Race Day is Pay Day From the Captain, Penny Dixon

Dear Members

In the last newsletter, I was pushing the message of TAKING ANOTHER STEP UP.

I continue on this theme of looking for improvement in ones performance at all

times. We have had a number of club members compete in international competition since the

last newsletter.

Results are in:

World Rowing U23 Championships in July

Jacinta Edmunds in the U23 Womens 8+, 4th place

World Rowing Championships in August

Maddie Edmunds in Womens Quad, 4th place

Trans-Tasman series in July and August.

Australia retained the Rusty Robinson Trophy assisted by our rowers

Sydney

Darcy Wruck, Harley Moore – GOLD in pair, four and eight

New Zealand

Darcy Wruck and Harley Moore – 2nd in pair.

Henry Leef – 3rd in pair.

Darcy, Harley and Henry – GOLD in four and eight

World Rowing Junior Championships in August

Adam Bakker rowing in the Junior 2x, BRONZE MEDAL

Tom McLellan coxing Junior Mens 4+, 4th place B Final

For the Club and for Australia there are some really excellent results here.

However for the individual there is only one real measure of performance:

“Did I do the best I could possibly do?”

There is one correct answer to this question. The beauty is, that if you can answer this question

with a yes, but did not achieve first place, you can still feel like a winner! I suspect that our inter-

national athletes would answer “yes”. This is what they train to do. It is with this attitude that we

should all go into the next rounds of competition. Major competitions coming up for us:

FISA World Masters in Ballarat in October 2014

Head of the Charles, Boston in October 2014

Head of the Brisbane in October 2014

Head of the Yarra in November 2014

QLD State Titles in January 2015

Corporate Regatta commencing January 31 2015 (CRC fundraiser)

National Titles April 2015

Qld State Titles (Masters) April 2015

National Titles (Masters) May 2015

Remember that race day is pay day – you get rewarded for the effort and focus put in.

Also remember that the after regatta party is ALWAYS better if you have performed to your

absolute potential!!

And we need more parties.

Penny

Inside this issue

Race Day is Pay Day .......................... 1

News From Around the Club. ............. 2

Off Water News ................................. 3

Apologies ........................................... 3

A Little bit of History ......................... 4

Online Kit from RowBust ................... 4

Overseas Representation ................... 5

Meet the Members ............................ 6

A Short Story ..................................... 6

Induction and Orientation Sessions ... 6

Safety First ........................................ 7

Calm Waters - A Great place to Row…7

Masters Rowing Camp ...................... 8

Coaches Corner .................................. 9

Next Edition ...................................... 9

CRC Committee & Contacts ............... 9

Upcoming Events

UQBC Brisbane River Time Trial #2

- Saturday 27th October

Brisbane River

Pan-Pacific Masters Games Regatta

- 1st—2nd November

Coomera Regatta Waters

Head of the Brisbane

- 8th November

Brisbane River

Tweed/Murwillumbah Regatta

- Saturday 16th November

Murwillumbah

Head of the Yarra

- Saturday 29th November

Yarra River, Melbourne

Queensland State Championships

- 6th—7th December

Bucca Weir, Bundaberg

September 2014

Penny Dixon

Left: Adam Bakker

Fourth from Left: Tom McLellan

News From Around the Club Head of the Trinity

Jo Cook, Jenny Hart Three Commercial masters ladies

travelled north to Cairns for the Head of Trinity Inlet

held on Sunday 31 August. Beautiful cool day for

racing, although a bit of a wind made for rough con-

ditions on the far side of Admiralty Island. Jo Cook

and Jenny Hart raced a mixed 8+ with rowers from

GPS, Cairns and Townsville clubs. They beat their

opposition and came away with the medal in that

class. Sally Harper raced a women’s quad with row-

ers from Cairns and Townsville. Steering malfunction led to some interesting mid-race activity including a change of seat which

saw Sally start the race in 3 seat but finish in stroke. Medal presentation was held in the picturesque setting in front of the Cairns

Yacht Club. A good time was had by all – particularly as there were no croc sightings!

2014 Vanuatu Masters Regatta "Masters in Paradise" Matt Cole

A long weekend in June, what ever shall I do?

