:20am Emily and I met for a sunrise row to give it one more try before the RnR fleet goes into winter storage. Since the forecast predicted some choppy waters and an increasing breeze coming from NNW we decided to take the two Club Alden Stars.

Daylight had broken and the rising sun was behind some clouds by the time we exited Little Harbor. Thinking briefly of which direction to go, I said "Halfway Rock" remembering one beautiful morning row, when Jack and I had made it out there. Emily loved the idea, since she had not been there yet.

Off we went. We passed between MHD Rock and Children's Island and headed towards Halfway Rock. The water appeared calm and beautiful except some long rollers, and there was not a boat in sight. The clouds had moved away and revealed a beautiful morning sun beaming low above the horizon by the time we reached Halfway Rock. The atmosphere on the water was too beautiful to return back home right away. We extended our row and continued towards Bakers Island. At times the long rollers made our row feel like slow surfing and within little time we made it around Bakers Island, where the lighthouse looked picture perfect in the morning sun.

After Bakers we turned southwest toward our home base. As we had set our course on 240 degrees the chop got bigger and a NNW wind showed some strength blowing from the Beverly coast. It became more difficult to maintain the Alden Stars on course and we found ourselves going towards 270 degrees instead of 240. Not only kept the wind us from going back home the shortest distance. It lifted the flat bottom Stars upwards on the winward, which made it more difficult to keep the starboard scull in the water. Emily said "it feels like being pinned at 270". We both felt like rowing on a rowing ergo-meter where one seems to make little progress.


It was yet another new rowing experience and at the end, I called this morning row "one of my best three rows throughout the season". Emily called it her "best". What a beautiful thing saltwater rowing can be. I am looking forward already to the start of the 2010 RnR season.

IN THE MHD REPORTER LAST WEEK

Salem Mission appreciates rowers’ efforts
Marblehead - Letters to the editor:
I write to express the extreme gratitude of the Salem Mission to Jack Tatelman and Paul Mazonson of the Marblehead Rowing Club (www.rocknrow.org) for their magnificent effort in raising $30,000 for the Mission from the Blackburn Challenge, when they rowed the 20 miles around Cape Ann.

Paul and Jack chose the Mission as the beneficiary this year because of the bleak economic picture and because, in Paul's words, “We thought, ‘Let’s do something for the least fortunate members of our community.’”

The good news is that the programs at the Mission are working: Even in this crisis, we have been able to move 70 people from homelessness into permanent housing in the last year!
In recent months, however, the Mission has lost one state contract as well as funding for its psychiatrist, so the funds raised by Jack and Paul will be a huge help as we try to overcome these cuts.

I can promise all who supported Jack and Paul, and all who support the Mission directly, that we will continue to strive towards our clear goal: ending the abomination of homelessness. The support from Paul and Jack is both inspiring and humbling.

Andrew Oliver, president
The Salem Mission
Crown Way

BACKED TO #1

Thanks to Carlton we have solved the mystery of the growing counter. It appears it was counting # of hits instead of unique members to the site. Problem is now solved with both a "Visitor Counter" on top and the "Hit Counter" below. With this new blog entry we are back to #1.

So much learned, so much to learn

I’m rowing a demo-day Alden Star along Riverhead Beach. The causeway, together with the full tide, is giving us the closest thing to flat open water around here despite the heavy winds blowing outside. It suddenly strikes me that I’ve been here before…different time, different boat, different conditions, but the flashback is real. Early last summer I had my first taste of sliding seat rowing, my first Rock N’ Row experience, at this very spot. An introduction on an Echo that Lorna and company had brought to a similar event.

That first time out was humbling, but exhilarating. Today is just as exciting; I have balance and speed that last year I couldn’t imagine. The catch, drive and release feel good. Last year I fumbled through the actions, fearing my next mistake would be the one to capsize me. Still, from that experience I was hooked.

I reach the neck and I'm returned to the present moment. I circle around and head back, the photographer’s boat now pulling up to shadow me. I try to ignore them, but some vain part of me wants to be in my best form just in case.

I return to the beach, and before I know it, I’ve found a learning opportunity. What starts as questions about foot stretcher position leads to a coaching session. Yes, at my height, the stretchers should be all the way out. My recovery should be more controlled, my stroke isn’t level, and I’m not extending my hands before the catch. (Only later does the obvious sink in that there is a reach to the mantra reach and pull).

