In this issue
- 2019 Sprint Regatta Season
- Oyster Creek Clean Up
- Boat Naming
- Rigging Basics
- Safety Reminders
- National Learn to Row Day
2019 Sprint Regatta Season
Now that winter is behind us, sprint season is officially underway. GHRC was well represented by 20 rowers who braved the cold and rain on Austin's Ladybird Lake to test their speed over 1000m at the Heart of Texas regatta March 2nd and 3rd. Lots of great racing, team spirit and some impressive medal performances by our crews. Well done everyone!
Special thanks to Derek and Abby for coordinating the event and for doing such a fantastic job taking care of everybody. You are going to be amazing parents! Thanks as well to Kerry for hauling the trailer, Joe for the pictures, Corrine for the bottomless supply of warm clothes, Jere for the huge bags of candy, and Bennie for the inspiration.
2019 HOT Medal Winning GHRC Crews:
Up next on the regatta calendar are the Texas Rowing Championships. Just like Heart of Texas, this regatta runs on Ladybird Lake in Austin. Same course. Same distance. Many of the same clubs competing. One welcome change: warmer weather!
If you missed Heart of Texas and are keen on racing, here's another chance to take part in a well-run US Rowing event with good quality competition that's relatively close to home. Reunite past lineups to build on prior results, or try a new combination in a different boat and just get yourself out there in a race. Win, lose or draw, regattas are an incredibly fun part of rowing. If you want to race, but aren't sure where you fit in, please let a board member know and we'll help get you situated. Registration is now open on Regatta Central and closes on April 8th. Remember it's your responsibility to register your entries. Watch for information on boat loading and other regatta details in the next few weeks. Go GHRC!!!
Oyster Creek Clean Up
Keep Sugar Land Beautiful is holding their 26th annual Trash-Off on Saturday, April 6, 2019, part of a state wide initiative to keep Texas clean. GHRC is proud to join in this volunteer effort by clearing the Oyster Creek waterway and pathways of litter so that everyone can better enjoy our shared outdoor environment. If you haven't signed up already, please consider pitching in. All you have to do is meet at the boathouse by 10AM with a completed registration form. Forms are available at the boathouse or you can click below to download one at home. Family members are welcome! All those under 18 must be accompanied by a registered participating adult. Volunteers should dress appropriately and allow approximately two hours for cleanup. Thank you to Ana for organizing!
Boat Naming
We are seeking your suggestions for names for the two club boats at GHRC yet to be tagged. The first is our vintage Scheonbrod eight, one of the oldest shells in the boathouse. This was purchased brand new by GHRC decades ago and believe it or not, has ventured beyond Oyster Creek only once, to be rowed in a marathon. Though not known for its blazing speed or ease of carry, it's been a trusty, all purpose shell for many thousands of miles. Definitely worthy of a name.
The second name is needed for a boat soon to be on order. After a careful review and discussion of our existing fleet and boat usage, GHRC has decided to proceed with the purchase of a new midweight quad and oars. Specific details on the quad and when delivery is expected will be sent out once finalized.
Please email your name ideas for our old eight and new quad to GHRCboard@greaterhoustonrowingclub.com. All members will be sent a survey by the end of April to vote for their favorites. These boats will be christened (along with the red Van Dusen single 'Ruby Tuesday') later this summer.
Rigging Basics
If you're like me, rigging is an aspect of rowing you rarely think about. We grab our oars, hop in a boat and off we go. Sure, we'll slide our foot stretchers forward or back, maybe move a few pin spacers, but that's about it. Things like inboard, spread and pitch.....not on our radar. Either we've previously had a coach that took care of all that stuff, or we've just rolled with the club's rigging and chalked up any bad rows to our own flawed technique. And who are we kidding, it's what's probably to blame most of the time.
But rigging does make a big difference. Small adjustments to both the oar and shell can greatly affect a rower's comfort and ability to effectively apply power. Correct rigging sets you up for a clean catch, efficient drive, smooth finish and release, and balanced recovery. It makes for more enjoyable rowing, a better workout, and can prevent strain or injury. As previously stated, you can't explain away poor technique by blaming rigging, but proper rigging will get you off the dock with a better chance for success. The rest is up to you!
If you are curious to learn more and would like to attend a show and tell on rigging basics, please click the button below to confirm your interest. Paul MacPherson has kindly agreed to volunteer his time and share his expertise with us. The session will likely take place on a Saturday or Sunday in late April/early May following club row and will last for 2 hours. Notification of the specific date and time will go out by the end of March.
Safety Reminders
As we head into spring/summer and more people make there way to Osyter Creek to kayak, fish, paddle board, dragon boat, etc., it's a good time to review some of our standard safety practices for use of the equipment and waterways.
Logbook
As recommended by US Rowing, GHRC keeps a logbook as a good safety practice. Everyone on the water should sign in and out, every row. Bow takes responsibility for their boat's entries. Keeping a complete and accurate logbook allows us to know what boats are on the water, at regattas, or offsite for repair. It lets us confirm everyone has returned safely. In the event of an incident, the log book provides valuable documentation for insurance purposes.
The logbook is also used to monitor boat usage and help the board make decisions about buying/ selling equipment and where to rack club shells based on how frequently they are rowed. For those that like to track their miles rowed, the report tab provides a quick summary. FYI, GHRC's cumulative distance leader is Eugene Janssen and the club's favourite boat is the Quadfather.
Many thanks to Peter Day for keeping the eFa program running and fixing its snags since it was started last year. A huge improvement over pen and paper!
Use of Launch
The launch was purchased by the club last year to provide additional safety and allow easier instruction, primarily during learn to row classes and occasional club rows. It's also used during one-off sessions for incidental coaching. Only those members that have been trained to operate the launch are authorized to use it. If you'd like to have the launch on the water while rowing, please contact the board in advance and arrangements can be made.
Security at the Boathouse
On March 15th, First Colony Community Association installed new locks on the boathouse doors. Key holders can swap old for new at weekend club rows through the end of March. If unable to make those rows, please contact the board to arrange a mutually convenient time. Remember that having a key is a privilege. Independent access to the boathouse comes with responsibility. Before launching for your row or leaving for the day, double check the bay doors are secure and latched and that both front and back doors are locked. If you ever lose your key, please contact the board immediately for a replacement. Please do not loan out your key.
Safety on the Water
Never a bad idea to remind ourselves of on-water safety practices. Keep your starboard blades to shore and bows should check their course often. Check the weather before launching and be mindful of changing conditions. Watch for shifting weed mats and debris, clearing your skeg to avoid damage. Be mindful of others recreating on the creek, such as kayakers with small children or fishermen with long lines. Make sure you know which bridge lanes to use and right of way at points of intersection. Single scullers must be able to handle a flipped boat and should row with a buddy whenever possible. And most important as we head into summer, keep yourself hydrated and protected from the sun!
National Learn to Row Day
GHRC is happy to join with US Rowing and Concept 2 to host National Learn to Row Day on Saturday, June 1, 2019, from 9AM until 1PM. This is an annual event where rowing clubs across the country open their doors to the public to give their communities a taste of rowing. The 1-2 hour rotating program gives visitors a tour of the boathouse, an overview of rowing equipment and a short row with club members in a quad or eight. It's a FREE event meant to introduce people to a sport they might not otherwise be aware of. Information on GHRC Learn to Row classes and membership options will be made available.
Several volunteers will be required to make National Learn to Row Day a success, so please save the date! Sign ups will go out in early May.