Well there I was! Fifty-ish, fit-ish and standing by the water’s edge, in the freezing April weather, waiting to be introduced to sweep rowing.
We had spent the previous hour listening to Andy (Hodge that is) talking about his personal journey from university club rower to Olympic athlete and his training routine as an elite rower. He answered questions about his food intake, (lots of) and social life, (zero). We watched footage of the World Championships. Gosh, they’re good!
Then it was downstairs to the gym for a run through and demo of the gym equipment. It looked easy; but we weren’t fooled.
Back to the riverbank and shoes off (size 37), step gingerly into the boat and put on another pair (size 44) that are stuck to the floor in front of you; sit on a seat that slides perilously and clutch your single oar. Is this really a sport?
The cox climbs in; tries to manoeuvre eight people of various shapes, sizes and ages into some sort of togetherness and we’re off. Just keep in time with the person in front and enjoy the view!
It was OARsome!!!!
Would I do it again? Yes. Would I recommend it? Definitely!
