Hi! So I have unfortunately not been able to get on the water and row for about a year due to family/medical issues. I can now luckily start again and get back on the water this summer in a non-competive program. I’m just really scared that I forgot what to do and I will be the worst one there. Is there any advice you have for getting back in the swing of things? Sorry for the stupid question, thanks!
This isn’t stupid! I’m actually glad you asked this because I felt the same way when I started coaching last spring and coxing over the summer. I was really worried that after spending such a long time away from the sport that I had forgotten everything I needed to know about rowing. I eased into it with coaching and it was almost like I’d never been away but I was more concerned with coxing because it’s not so much what you say or in my case, remember, but how you say it, your demeanor, etc. What if I didn’t have that “spirit” anymore? I was on pins and needles the whole time we were out and was driving myself nuts trying to think twenty three steps ahead but the first hard burst we did, my long-repressed inner coxswain came out and just like with coaching, it was like I’d never left.
Rowing is like riding a bike. Its the same repetitive motion over and over which makes it impossible to forget how to do. The first time you get on a bike after being off it for awhile might be a little wobbly but it only takes a minute or so before you’re back to impersonating Lance Armstrong. When you get back in the boat, it might look and feel a little rusty but don’t get frustrated by that. You already know it’s going to happen so just accept that and pre-commit yourself to making immediate changes as soon as you hear or feel that something isn’t right. You’ll know what changes need to be made too – that stuff is inherent.
Start visualizing the stroke when you’re just sitting around not doing anything … legs, back, arms, arms, back, legs. Swing into and out of the finish. Get all your body angle by bodies over. Unweight the hands at the catch. Grab the first inch, engage the legs, press. Legs and hands move together. Quick around the turn, get your hands to speed with the boat, and be patient on the recovery. Roll up early so you’re ready for the catch. Inside hand feathers, outside hand applies pressure. Support every stroke with your core. Chins and shoulder stay up, brains and eyes stay focused like a laser. Oh, and don’t forget – be confident. Attitude is everything.