Next up is the Star Double, and this drives the lessons home. If you want to spot your problem areas quickly, try synchronizing your strokes with someone else. Jack, who can “rush the slide” with the best of them, is no match for my body slam forward. Together, we’re a perfect example of quick backwards momentum slowing forward progress. But once we slow down and get in sync, we start to fly through the water. What a great training exercise.

One last row in the Quest and I try to put it all together. I can feel the bits and pieces, but know it will take more time, practice, and some limbering up added to my winter work-out. My mind starts to wander again as I reflect on these two fabulous seasons completed. So much learned, and so much more to master.

LAST SUNDAY ROW EXTENDED

The "YOU CAN NEVER HAVE TOO MUCH FUN" Subcommittee of RnR. Pictured here on their Sunday Row off Little Misery Island.From left to right: Gail, Sarah, Eileen, Thomas, Scott, Carlton, and Dee (Missing are Steph and Emily who rode the Alden Star Double into infinity and beyond). have asked the Captn' to extend the last Sunday Row one more week. How could I refuse especially after my third Mimosa.
SO.......
The boats will be available one more week only and I mean it. The weather is calling for great rowing. Call around, I'm sure you'll find someone who wants to get one more row in. You can thank the "You can never have too much fun" committee the extension of the season rowing.

WHY CAN'T I BE 2 PLACES AT ONCE?

Last Sunday row of the season! I'll miss you guys.

Rock N Row this summer reminds me of summer camp, endless fun activities, physical challenges, fresh air and sunshine, new friends, old friends and an abrupt end!

And a long wait, anticipation building to the opening of next season.....

See you at the party

PAULIE

The Challenge to the End of the RnR Season Row/ Thanks for the Alden Demo Day

Eileen and I went out this morning and it was later than our usual, 7:00 or so. It was beautiful to start and we went against the wind to Tinkers. Then the wind started coming up. It was wild and turned around. We were pretty far apart and each worried about ever getting back. It took forever to pass the lighthouse and cross the mouth of the harbor. I have never been so thankful to get to the dock. Hopefully tomorrow will not be the same.

Thank you to everyone involved with setting up the Alden Demo Day. It was great to have a chance to try the different boats. I particularly liked the double. I have never been in a double before and it does present a challenge to keep pace together. At least those few strokes, when it worked, it felt wonderful. Maryellen set a good example for me to follow and I would love to learn to do this well. In addition to a selection of boats to demo, the Alden folks brought along a tasty selection of goodies which were much appreciated.

THANKS TO JAY AND COMPANY

A quick shout out of thanks to those who made yesterday's Marblehead Magazine Photo Shot a reality. It was only a short year ago, after reading the publication I thought what a great opportunity for RnR. It was on the board's to do list with Jay in charge of bringing it into action. Yesterday was the 1st step in making that happen. Not to be deterred by 20+ gust from the NE, overcast skies and monster waves, we showed the editor and photographer of MHD Mag what our club was all about.
My appreciation to Jay, Carmi, Dee, Jon, Maryellen, Carlton, Thomas, Paul and Emily (Did forget anyone?) for rowing the salt. A special thanks goes out to Sarah who in the true RnR spirit came to help with the shore logistics and washdowns.

Blogging and the Future

Have you noticed what's happened with the visitor counter?

Either Capt is manipulating the counter OR we have a lot of people following the goingson at Rock N Row.

About two weeks ago I commented to Jack that we were approaching 1000 visits to the blog, I think the actual # was 950. This morning I noticed that we are approaching 1800 visits. THATS 800 VISITS IN 2 WEEKS!

AND over 200 entries this season!

Remember, last April, we had no blog, this is all new AND wonderful!

What does it mean?

What's the future of ROCK N ROW?

Some Year End Satisfactions

Watching many rowers progress well beyond where they were a year ago

Improving my leg drive

Putting 11 boats on the water with ease and efficiency on any given Sunday

No accidents or incidents

New acquisitions, including the rising of the Alden Stars

The spawning need to get an R & R trailer

Passing the 50 members mark (there were only five three years ago)

Putting the in-drag patrons on notice at the Tea Dance in Provinvincetown that we will row it!

Marking the spot of our future club house

Others?