I decided to go to Vanuatu. I sold it to my wife as a 'Family Holiday' before telling her that on the same weekend was the 'Masters

in Paradise' regatta, the inaugural Vanuatu Masters regatta being held on the very lake (Erakor Lagoon), that our hotel backed

onto... How convenient, not surprisingly she rolled her eyes at me. An entry form was filled in, Masters Single here I come. I

teamed up with Andrew Goldstein from Toowong Rowing Club, and decided to enter the double sculls as well may as well make

the trip worth it right.

On arrival, we proceeded to the welcoming dinner, where we were handed our race schedules. Thanks to the National Bank of

Vanuatu the Port Villa Rowing club (PVRC) recently purchased 4 Singles, 4 doubles and 4 quads/fours, these would be the boats we

were to use, but due to only being four of each, the days racing would be, a singles race, a doubles race, a fours race.. then repeat.

I looked down the list and found my categories, Race 5 and race 7 I can do that I tried to convince myself, it will be a quick turn

around... at least the other racers were in the same boat (pun intended). Andrew tapped me on the shoulder and asked if I en-

tered us in the fours as well? with an answer of no, he then pointed out that we are listed in Race 3 along with Paul Coates from

Sydney Rowing Club, and Tibal one of the Locals from PVRC.. screw it why not make it really worth the trip, so now it is Race 3, 5,

& 7.

The following morning (Sunday) we head back to the course and meet our 'fours' crew for the first time (as we collect the boat to

race). After a rocky start, we find some sort of rhythm, and get the boat moving quite nicely (even if our steering wasn't), although

we weren't the only ones with a wonky fin (that is our excuse anyway). On the non-buoyed course, with no real navigational points

either, a few lane changes occurred. The officials (all of which who were Fisa race officials who had volunteered to help) gave up

on the course corrections, and only intervened if a collision was imminent.

From lane 1 we finished in lane 4, but it is ok because lane 4 finished in lane 1. We were up against a Local crew from PVRC, and

two crews from New Zealand. We were lucky enough to cross the line first. Next up and a quick boat swap, Andrew and I were off

to the start for the Men’s ABC Double, after a tough race the last 150 meters was down to Andrew and I and a local PVRC crew

(who were racing by invitation for experience as these were the young men competing in the world cup). Although Andrew and I

finished second due to the invitational status of the winning crew we were awarded the gold. As we arrived back at shore for an-

other quick boat change, we were told the Men's A 1x had been moved to the last race of the day, thankfully, because by now my

lungs were really burning, and my legs were a little wobbly. I decided to go back to the hotel and indulge on some breakfast as the

last race wouldn't be until late afternoon. After trying to limit myself from eating the entire buffet counter I spent a bit of time

with my daughter swimming in the pool, and playing on the beach, before heading back to the regatta for the 1x.

In the singles we had Andrew from TRC, Myself, Paul Coates from Sydney, Robin Baird from Mercer Rowing Club in NZ, and Luigi

from PVRC. Out of the start it was a close race, and you could have thrown a blanket over all of the field, by 250 in Luigi had a lead

by about 1/2 a boat length over Andrew, followed by Robin and myself who were neck and neck 1/2 a length again, and then back

to Paul. By the 1000m Andrew and Luigi were

fighting it out for first and second, and Robin and I

with less than a bow ball between us. It stayed

that way until the last 50 meters were Robin was

unfortunately able to get about a ½ a boat length

in front from a mistake I made. I ended up finishing

fourth, Again Luigi from PVRC was invitational so I

was awarded the bronze.

2

Apologies

The CRC Newsletter editor apol-

ogies for major errors in the

June edition of our Newsletter:

On page 1, It was stated that

our Men’s C crew was awarded

silver in the 2013 Head of the

Yarra and in fact the crew

won and are back again in 2014

to defend their title.

On page 9, Tom McLellan was

noted to be the first Commer-

cial cox to cox an Australian

crew, when in fact Ben Shaw

coxed the Australian U18 crew

at the U18 World Champion-

ships in Italy in 1987.

