Boys (and Girls) in the Boat—Life Lessons from Rowing 58th Head of the Charles Regatta this past weekend had me reflecting since stumbling into novice women’s team at Tech, then Harvard KSG grad boat, and decades of shore line spectating. A few came to mind: 1) All 8 pulling in same direction while facing backwards means trust 2) work with the water not against it—remember slow slide to glide 2) one rower going too fast can slow everyone down 3) but still keep up-catching a crab (oar stuck in water) can mean a black eye (or eye infection!) 4) communicate communicate communicate 5) never too old (89 year old at this years regatta started rowing at 57) 6) small countries (NZ, NE, DN) are outperforming large countries (US)-why? 7) race against your own clock 8) avoid entanglement and collisions (especially under bridges) 9) More accessibility and diversity is needed for this sport to survive 10) always have another power 10 ready Way enough!
I don't know much about rowing, but I like that the littlest one at the back is the one in charge! In 'traditional' institutions that eventually created a tiny opportunity for women to get involved and carved a path (not the most appropriate metaphor for a water sport?) for others to take their rightful place.
Christine Bailey 🚣♀️
Absolutely all true! Thank you for posting! As someone who knew nothing about rowing and then learned through our daughter’s experience in the boat, I have fallen in love with the sport! So many life lessons to be learned.
Love these visual lessons. Thanks.
Yes! Perfect life-lessons. For more: “The Boys in the Boat” by Daniel James Brown (movie release 25 December). Or just ask Alice Lin Pomponio
I love this Alice Lin Pomponio!
very wise Alice!
Wise words!! Thanks, Alice!
Audiovisual Sales Engineer at Boston Light and Sound
1y11) It may look smooth from the shore, but it's controlled chaos inside the shell. 12) No one can explain "swing", but you know it when you feel it... and everything feels easy when a team is perfectly in-sync.