A "DELICIOUS" SUNDAY ROW

What a different a day brings. After Saturday's snot of a day filled with wind, waves and downpours, this past Sunday brought out a "gaggle" of Peaceful Warriors to enjoy one of the few remaining Sunday rows of the season. Eleven of us got to enjoy the flat seas, calm winds and clearing morning skies as we took to bay heading North to the Beverly Light house on the other side. Initailly starting in the "missing man" formation in honor of Charlie who for some reason did not make it to the row (What happen Chas?), we soon broke up into mutiple pods of scullers. Pictured here in the team photo is Gail, Carlton, Eileen, Sarah, Thomas, (his friend), Paul, Jay, Jon, Kate and yours truly (bow shot front of photo). Congrats to both Gail and Kate on their 1st Sunday row. Round trip was an honest 6 miles. Not too many days left before we have to start moving out the boats. Lets get out there and row people!!

Remember Wed. Night

This Wednesday, the Marblehead Home & Style magazine editor and photographer will be at our dock at 5:30 to photograph and write about a club row. Let me know if you can be there! Wear your best R nR garb. This is a nice opportunity to portray the club for all that it is.

CAPTN'S NOT HAPPY

Saturday AM. Woke ups late (6:00) with th hopes of enjoying some morning activity on the water. Too rainy and windy to fish or row. I guess I'll head back to bed. I'm not happy about this weekend weather. Lets hope for a great Sunday Row tomorrow. All boats out on the water!!

Winter Rowing

Now that I am totally addicted to rowing, I have been searching the internet for places to row during the winter (I can only do so much on a rowing machine). I came across the Essex rowing club, they have an adult winter program! You can row indoors at the Brook School! I called and the new sessions will be posted shortly. I can't wait. Of course I will have to learn to row with a crew!
Then in the spring I am off to Florida to take lessons at the Florida Rowing Center!

So thank you one and all for making this sport so much fun.

A RNR LIFETIME ADVENTURE??

I don't know about you guys, but after seeing that video of Thomas V. jumping out of the airplane on "U Tube", I've been thinking about what will keep me young and spry between now and the next rowing season.

Nothing like jumping out of an airplane to keep those rushes coming...

Any takers??

3 weeks to get the blogs out - 8/21 Saturday morning newbie row

I was a bit nervous before my first solo row, but I needn't have been...Gail, Pal, Sarah, and Steve helped Julie and I (newbies extreme) get into the water almost effortlessly. Sarah, bless her, stayed with us the entire time as we braved the waters adjacent to shore. It was relaxing and great fun! I can't wait to do it again.

Now if I can just get the stroke down. Any advice from the group? I seem to pull harder with my dominant side. How do I fix that?

IS MONDAY THE NEW SUNDAY?

Well it certainly felt that way for Labor Day Monday when I counted 8 of the RnR's finest made it out on the water this AM. It was a glorious morning filled with low humidity, crystal blue skies and a gentle rock to the sea. Of course starting off the day was the early morning team of Eileen and Sarah. These two dynamic duo's have embraced the sport of sculling this summer and have never looked back. They are usually seen returning to the basin on the bright yellow Alden Stars when the rest of us are just beginning to launch.
I joined Jay, Emily, Jon and Stephannie on a jaunt down to Rams Island off Deveroux Beach. We found some wonderful flat water following the shore's edge almost to the Swampscott line. Jay returned the way we came while the three of us pushed East to the Pigs. It was here that Emily in her Ace and Stephannie in her Maas Aero decide to leave Jon and I in the dust. So much for companion rowing. Of course it wouldn't have mattered what boat they were rowing. These two women are such incredible rowers, they would have beaten us just as easily in Echos.
Jon and I not to be discouraged we returned outside Tinkers (Where we had a chance encounter with Maryellen who was also rounding the island) and outside MHD Rock to give us an honest 10 mile row for the morning.
It was an incredible day and following Sundays 20kt blow from the North, should count as the Sunday row of the week.
Enjoy your Labor Day :-))

