Learned how to scull

tom pinckney · Post by **tom pinckney** » July 13th, 2009, 8:29 am

Haven't been on for a while. I usually do outdoor stuff when it gets warmer and visit a lot when the indoor season gets busy. I thought I would fill you in on my latest (mis)adventure - OUTDOOR rowing!!

Took a class for 50+ (age) to learn to scull at Thompson's Boathouse, on the Potomac River, Washington, D.C. After 6 sessions (if you can row) you get certification to use their equipment (reasonable cost). Went out the first time without supervision last week.

I used a Hudson boat (little wider for my size). Did everything right (according to my training) and got in the boat - no problems. However, I just couldn't seem to get the boat away from the dock. Sooooooooooo I took my left oar and gave the side of the dock a pretty good shove to get away. Yep - took a dump in 30'+ of water!!!!!!

Got out and the boat center personnel looked at me as if......"that's it for the day!

However, I figured when plane goes down, don't they put the crew back on another plane and go up again?

Yep - got back in and rowed for about an hour with no further mishaps. Sure glad the water wasn't cold!!

A little different than indoor rowing!!

acrewer · Post by **acrewer** » July 13th, 2009, 1:30 pm

Yes, Tom, that combined move of step in and push off is a bit tricky to master. Glad you got back in the boat!

BTW you are missed on the Lunatics board..

Gina

tom pinckney · Post by **tom pinckney** » July 14th, 2009, 7:32 am

Thanks. I am on vacation in NC and will be back in the boat next week. I will try to viist more often. Great forum.

tdekoekkoek · Post by **tdekoekkoek** » July 14th, 2009, 11:06 am

Don't feel bad! I've been sculling for many years and usually take a swim every couple of years. The last one was when I went for a catch and right before going in the back of my blade hit a 40 oz. beer bottle. Knocked the oar right out of my hand. Teach me for having a relaxed grip!

tom pinckney · Post by **tom pinckney** » July 14th, 2009, 7:33 pm

Probably a Guiness!!!

tdekoekkoek · Post by **tdekoekkoek** » July 15th, 2009, 9:59 am

tom pinckney wrote:Probably a Guiness!!!

I usually associate those who drink Guiness with some level of sophistication (probably a mistake) and those who throw garbage in a river without any. But who knows...

tom pinckney · Post by **tom pinckney** » July 16th, 2009, 4:11 pm

Takes a real man/woman to drink Guiness! I went on vacation last year and the bride purchased me a Guinness 12 pack.

We had rented a very large house in NC with several family members and we all "chipped in" on food, etc. Everything (food/drink) was up for grabs. I had the whole 12 pack to myself!!

This year? More Guiness of Killian's Red!

Perhaps I should have a Guiness before I scull next time. That way I won't care one way or another if I take a "bath" in the river!