Sculling

Throughout my early years, I attempted just about every sport imaginable.  My poor mother was constantly driving from one practice to another.  Being tall for my age, and overly competitive, I was good at pretty much everything. Unfortunately, once puberty hit, I found that I was neither quick nor particularly strong…so I settled on distance running.  This approach worked well in high school, and I (optimistically) could have gotten a scholarship to run at a small college.  Well, at least until my IT band blew out senior year.

I arrived on the campus of Auburn University a has-been athlete who was inevitably going to put on that freshman fifteen quicker than he could change majors. Thankfully, my roommate Fritz talked me into attending an introductory meeting for the crew team.  For some reason, after being told that practice was at five in the morning and we had to carry our own boat, Fritzy and I signed up.

Getting used to the early mornings took some time, but the rest of the learning curve was easier than expected.  The concept, at its core, is simple: row your oar in sync with the rest of the boat.  Success, however, is in your execution.  When performed correctly it is a beautiful site and a very cool thing to be a part of.

As you might have guessed, rowing is also a wonderful team building exercise.  Having one awesome athlete in your boat does not negate terrible form in the remaining seats.  Consequently, a group that works well together can overcome a lack of power.  Hours spent sharing a boat certainly brings a group together.  In fact, I still keep in touch with many of my Auburn Crew buddies to this day.

From a fitness standpoint, rowing is unequaled by anything I have ever done.  Throughout the stroke, you utilize a host of muscles in the legs, back, chest, shoulders, and arms.  The repetition of this motion provides a great cardio workout as well, building endurance in addition to strength.  This is definitely a full body workout.

There was something incredibly serene about oars skimming the water early in the morning.  Before the hustle and bustle of my day began, this was a perfect way to put everything in perspective and enjoy my surroundings.   Even though I am years removed from the experience, I still have happy thoughts from my time on the lake.

If you have never considered jumping in a boat for your exercise, then I ask you to give it some thought. Whether it be canoeing, kayaking, or crew, spending time on the water will do wonders for your well-being.  If you have trouble pulling yourself away from the gym, then jump on a rowing machine (also known as an “erg”) for ten minutes and see what happens (note: ask someone to show you the proper form before attempting or watch this.  If nothing else, trying something different will be a refreshing departure from the treadmill, elliptical machine, and spinning classes.

In the event that you would like to give rowing a try, do a Google (or Bing if you prefer) search of local crew/rowing clubs.  If there is a lake or river in the area, chances are there is a group nearby.  I’m sure they will be more than happy to let you come see what it is all about.  For a quick tutorial, check out this intro and brief lesson on the stroke.

The great thing about rowing is there are plenty of configurations to choose from.   If you simply want a boat for yourself, then try a single (you have two oars – known as “sculling”).  This is the simplest and most convenient option.  There are two-person boats with either a sculling or “sweeping” (one oar each) arrangement.  Here is your chance to have some quality time with a significant other or a buddy!  There are four and eight person options as well.  The larger boats typically (but do not always) have an extra person, a “coxswain,” on board who’s job is to keep the rowers together and motivated – you might know them as the one who yells “stroke” repeatedly.

If you are looking for a little more freedom and relaxation, check out canoeing or kayaking.   These boats are nimble and well suited for exploring, shooting rapids, and long trips.   Just be sure to learn the proper techniques before going it alone.  You can read more here.

Maybe this is stating the obvious, but make sure everyone on board can swim before jumping in a boat.  As with all watercraft, it is essential to have flotation devices on board (in some states, the oars meet this qualification).

If you decide to give rowing a try, email me at matt@dogoodedness.com and let me know how it goes.  I will be happy to answer any further questions and help you along the way.  Best of luck!

Matt