WE TRIED, BUT NO GO IN TODAYS WIND AND WAVES

Eileen and I were ready to go out for a very early morning row. At home the winds were calm and the sun was thinking about coming up. We got to the dock later than usual, the sun was just up. We noted that the dock had moved and the plank was at a serious angle. We tested it and it all seemed secure, so we got our gear and boats ready. This would have been my second time in the Alden Star, so I am still figuring out the best way to get in. Eileen and I decided that we would leave from the same side of the dock so that the wind was pushing the boat into the dock., otherwise the boat would be gone before we got out feet into the straps. Eileen got settled and took off. I got mostly in, but did not yet get the sliding seat under me. It was stuck and would not move. I was trying not to tip and yet pull and wiggle on the seat to get it in motion. Finally, it relased and I was set and pushed off. Just then, Eileen returned having already been out and back and warned that the waves were breaking over the boat and there was plenty of wateralready inside the boat. We reconsidered our plans and went back to the dock. We cleaned and carried the boats back to the racks.

Instead we went and had a lovely breakfast and coffee at Foodies. Oh well, we will try again tomorrow.

More rockin, less rowin'

For the soundtrack to today's row, you would have heard the gravelly-voiced baritone growling: "More ROCKIN' and less ROWIN, at WRNR Marblehead!" The winds were a steady 10 knots with gusts to near 20, out of the northeast, and the tide was running in. As soon as Jon, Stephanie and I passed the rocks and day-marker just off our dock, the waves were fast, steady and strong. While I thought rowing down to Salem Harbor might make sense, cool-headed Jon thought that rowing straight into the wind was our only option. And he was right. We didn't want to be taking these waves abeam, especially not Jon and Steph who were rowing easy-to-swamp Aldens. We slowly made our way past Gray's Rock, our cockpits filling with water, and headed towards Eagle. Jon and Steph were some 50 yards ahead of me, their boats often out of sight in the waves. Just as I was wondering, "Do I really want to keep rowing dead into this wind", I head Stephanie's voice from behind asking, "Do you want to turn back? It's kind of rough out here." She and Jon were already pointed back to shore, and I didn't argue as I made my own 180 turn towards home. I have never moved so fast in a rowing shell! It was more like body surfing or boogie boarding than rowing, as I tried to time my strokes to catch the waves. And when I caught a big one, I went down the face of the wave so fast that when I bottomed out the next wave would often quickly fill my cockpit. It was great fun! "Catch a wave and you're sitting on top of the world!" (Beach Boys).

Back at the dock, the long slings hanging off the boat yard crane were flapping away, like sheets on a clothesline. Jon suggested that we have to carry the boats up the gangway on our right shoulders (windward) because left shoulder (a lee) risked having the boats blow away.

My drive back to Melrose was picture-perfect. The sky had the clarity that comes with late-summer mornings; the skyline of Boston seemed so close I could reach out and touch it. A huge freighter lay just past Egg Rock, waiting for clearance to head into Boston harbor.

While the row was cut short by the conditions (Jon said 50 minutes and 2.3 miles, I believe), the company, as always, was superb, and the row was as exciting as it gets (short of risking one's safety).

Rock and row!

Chas

I was wondering........

what would give first – my arm or my legs or my butt or my back or my mind? It was the back – a little pinch and a little stiff. It happened at Tinkers, but that was ok, because I had just rounded Egg Rock and I was on my way home. Not many miles left, so I knew there would be no problems.

The water supply disappeared about the same time. I only brought one bottle so I had to ration it. I drank the first half at the Rock and divided the last half in three, a sip every 2 miles

I must admit it was a little struggle from Tinkers to home base - a little sloppy rowing and I was getting tired. Some magic gel from the Captain might have given me a boost, but no Captain around.

I brought the Garmin, and I taught myself not to look at it every second or even every minute. I concentrated on keeping a good rhythm and to enjoy the ride. That is difficult for me, but I am getting better. I did get bored at times, and I don’t know if I really got into the zone even though I believe I was there on and off. Spent some time looking for fish in the water, but only saw jellyfish – lots of them. I also rowed into birds floating on the water. They were lined up in a row about ½ mile long. It must have been hundred of them. When they took off, they made the splashing sound waves do when hitting shallow rocks or islands.

I thought about Thomas experience with the fog, and it was good that none was in sight since my Star is without a compass. It is going to be swapped out so I have not put one on. So while I was rowing I was wondering how straight I could row with my beautiful blue eyes closed. It turned out to be a great exercise getting to feel the boat, how deep the oars went into the water, the balance of the boat and the direction It turned out that after a few tries, I could row straight for the minute or so that I kept my eyes closed.

