Rowing in a race but not having a good idea of what's happening

[JulianMoreno]

Hello everyone,

I have been rowing on the water for a month, mostly in sweep. I am good on the erg, but I still suck on the water of course, as with any new rower. I am rowing in an open weight double in a race very soon, and I barely have a clue on how to scull, let alone steer the boat effectively, dock it, give directions to my teammate, analyze traffic patterns, etc. I am absolutely terrified that I will fuck something up, whether it be my boat or another team's boat. I'm not even worried about the result: I'm just worried about getting to the starting line. This isnt some small regatta either. What am I supposed to do? I am definitely not experienced enough for this.

[jackarabit]

Red-faced, liable for damages, or drowned? Nothing good there. Cancel.

[Yankeerunner]

I have to agree with Jack. After four years of rowing & sculling I wouldn't attempt to race a double unless I was with an experienced sculler and he/she was in the bow doing the steering. Do many, many, many training pieces in the bow before attempting to race it.

[Cyclist2]

If you plan to row bow, then I agree with foregoing this race. However, if you have an experienced sculler in bow and all you have to do is follow instructions, then might as well give it a go. You would have to do some practice pieces to get the communication down ("harder for 2 strokes on starboard" takes some thought until you've done it a few times) as well as all the boat handling, etc.

I've taken relatively newbies out in a double, and it's not that hard, but it does take a few times before it becomes a serious workout, or competitive. But sometimes just finishing the race upright can be very satisfying.

I always tell myself "life begins at the edge of your comfort zone". I have signed up for races, then some external factor puts me too far outside of that comfort zone, and my entry fee becomes a donation. I never regret showing up, though.

Let us know what happens. Have fun!

[Gorow]

Hello everyone,

I am rowing in an open weight double in a race very soon, and I barely have a clue on how to scull, let alone steer the boat effectively, dock it, give directions to my teammate, analyze traffic patterns, etc. I am absolutely terrified that I will fuck something up, whether it be my boat or another team's boat.

Maybe try this mental exercise: Imagine yourself 5 years from now, as an accomplished sculler. You have spent the past 5 years learning a difficult sport, investing heavily in time and equipment. Maybe you even own a fine racing shell!

Now, with that image in mind, go back and read your original post. Can you imagine how the you in 5 years would feel about being in the same race with the you of today?

Seems the decision to “postpone” your racing debut should not be too difficult.