"It's a great art, is rowing. It's

the finest art there is. It's a

symphony of motion. And when

you're rowing well Why it's

nearing perfection- And when

you reach perfection You're

touching the divine. It touches

the you of you Which is your

soul." -- George Pocock

On the Monday I opted not to partake in the 6km time trial which was open to all com-

petitors. Monday evening we had the ‘Awards dinner’ where we were all presented with

our Tam-Tam’s (AKA Medals). The Tam-Tam is a traditional Vanuatu tribal carving, usual-

ly only given out by the chief of the village. The PVRC had sought permission from the

local tribal chief to be able to give the Tam-Tam as a medal for the inaugural race. Each

was hand carved by members of the local tribe and as such made it even more meaning-

ful for those of us that were lucky enough to be awarded one. After the official ceremo-

ny we were then provided a fire dancing show by some of the locals and of course din-

ner. During our time at Vanuatu we were invited to attend any of the training sessions

with the locals, and even go on a picnic breakfast row to the mouth of the lagoon on the

Tuesday morning if we wanted.

Overall I was happy with my efforts, and was glad I had made the trip. In total there was

approximately 80 competitors mainly from Australia and New Zealand, but there was a

few from America, and some from Europe, and amongst it all I have made some new

friends, and plan to follow up on the invitations to go rowing if I am ever travelling and

near one of the clubs.

Two Gold, and a Bronze from 3 races, I'm happy with that. And although I wanted to

come home on the Tuesday, unfortunately there are no flights to Australia on Tuesday's

so I was FORCED to stay an extra night... and took the extra time to see Port Villa, and to

show my daughter how lucky we are to have everything that we do. But we did also look

at some of the wildlife including the oversized starfish.

The event was held as a fund raiser for the Port Villa Rowing club, and the Vanuatu Row-

ing Association, which currently has several athletes competing in the world cup series

(and doing well for a club, and country that has only been rowing for a total of 5 years).

Many thanks to the Organising committee, and all sponsors and supporters of both the

Vanuatu Rowing Association, and the Masters in Paradise regatta. Of course I must also

thank all members of CRC for

having such a great club that

has allowed me to be able to

continue to row, to the point

where I have the confidence to

race.

I hope next year CRC will have a

larger contingent than Just ME,

so start training because it is a

great experience, a beautiful

course and just a great excuse

to take the family on a holiday

for the June long weekend.

3

Off Water News Newest CRC Supporter

Here’s Caspian White (beautiful son of Jo and Alex White) just a little larger than the photo in the last news-letter. He’s showing his support of CRC modelling his little blue jump suit styled with the CRC logo. Branded so young he is sure to follow in his par-ents footsteps as Commercial stal-warts with great performances on an off the water - Caspian being just their latest great performance!

Recent Engagement

Pat Storman, past CRC committee member and Queensland Kings Cup crew member, recently became engaged to Hanora O'Connor who was also a rower. Hanora stroked the All Hallows' School second eight in 2005. The club wishes both of them all the best in their future together.

A Little Bit of History The O’Connor Boathouse

This article was extracted from Jim Burke’s “Wobbly Boots”

“Dance Halls and The Way We Were”

The Old School tie is an occupational hazard in the ancient sport of Rowing although it was

originally established for professional competition commencing with Doggetts Race on the

on the Thames in 1715 which became an annual event. There was a legacy to keep it going.

Oxford and Cambridge in England and Yale and Harvard in America established rowing as an

inter-collegiate sport. The competition became a basically lily white brotherhood much to

the chagrin of the old Bastardians (Bastians??). Various famous scullers did thumb their

nose at the establishment and still proceeded to take on all comers for filthy lucre.

Organised Rowing is almost 200 years old which makes it 100 years older than Rugby which

became of parallel acceptance on the playing fields of Eton. In Queensland and all Aussie

States Rowing was for the Great Schools and as a sequence the past pupils gathered on the

river beaches annually to render traditional vocal assistance to their colours at the Head of

the River Regattas.

The Commercial Rowing Club in Brisbane was founded in 1877 and as it had a humble be-

ginning it did not promulgate the old school tie as a basic qualification. In principle they

were known to accept Soccer players and even Rugby League adherents as members. A

Rowing shed with a Dance floor above it was built in River Road which later became known

as Coronation Drive. It was just opposite Turbot Street. In the nineteen thirties a young

clerk was chained to his high desk perched on a stool for about 45 hours a week including

Saturdays. His commencing salary was about 15 shillings or $1.50 a week. Many were able

to scoot from their dens of iniquity right on the bell and make it to “Commercials” for train-

ing. Once on the river David Copperfield could fraternize with Great Public School Crews

and at times a Kings Cup Crew. Such was my fascination for the Commercial Rowing Club at

the O’Connor Boathouse about 1936.

