Does anyone just prefer indoor rowing?

[sarequads]

Ive been out on the water a few times now both sculling and sweeping and honestly I just can't be bothered with the faff of going down there, messing about in and out of the water, all the cleaning, the people are great but I just can't be bothered with the social aspect of it and I don't want to rely on someone and vice-versa.

I set out rowing this year mostly as a side hobby and feel that I get everything I need from it from the erg. Has anyone else experienced this?

[Dangerscouse]

As I'm a truly awful swimmer I have never been tempted to try OTW, and it does sound a faff too for the reasons you mention below

[Cyclist2]

If you like it enough all the "faff" is worth it. I've been in situations on both ends - too much hassle for the amount of rowing, and rowing is so fun it's worth it. Depends...

However, for years the first situation was in play and I did exclusively the erg for my rowing fix. I got slides, set up the TV/tunes, and it was almost as good as being on the water. Almost.

I now have my own boat (again) and am in a club with several dedicated rowers, so erg time has dropped a little, but I still do the CTC challenges and Holiday Challenge. Weather will necessitate more erg time soon.

Bottom line - the erg is great, but it's hard to beat a beautiful sunny morning on the calm waters, watching the seals surface, the eagles soaring, and getting a serious workout, too.

[Allan Olesen]

Ive been out on the water a few times now both sculling and sweeping and honestly I just can't be bothered with the faff of going down there, messing about in and out of the water, all the cleaning, the people are great but I just can't be bothered with the social aspect of it and I don't want to rely on someone and vice-versa.

I set out rowing this year mostly as a side hobby and feel that I get everything I need from it from the erg. Has anyone else experienced this?

I am a member of a rowing club, and when I am on land, I use a rowing ergometer. However, when I am on the water, I prefer using a paddle instead of oars.

Rowing looks extremely light and elegant when I see rowers on the water, but when I go into a rowing boat, I have trouble accepting the clunky feeling of the oars - which are some expensive looking Concept2 oars, btw.

(But I do feel somewhat attracted to those coastal boats, even though they have oars.)

[Tim huges]

The best erg sessions ive had is when someone randomly goes on the erg next to me and we start glancing at each others monitors, nobody says anything but we both know somekind of competition has started. I love the idea of being OTW in a boat with others, all in perfect synchronisation...i just hate being new and rubbish at anything, but hopefully one day i put my pride aside and go and join a club, nearest one to me is Edgbaston rowing club. Ive got a sneaking suspicion that id really enjoy it...im pretty time poor though, maybe thats a little bit of an excuse?!

Im surprised you didnt like it, although i have a fairly romantic idea of what OTW might be like. Id assumed most indoor rowers would be like pigs in s*** OTW.

[lindsayh]

Im surprised you didnt like it, although i have a fairly romantic idea of what OTW might be like. Id assumed most indoor rowers would be like pigs in s*** OTW.

My guess is that most experienced ergers don't really do OTW - never even thought of doing it myself - its quite a different skill, much more technical and often happens at inconvenient times with a lot of others involved. My guess it appeals to a different demographic (although some serious cross over) which is why many racing OTE are not OTW. A lot of OTWs really "hate" the erg but so it because they have to.

[Tim huges]

Im surprised you didnt like it, although i have a fairly romantic idea of what OTW might be like. Id assumed most indoor rowers would be like pigs in s*** OTW.

My guess is that most experienced ergers don't really do OTW - never even thought of doing it myself - its quite a different skill, much more technical and often happens at inconvenient times with a lot of others involved. My guess it appeals to a different demographic (although some serious cross over) which is why many racing OTE are not OTW. A lot of OTWs really "hate" the erg but so it because they have to.

Ive wondered what the people in rowing clubs would be like, i get the impression they would be a little posh and well educated...nothing wrong with that, but the opposite to me. I dont care especially, but snobbery and needing to be a "face that fits" doesnt really do it for me. Im almost certain i will try OTW soon...even so, i wish there were some indoor rowing clubs around.

[jackarabit]

The historical contribution of working watermen to the genesis of the shell racing sport is very important. You could ask member JamesG about his racing “pedigree.” Or the late Bob Spenger, wharf rat and collegiate crew for the California Golden Bears in one lifetime! That the single cylinder, make and break ICE put paid to that source of boat design, strong backs, and the wagering demiurge is no secret. Wealth, social privilege and Old Ivy are the “demographic” that has floated the boats since the early 20th C.

The logistical complications of multi-seat racing are largely eliminated in the case of the recreational single scull altho the cost of water side, sheltered storage isn’t cheap. What I hear of novice sweep crews is that synchronized effort demands a submersion of ego and self-determination which doesn’t come natural to most! What I know is that I enjoy prying a beamy, sliding seat tub with a bit of final stability thru flat, non-tidal water despite my severely limited skillset. One hand for the handles; one hand for the beer!

[Erik A]

i did a bit of rowing back when i was at school (many centuries ago) and it was ok but didnt really keep it up. fast forward to now and i will be back onto the erg after injury and much prefer it to OTW.
although i do use a kayak for my OTW stuff and as mentioned above there is nothing like being out at sea on a summers day with no wind etc etc. it is so relaxing you can literaly see the stress fall off you. on the plus side with using a kayak i have it set up for fishing so when i want a relaxing day out on the water i put the kayak on the roof hit the beach and go for a paddle with some fishing added in. sometimes im out for over 12hrs and can be anywhere up to 15km offshore.