It was interesting to see how the Rock faded away as I was rowing towards home. After a while it melted away, becoming part of Nahant. I passed the Pigs and then they became a distance dot on the horizon. Didn’t I just pass them minutes ago? Did I just experience the Zone?

Getting into little harbor towards the dock at the Clubhouse, I looked at the Garmin which indicated 14.6 miles. My goal was to go around the rock logging 15 miles, and I was not going to be short of either goal, so I turned around out of the Harbor into the open sea and when I finally got back to the float, I had an even 15 miles.

Let me end with a Thank You to all who responded to my blog: “To all the specialists out there.” I am a person who needs to be constantly reminded of what this is all about – that there is no finish line, and to enjoy the ride. I am still technical and I will still pursue the technical aspect of rowing, but I will, with the help from all of you, enjoy the ride just like I did today.

It’s a beautiful thing.

PS: Stephanie, my hands looks like I just had a manicure!

Zen and the Art of Shell Racing

I like being able to go fast in a shell, but the operative words are “being able,” which, like e-liz, is not always why I row. I love the unmistakable pleasure of harmony in and with the sea, which is endlessly intriguing. If I’m looking at my heart rate monitor and focusing on how much harder I can push myself, that doesn’t happen. So for me there are definitely days when rowing pleasure is only about being at ease so I can soak up every iota of my environment. But even on those days, if I row less well than I can, I feel like I’m falling short and disrespecting the process. Then on days when I feel like maximizing speed and glide, rowing well while rowing hard makes an obvious difference. But in either case, I can’t disconnect the Zen of rowing from harmony with the shell anymore than the sea. One can always improve, always come closer to the perfect stroke. It’s that quest for mastery that is the most fun for me, which I’ll never achieve but will never stop trying. I’ve been trying to take ten perfect strokes since the eighth grade -- really perfect strokes in perfect balance and proportion. I think I did three once. In the meantime, I keep trying little things every time I row to improve a little. I think getting better is nothing more than that, plus some instruction from time to time. Currently, I need a rowing lesson because I’ve been working on quickening my hands out of the finish and it’s made my catch a little harder than I like. It’s pretty subtle but I’m eager to figure out how to make it better. I'm watching videos, reading some and hoping to get an expert "eye" to watch me for a while. To the Viking I say we can probably help each other on technique, and should: To go faster but also to get into the Zone --the Twilight Zone, where mastery really lurks.

Here's to the Zen

The Capt respond to the "To all the specialists" post (seeking advice about improving speed through technique) with the comment that another approach is to not worry about it.....just go for the zen of rowing.

I'm here to second that idea, mostly to encourage new folk and prospective members who might be intimidated by some of our stars. If you don't care about heart rate and stroke rate and speed, there's still room for you. I know, cuz there's room for me.

I've been a member since RnR's beginning. Used to row a shell (which I still have), now row a sliding seat whitehall, a Heritage 12 (Little River Marine). In this boat, I don't worry at all about wakes and waves. It is relatively slow compared to a shell -- it weighs maybe 100 pounds, but I don't care at all about my speed. I mostly row by myself -- partly cuz I really like to, partly because I don't want to hold others back.

What do I do instead of monitoring my numbers? I get into the zone....the sound of the boat, the click of the oars in the oarlocks, the 'shoop' sound I deliberately make when I exhale in the stroke. I love the symmetry of the puddles I leave in my wake. I think about what the water is doing -- tide, current, wind. I look for birds. I stop and look deep into the water -- anybody notice the thousands of jellyfish right now? They're capsule-shaped; last year they were round. I explore the coast. Sometimes I chase fish action; no success yet, but I'd love to be in the middle of a school in a frenzy. I row a lot in Mhd harbor -- when the wind is right, you can row the length without dodging moorings -- and I look at boats, which is always a valuable past time, maybe chat with people I know. Sometimes I just hang out -- once I even read while I sipped some water at the mouth of the harbor (a Heritage has room for all sorts of stuff).

I'd also like to improve my technique -- efficiency is good, strength and technique are important if the wind comes up, and injuries ain't fun. But depending on your destination, sometimes you can find it faster by taking your time.

It's time to work and it's time to row

It's 2:00 PM on a Friday and it's time to row.