Dances were conducted every Saturday. Vince Broe had the Band and valuable funds were

raised. One of my brothers and a cousin were members and also a large cross section of

friends some of whom were quite successful as all schools sporting representatives plus the

never wassers.

Office boys grew into maturity and the five gallon kegs which cost one pound each were

consumed with gay abandon after Regattas and the Governor, Sir Leslie Wilson was known

to play his part and then if time got away the girls would arrive for the Dance and the naked

rowers including representatives from Lismore, Bundaberg, and Rockhampton would streak

for their strides.

My Band played for the “Boathouse” and I also acted as Commentator for the Re-

gattas. This was just before my band switched to “Lennons Hotel”!

The war came and there was a mass enlistment. Some like Perc Lawler never returned yet

many are still around. The drama made the Sullivans T.V. series look like a fruity melodra-

ma.

There were new members drawn from all the Great Public or Private Schools and a wider

range of citizenship and the Boathouse Dances also kept going but they were never quite

the same. Stardust memories I suppose yet hundreds will recall the wide verandahs with

the moon reflected in the river below and the Southern Cross hanging over the Victoria

Bridge and then when the night’s work was through the speed boat rides tended to damp-

en the dinner suit if not the enthusiasm - That’s where I met my wife. The borers made

inroads into the woodwork and then they built a Freeway where the Boathouse once stood

for sixty years. If the wrecker did not get in for his chop it was probable the 1974 flood

would have carried it away. The new “Wal Hughes” Boathouse is on the opposite side of

the River near the Art Gallery and it was opened by Alderman Clem Jones on 20 April

1974. There is talk of adding a dance floor and if they do an old rower or his son or daugh-

ter may glance at the opposite side of the river and see the ghostly lights of the old Boat-

house with gossamer like figures gliding and floating in unison in one of Brisbane’s most

romantic Dance Halls – The Boathouse – The way we were.

4

A Special Request from

our Club Historian

Kaye Carpenter is asking mem-

bers to send in contributions of

photos or articles on their Club

achievements. It seems mem-

bers are very humble when con-

cerning their own exploits. We

would like these to go into the

Club’s history. Please

email kayecarp1@bigpond.com

Online Kit from Rowbust

Our recommended and approved

provider of official Commercial

RC Rowing Gear is Row-

bust. While Club Zoot Suits are

available all year round, Rowbust

have introduced Ordering Win-

dows. Order for Club Kit need to

be placed on-line with Rowbust

between 6 October – 24 October

2014. This will confirm delivery

before HOTY. log on

to www.rowbust.com

5

Trans–Tasman Series

Brendan McGrath

The International rowing season has finally come to an end for 2014.

With a number of Commercial members representing their country in

their respective categories at both Junior and Senior A World Cham-

pionships, it also saw a number of elite members compete in the

second inaugural Under 21 Trans Tasman competition. The men's

sweep group compromised Commercial members Harley Moore,

Darcy Wruck, Henry Leef, and Toowong rower Harry Jones. The home

and away series began in Penrith (July 4th - 6th) at the Sydney Inter-

national Regatta Centre. The format saw a Youth Cup style carnival of

small boats (2 x pairs, 2 x sculls, 1 x lightweight double) combine for

medium boats (1 x quad, 1 x four) and culminate in a big boat (1 x

eight). Australia came out on top in the first leg with a points lead of

148 - 122. The mens team paved the way by winning all categories of

racing (scull, pair, quad, four, eight). The second leg was held at Lake

Karapiro, New Zealand (August 28th - 30th). With time to reassess

after the first leg, New Zealand staged a small comeback in some

categories. This saw New Zealand winning the mens pair and setting

up a tight battle for the overall points, and the Rusty Robertson Tro-

phy. In the end Australia was too good for the competition and built

on their lead from Penrith to take out the scull, quad, four, and eight

on the way to the series win 287 - 253. The tour was a great learning

tool and will set up a platform for future international endeavors and

domestic championships for Commercial.

