I’m just so pissed because my seat in the boat was taken today and I understand why because her scores are better, and now my coach isn’t having me race. I’ve been contemplating switching from my mostly sculling club to a more sweep inclined club so I can cox for a long time and I think this was just the final straw. I hate feeling like I have no control, especially because there’s no way my scores can get better than hers; dropping 5 splits just isn’t doable ugh.

Yea, I get that. It’s frustrating when you know that no matter how much effort you put into something it’ll likely never be at the level it needs to be in order to compete with the stronger people on the team. I obviously don’t have any experience with that when it comes to actually rowing but I’ve experienced it in other ways so I understand the feeling you’re talking about. The “no control” part is the worst.

If coxing is something you’re thinking about doing and you’re the right size for it then definitely look at the sweep-based programs in your area and send an email out to the coaches (or stop by the boathouse!) expressing your interest. Let them know that you’ve primarily rowed/sculled up to this point but recently realized that in order to continue with the sport and remain competitive, switching to coxing is probably the most realistic way to go.

Even though you’re pissed you lost your seat and won’t get to race, try not to be too negative about this situation. This is a perfect example of “when one door closes another opens”.