How I Spent My Summer Vacation

Ultimate flat water rowing

Ultimate flat water napping

(notice the dragonfly along for the ride?)

To all the specialists out there

During my last row I was able to get my heart to beat consistently under 130, but the speed was far from Thomas’ sustained 6 miles per hour for 70 minutes. My speed was more in the 4.5 miles/hr range. Now if I use a lot more power (160BPM) I only get another mile per hour in speed. I have been thinking a lot about this lately and I think it’s fair to say:

A) I am in better shape now than 3 months ago (OK, it should not come as a surprise)and my heart beat is dropping.
B) I am lacking lots in technique because I have to increase the effort a lot for just a small increment in speed.

Let me be more specific about point B. I have read about rowing faster, I have been watching YouTube about rowing, and I have been listing to people about rowing, and it has become very clear, but to no surprise, that it is difficult to row fast. I am not talking about competitive fast or big muscles fast, but efficient fast. I can only compare this with cross country skiing, where I could outrun most people while smoking a pack of Marlboro’s. I was fast not because I was in good shape, but because I could ski very efficiently. I had and have a good cross country technique. So short of jumping on a plane to Florida spending thousands of dollars in rowing camps, how can I achieve my goal of becoming a more efficient rower and therefore a faster rower? Does anybody of you long time rowers dare to step forward with your opinion?

Diary of an "unplugged" rower.

Last week, my family and I spent a week in a little cottage on Pemaquid River in New Harbor, ME, near Johns Bay and Pemaquid Lighthouse, and across South Bristol. This has been our fourth year and I consider it my “electronic detox - week”, since I am totally “unplugged” for a whole week. My MacBook stays at home and ATT offers no bars. One can only dream of a G3 internet connection.

It’s been the perfect place for kayaking, reading, family time, games, and fresh lobster from the local and oldest Lobster Coop’s. Yet, this year was different, since I traded our two sea kayaks (a single and a double) for an Echo and a Dolphin (to the chagrin of my family).

We arrived on August 22^nd, when hurricane Bill was still roaring. On Sunday we watched 15ft waves off Pemaquid Lighthouse around noon before heading back to our river cottage. At the cottage we had water access only during high tide. Therefore we (I) needed to coordinate every row with the time of high tide. I waited until around 3pm and gave it a try with the Echo. I ventured just a bit into Johns Bay but realized quickly that “Bill” still showed some force even in the bay. I decided on going back into the protected cove and rowing up Pemaquid River for a leisurely row. The river was calm and the weather was perfect. Smooth flat water rowing.

Monday was a Dolphin’s day. The bay had calmed down significantly and only a light breeze created a bit of a choppy surface. It was fun switching into the faster boat. My only obstacles were countless lobster buoys up and down Johns River. After my solo row I ended up turning into a new breed of powerboat pulling Alexandra in her raft (see enclosed video).

Tuesday turned out to be an Echo day. Initially, I dreamt of rowing in Johns Bay towards the Territorial Seas (the open ocean), around Pemaquid Point to Pemaquid Lighthouse. Yet, 2.5 miles into my row the rolling 2.5-3ft swells made me uncomfortable even in the stable Echo. Every so often there would be a 3-4ft wave pushing my heartbeat wayyyyyy above 109 (180 to be exact). I waited for the right moment to turn around in between two waves and went back home.

Wednesday turned back into a Dolphin day. First, I rowed with Ilene, who gave the Echo a try and liked it. Then, I took off by myself and crossed the busy Johns Bay over to South Bristol, where one of the narrowest bridges must be opened before boats can continue into the Damariscotta River. The span of my sculls barely made it through the narrow pathway and bystanders and boaters were watching and probably wondering what a rower was doing in this sacred turf of Maine Lobster fishermen. The row up north and back home was exceptional. Light breeze and wonderful water conditions made a great Dolphin row. At one point I even passed a sailboat. In the end, it was a 10 mile plus.

Thursday was father – daughter - time on the water with my youngest daughter Alexandra (age almost 12). She was in the Echo, which unfortunately was rigged way too high for her (as one can see in the enclosed video). We rowed about ninety minutes and a total of 3+ miles up and down the protected area of Pemaquid River. In the end, Alexandra enjoyed the whole experience and even accepted her first painful blisters. Afterwards, I ended up going out for another solo row in the Dolphin into Johns Bay and up north along Johns River.