A Mothers Reflection

Karen McLellan

Longreach to Hamburg!!

As a mother you only wish the very best for your children and to give them every

opportunity you can in life - it is then up to them as to whether they take it and

run. Tom, the middle child, small in stature, sparkle in his eye, quick witted and

“spirited" - “never break this spirit”. (Words from his grandmother).

Born and bred in Longreach, schooled in Brisbane for secondary studies as a board-

er at Nudgee College for 5 years - he was given this very “opportunity" and away

he went!! Being selected in the Qld State team and then a National team was the

proudest moment as parents Angus & I have felt -we never thought that one of our

children would be representing Australia. Many times over the past years I as a

mother have felt removed and detached from Tom. He always got on with what

had to be achieved or accomplished in rowing and being so far away living in

western Qld made it very difficult at times. Tom got himself to rowing wherever

that was, but this also came about with the wonderful support, friendship and

understanding from friends, coaches and peers.

As a mother and parent you worry - as distance does not make it easy!!! The sup-

port I/ we give Tom is unconditional love, phone calls, texts at any hour and the

wisdom of a mother.... Tom’s response..... “Mum I know - you have already told me

- it is all good”!!

Not working, no car and nowhere to live once he finished school, was and still has

its ups and downs. We are fully supporting Tom financially as he pursues his rowing career and we as parents will support Tom

until he says “no more".

Not travelling with Tom to Hamburg, was a decision that was hard to make- however he was given this wonderful opportunity.

Text messages were our way of communicating and a couple of phone calls. Watching his races on the Live tracker was a whole

new experience - sitting / pacing the floor in Longreach, cheering and yelling at the screen with friends having a glass of wine. (We

were defiantly there in spirit). Listening to the commentator say his name when the Australian team was mentioned brought tears

to my eyes, goose bumps and me saying "mummy’s boy"

Overseas Representation

A Short Story

On a Saturday night way back in

1905, West End resident and CRC

member F W Hicklin escorted his

daughter Elizabeth Sarah to a

dance at the famed O'Connor

Boathouse. As the night rolled on

she made the acquaintance of

two well intended lads, Cecil Clive

Dixon and John Mitchell Ander-

son. Now Cecil Clive’s form on the

water was without equal and he

headed up the club's senior crews

however on the dance floor John

Mitchell was more than his match

and swept Elizabeth Sarah off her

feet. A romance blossomed, they

married and over time another

three generations of Andersons

would grace the club. The cur-

rent Anderson is John Russell

Hicklin Anderson - but we know

him affectionately as ‘Ando”!

Cecil Clive's work unfortunately

took him away from the river and

into the country and it wasn't till

1981 that another Dixon, dear

Penny, now our club captain,

made her way to the river and

pulled on the Commercial col-

ours. No doubt CC would applaud

her rowing achievements and her

ongoing contribution to the club.

How quickly almost 110 years

passes!

Char Travers 1. A vivid childhood memory is running away from

kindergarten because no one would cut up my ap-ple at lunch time.

2. The best advice my parents gave me was always wear sunscreen and never trust short men.

3. My worst habit is having no self-awareness.

4. The thing I fear most is the sun.

5. My guiltiest pleasure is having a bath with the in-bath shower running.

6. My first rowing memory is learning to scull at Kur-wongbah and thinking how stupid sculling was and much I hate Kurwongbah.

7. A song that gives me goose bumps is Milk by Kings of Leon.

8. The question I’m most often asked is why I am so pale.

9. I’m most contented when my feet are warm.

10. My association with CRC began when I decided to quit school rowing in grade 11 (2006), regretting it six weeks later and being charmed into joining by The Mary Fenn.

11. Proudest rowing achievement as a CRC member winning the Under 23 Four as a fresh faced 19 year old in a straight CRC crew at Nationals in Barrington in 2009.

Graeme Cannel and Bob Lack

These two characters (Graeme Cannel and Bob Lack) are not often seen in the light of

day down at Commercial. They are the stealth night-rowers (out rowing well before

dawn and back at the pontoon just as the “normal” rowers are heading out). I guess

those wee small hours are ideal for mateship and here they are over on Fraser catching

their tucker and living the high life. Fabulous pictures lads - see you back real soon!!

