First time rowing - realistic to rent a 2X for couple?

[luckylindy]

My wife and I are going to be in upstate NY this summer, and thought of trying real OTW rowing in one of the finger lakes (we've both only rowed on the erg). We don't really live near navigable water now, so it would be the first time for both of us.

My questions:
- Would we be able to just walk into a college boat house or local club and rent a 2x?
- By this summer, there will probably be close to 100 lb difference between the two of us (I keep gaining weight, mostly muscle, and she's losing it) ... would this cause big problems in our ability to stay afloat (or have fun)?
- In a 2x, can one person just kind of sit there and relax while the other does all the work? I'm guessing my wife would want to row for 20 minutes or so, but would enjoy sitting there watching the world fly by as I rowed for another 20-40 minutes
- Any suggestions for a first timer?

The place we're renting also has a row boat and canoe, so worst case we'll just putz around in those

[Alissa]

I'm not sure where in upstate NY you're going to be, nor how far you're willing to drive, but you might consider Craftsbury in VT.

Whatever you end up doing, hope you have a wonderful time!

Alissa

[jamesg]

No way will a boatclub let you out in a 2x just like that. Also, in a 2x you're facing the wrong way to see the world fly by. After ½ hour you'll have had more than enough of it, such boats are very hard work and you also have to look after steering and navigation, not made easier by looking at the stern.

Suggest a beamy fibreglass K2 to start with, much easier and weatherproof, quite fast and cheaper if you destroy it (which is easy with a 2x). You see where you're going and can paddle one at a time, which is almost impossible in a 2x. The only non option is good paddles, not too large and very light (ie carbon fibre), made to measure so you can compensate for differing heights and strengths.

It's perfectly possible to stay afloat and paddle for 3-4 hours in a K2, and it's also easy to go ashore for supplies or ice-cream, as they need little water both as to depth and width and you can drag them over the rocks with no risk.

[Rockin Roland]

No one is going to let you go out in a club boat if your inexperienced and not a member. However, many clubs from time to time do run learn to row classes which help teach you the basic skills. Look up the local rowing association in that area to see what's on offer. It may not give you the full rowing freedom that your seeking but that's not a bad thing because at least someone will be looking after you while your on the water.

[luckylindy]

Well, I guess I see why there are a limited # of rowers vs. other sports! Given that we'll only be up in the finger lakes for 4 days, maybe we'll just stick to the row boat provided by the rental home

[still33]

As others have said, you really need to learn to row before going out as novices. I bought a single and a double almost new, cheap, from people who thought they could just get in a scull and row.