On Friday I decided to get up at 5:30am and row during the end of the night/morning high tide. I was greeted by a beautiful sunrise and calm waters. On my way out into the bay a seal greeted me and sent some good morning smiles. This made my day. I then continued into Johns Bay and towards Pemaquid Point knowing that I did not have much time since the morning tide was more than a foot lower than the afternoon high tide. My goal was still seeing the Pemaquid Lighthouse. The seas were smooth and only a few lobstermen shared with me the calmness of the morning. Seeing a second seal on my way back, I returned home fulfilled with a week of daily rows.

In the end, I had enjoyed more than 50 miles of beautiful rowing in the river and open waters of Maine. Next year, we are planning on spending two weeks “unplugged”.

A Regatta coming to a city near you

Yes indeedy. Today's Salem News reports that Endicott College is hosting a six-college rowing regatta on.......Halloween!

http://www.salemnews.com/punews/local_story_244000804.html

Start time is 8 a.m. at Porter River in Danvers. Course is 5K, down Danvers River, under Kernwood Bridge, ending on North River by MBTA station in Salem. (Don't have my Eldredge's at hand to confirm that this will be high tide!)

Sounds like they'll be rowing eights; participants will wear costumes. Maybe they need some RnR pirates to liven things up?

(The scary part will be loading boats and driving back through the Halloween traffic......me, I'm planning on reading about this.)

The Facts and nothing but the Facts

Left the Clubhouse float at 3:27:39 PM
Route: Clubhouse - Tinkers - Children's Island - Clubhouse
Distance: 7.4335687 Miles
Time: 1:38:07:97
Average Speed 4.57648 Mph
Average Heart Rate: 138.4756 BPM
Max Heart Rate 165.6574 BPM
Conditions: Clear sky, 1 76/100-2 3/89 foot waves, temp 76 7/64

Do I dare write some more? No! It might come back and hunt me :)

DAY DREAMIN' IN SOUTH CAROLINA

So here I am in South Carolina, more specifically on the beach in front of the home my daughter spent her summer located in the town of Isle Of Palms. Behind me is the mid-atlantic warm as toast on my feet. To the left and right is beautiful hard packed sands strengthing almost as far as the eye can see.
It's the closest I can get to the RnR experience without my rowing scull.
I'm here this week with wife Debbie and daughter Jennifer to collect her things before driving to her college around 3.5 hours Northwest of Charleston.
So the best thing I can do is dream of rowing and sharing vacariously through the blogs of my fellow RnR Comrades. Not to be just loafing through my duties, I also just sent along the Sept newsletter which includes the Alden Demo Day on the 19th and the year end party on the 26th. (You can never message enough). I return this Friday but not in time to row. Sat and Sun AM will find me on the water weather permitting. I look forward to anyone who wishes to join me. Blessings to all Capt'n

Did someone flip a switch?

Went out for a 6:30am row this morning. The weather was just perfect and the water looked fairly calm. The forecast said "Light winds with a slight chop. Small short period wind waves. Winds: NNE 7 to 10 knots, Seas: S 2 feet at 7 sec.

At the dock, the water appeared relatively calm at approx. 1ft swells plus some wind chops caused by the NNE. I figured perfect conditions for taking out the Dolphin and heading towards the ocean. Yet, I was surprised finding myself in the midst of heavy Echo territory once I had passed MHD Rock. The ocean got rougher and the waves crashed over both riggers. The busy traffic from various Lobster boats and the Salem Ferry made me head towards Children's Island and back into the calmer waters of Salem sound.

I enjoyed rowing against the wind towards Beverly Lighthouse. For a few minutes I was accompanied by a seagull flying against the wind and keeping my speed before taking a turn towards a lobster boat. The water became much calmer and I enjoyed the speed of a faster boat. I passed Coney Island, Great Haste and Green Buoy #15 before turning around and heading back.

The current and wind brought me back in what seemed little to no time. It was a great morning row. A good seven miles in 70 minutes. Yet, something felt different compared to recent weeks. The air was cooler, the winds harder and the water rougher. Thomas, the manager at the MHD Trading Co. boat yard, mentioned "it's September 1st and someone must have flipped a switch".

There is no doubt: Fall is on its way. I am planning on making it out as often as possible during the next few weeks of our remaining RnR season.