For all members who have not yet attended an Orientation / Induction. The next session

is being held at the Clubhouse on October 4th at 0700. This is a compulsory session for

all new members with the exception of Juniors (who will receive orientation from their

Coach. Members will find this a very worthwhile time to learn about how the Club runs,

meet the Committee, understand safety issues on and off the water, basic boat handling

skills and how to book a boat to row. Please mark this date in your diary.

6

Induction and Orientation Sessions

Meet the Members

7

Safety First We all have responsibility to ensure that we:

Use safe equipment,

are aware of safe procedures both on-water and off-water

look out for own and others’ safety while participating in rowing activities

Some reminders:

1. Please check your rowing shell has the required safety equipment such as lights, shoe laces (tied together to enable

speedy exit of feet from shoes in the event of a capsize), shoe heel tied to the boat, all bolts and nuts tight, firm bow ball,

no holes in the hull

2. Please check your tinnie has adequate fuel, has the bungs in, has lights, safety vests, oar and life buoy

3. Please fill out the log book before taking a craft and remember to sign in when you return to the shed – this is essential for

people to know if there is someone still on the water and if they may be overdue

4. Please make other crews aware of your craft to avoid collisions – do not be timid in calling loudly

If you find something missing or not working on your craft, please do not use it until the issue has been rectified. Advise the club

of the issue by completing the maintenance logbook in the white folder on the bench and tell one of the committee members

such as John, Jo, Penny, Mary or Steve.

Stay safe and enjoy your rowing

Jo,

Safety Officer

If anyone from CRC happens to be on the east coast of the

USA, I would strongly recommend they take a few days to

improve their sculling at “Calm Waters Rowing”. It is a

specialist sculling school in southern Virginia, about two

hours south of Washington DC. The rowing takes place on

a private lake that is always as calm as a mill pond because

it actually is a Mill Pond.

You can book in for three or four day stints and while it is

pretty intensive it is very enjoyable. There are three ses-

sions a day, mingled with high speed video sessions so you

can see what you are doing wrong as well as video of the

champions who are doing it properly. The school is run by

Charlotte and John who are both world class rowers and

coaches, as well as being charming hosts. The longest

stretch you can row is about 1500m so it’s more a tech-

nique camp than fitness but everyone sleeps very well at

the end of the day. The equipment is pretty good and kept

very well. There are plenty of boats for all skill levels from

beginners up. If you have never done any single sculling, it

would be a great place to start.

Apart from the rowing, the meals and accommodation are

just fantastic. The homestead where you live is an old

southern mansion that has come straight out of Gone with

the Wind. It was built just before the Civil War and has not

been modified. The food is great with the opportunity to

have the evening meal in one of the quaint little towns

nearby.

Calm Waters– A Great Place to Row

Masters Rowing Camp

8

We rock your boat. Already, over 400 people have had a great time learning and getting challenged at camp. Our great team of expert

coaches uses 29+ years of coaching and rowing experience to turn boring family weekends, stiff team bonding appointments and unsure

career athlete trainings and pathways, into the best times known on the water at Row-Craft Coaching Camps.

So, why camp? These camps are excellent for training athletes to adjust their technical abilities. Whether you are preparing for a major

regatta or just want to improve your rowing as a skill, we have what it takes to get you up to speed. Many of our clients believe so- read

testimonials from previous attendees of Row-Craft Coaching Camps.

What happens at camp? During camp our coaches will make a comprehensive and complete assessment of the rowers’ on water

abilities, ergometer technique, fitness, and general rowing and boat knowledge.

They will then identify, prioritize, and recommend any adjustments to the athlete’s technique that may be required, thereby helping that

athlete develop a greater understanding and knowledge of the requirements of the sport.

SATURDAY: 4th October- One day only 07.00 – 08.30 Introduction to camp and water training session 08.30 – 09.30 Snack, video review and general discussion 10.00 – 12.00 On water session working on required technique changes 12.00 – 13.30 Lunch at local cafe 13.30 - 14.30 Ergometer session 15.00 – 16.30 Possible on water session working on required technique changes

Location: Gold Coast Masters Boat Shed at the Boat House

Numbers will be limited due to availability of boats

Cost and Inclusions: Fee of $140 includes all coaching services, boat hire, shed hire and morning and afternoon teas. $20 of your camp

fee is donated back to the Gold Coast Masters Rowing Club to help support the local rowing community.

