April - Looking back, looking forward

[dykebert]

Hey folks,
How is everyone doing? I took a few days off after completing the Mud Season Challenge, and then caught a cold\flu so it turned into an almost two week hiatus.

Since the 2017/2018 ends in a few weeks I started thinking about how this season has gone and what I am most proud of, and what I'm looking forward to next season.

Completing the Holiday Challenge is the one thing I'm most proud of. I hadn't rowed for a number of years (try 10+) and this was my first challenge of being on the rower consistently. It was the start that got me into a regular rowing routine, and, through the forum, found some great people and a great team!

Looking forward, mostly, I'm excited to see what I can do. (BTW I think it's a bit of a cruel joke to start a season with a marathon challenge. ) I'm looking forward to spending some time on the water with my oarboard (http://www.oarboard.com) The challenge for me will be to try to stay consistent during the summer when there is so much to do outside along with travel etc.

So what is you highlight from the past season, and what are you looking forward to in the new season?

Sharky
keep on rowing, just keep rowing

[DavidA]

Completing the Holiday Challenge is the one thing I'm most proud of. I hadn't rowed for a number of years (try 10+) and this was my first challenge of being on the rower consistently. It was the start that got me into a regular rowing routine, and, through the forum, found some great people and a great team!

That's great to have done the Holiday Challenge, and to rowing regularly after a long break.

(BTW I think it's a bit of a cruel joke to start a season with a marathon challenge. )

You don't _have_ to do the marathon challenge
Good luck.

David

[Psychopasta]

What do you think of the OarBoard?

- Pasta

[dykebert]

What do you think of the OarBoard?

- Pasta

I like it. I've got it mounted on a the Tower Explorer (inflatable) which is 14' x 32". In part because length = speed and in part because I needed a board that would easily handle my weight at the time. But now that I've loss some weight, I'm keeping my eye out for a used board that is narrower.

The one thing that seems counter intuitive is where you set the foot plate. Because the seat is static, changing the position of the foot plate, changes the pivot point for the oars. Setting the foot plate in the slot farthest from the seat, moves the pivot point closest to your body.

I got the 2 piece sculls, which I like for transportation, but are a pain to take apart. There are 2 spring locking pins you have to depress at the same time and pull the two halves apart to take them apart. Technically doable with 2 hands, but it's really a 3 handed job. I have a 3D printer and actually printed a little tool that looks like a pair of tongs with nubs facing inward to depress the pins to make it easier.

Most importantly, it lets me get out and row. I like that it's not fragile, and since the board and rig are separate I can easily handle each piece by myself so I don't need a second person to load, unload, and launch.

I will tell you that typically Whitehall puts the oarboard rigs on sale in November \ December. But even at their regular price, I think it is still a good deal. Especially since you can save money by buying a used SUP.

Sharky
keep on rowing, just keep rowing

[Psychopasta]

Thank you! - Pasta