Interested? Want to know more? Email: Rowcraft@optusnet.com.au

Hope to see you at camp,

Kathy Phillips and Bill Caldwell

Coaches Corner Next Edition

Contributions for the next edition

of the CRC Newsletter would be

most welcome. Please email news

items, photographs or ideas you

may have for the Club Newsletter

to:

rowingsecretary@commerical.com

Club Improvements

Do you have some good ideas for

improvements around the club?

Contact Steve

secretary@commercial.com

CRC Committee & Contacts

Club President (Acting) - John Horrocks president@commercialrowing.com

Club Captain - Penny Dixon captain@commercialrowing.com

Treasurer - John Velosa treasurer@commercialrowing.com

Secretary - Steve Monkman secretary@commercialrowing.com

Boat Captain - John McGuiness boatcaptain@commercialrowing.com

Rowing Captain - Jo Cook rowingcaptain@commercialrowing.com

Membership Secretary - Mary Fenn membersecretary@commercialrowing.com

Regatta Secretary - Kate Beddoes rowingsecretary@commercialrowing.com

9

Three of our expert coaches have responded to some members questions:

Question: What is the advantage of quick hands around the back turn ?

Answer: Depends on the enquirers definition of this question. I think what they are asking

is quick hands on the recovery ?!

The general opinion is, speed into the body is equal to hand speed hand away on recovery,

so as the stroke rating lifts, so does the hand speed. My personal view is slightly quicker

flowing hand speed away on recovery, than into the body, my reasons for this are;

1. This allows for the body to follow the hands, flowing over quicker into close catch posi-

tion, thereby taking the combined body weight/s, of the rowers off the bow of the boat,

where it is compressing the water, reducing boat run, to back over the middle to stern of

the boat allowing the bow to lift encouraging more boat run.

2. Quicker flowing hands and body, into near catch position, allows the rower have a much

“smoother, unhurried” and better timed transition up the slide to the catch.

Remember the “catch is the stroke”, the better you are set up, ready to take the catch, i.e.

body in position, hands in position, the better the catch & the stroke.

Please don’t confuse watching elites, and ex elites, and copy cats, usually men, laying back

at the finish before moving their hands away slowly at low rating. This is called “posing” or

“look at me aren’t I gorgeous with my zootie top rolled down to my waist”.

FACT : Is this done in a race ? NO, then why would you create a habit of it when train-

ing !?!

Question: How do you row really fast?

Answer: By being able to execute technically what you learn to do well at a low rating of

say 18 at 30+, and maintain it for the required distance. (subject to strength , fitness , ge-

netic predisposition etc etc) That’s why so much attention is placed on drills, and technical

correction. For example, poor technique at 35 will not generally beat better technique at

33. Very good technique makes a crew or sculler rating 35+ look like they are rating 25.

Question: Is there a formula that you can use to work out how much rest you should have

between set pieces on the water? Should this be stationary or light work?

Answer: Recovery time depend on the intensity of the work pieces.

It takes about 6 mins to reduce the lactate to about 80% after a high intensity piece where

significant lactate has been built up in the muscles. You should not train fatigued. All this

does is allow the technique to suffer. Always maintain correct technique. If you are doing

Lactate Tolerance training, which might involve intervals, you could do a series of 30” or 1’

pieces with 1’30” active recovery pieces. Do 6 in a row before a 4 min recovery. Recovery

should be active for at least half the recovery time. An example might be to do 4 x 1 min

pieces at race pace. You should do a 4 minute active recovery after each before a station-

ery rest and reload with water. This is a short explanation of a more involved answer. If the

person who made the enquiry likes to ask a coach some day at the club, they may give a

more detailed explanation.

Question: Why is ergo an important part of training to race? And many should I do?

Answer: The ergo is a training aid and tool used to measure relative performance

“potential” between individuals. It is also very useful in building an aerobic base platform

from which to improve performance. Cycling is another good “base” tool. Ergos are im-

portant but not as important as there combination with good watercraft. All modern pro-

grams will feature ergo work in some form.