Doing drills well is one of the great pleasures in my own rowing. And using drills as a coaching aide has been very effective. Getting very skilful at doing drills is one of the best ways to improve technique. Whether they are isolation drills or exaggeration drills, both enhance your bladework, body positioning and ability to deliver power.
The past months I’ve been hard at work revising the drills videos we sell. And I now need your help.
Two versions
Our design team has done two different stylings for the same video. Which do you prefer?
How could I have explained the drills better / differently?
Shoot me a quick reply please.
Do share the videos with your rowing friends who might benefit.
Have a great week.
Rebecca
Our most recent podcast
Rushing off the back. Episode #2 in Speed Murdering Mistakes – a mini series. What causes it, how to use your finish technique to get “speed for free”. Click the image to watch.
Boathouse Chat for the Weekend
Gearing up for our annual free public Learn to Row Day June 1. New this year: land mock-up for learning the “one-foot-in-and-down” move, using a disused Laser single sans riggers, step-up boxes representing the dock, and our proprietary Minter rigger simulators with sweep oar. Pix show beta assembly. We’ll report back with whether this optimized guests’ time on the water in eights. Recent heavy rains mean the non-floating dock is just underwater.
Tips for safely transporting your 1x on a car roof rack
Transporting your single scull on a car roof rack can be a convenient way to get your boat to the water especially if you can’t get a rack at your rowing club. Transporting to regattas and that important first drive after buying a new boat means you may have safety concerns and challenges. From ensuring stability to adhering to road safety measures, here are some tips to help you transport your single scull with confidence .
1. Securing Your Single Scull
One common concern among rowers is whether it’s necessary to tie a bowball down when car topping a single scull on a roof rack. The answer? It depends. If your car roof rack is sturdy and well-designed, you may not need to tie the bowball down. However, if you notice any wobbling or instability, it’s advisable to secure the bowball to prevent potential accidents or damage to your boat and car.
To tie down the bow ball securely, follow these steps:
Choose the Right Straps: Use high-quality straps or tie-downs designed specifically for securing boats to roof racks. Avoid using ropes or cords that may stretch or fray over time.
Position the Boat: Before securing the bow ball, ensure that your single scull is positioned correctly on the roof rack. Center the boat on the rack and align it parallel to the vehicle to distribute weight evenly. Check overhang at front and rear aligns with local road safety rules.
Attach the Straps: Place one strap over the bow ball and another strap over the stern canvas of the boat. Make sure the straps are positioned around the boat without any twists.
Tighten the Straps: Pull the straps so they are straight but not taut. You want to allow a bit of slack as the boat will bounce when the road surface is uneven. To get a snug fit around the boat, you can use electrical tape around the strap and hull. Do NOT pull the strap tight. If wind gets under the boat or you hit a pot hole, this can cause the hull to crack because there isn’t enough flex in the tie down strap. For the bow ball, attach the strap to your car’s tow bar loop (under the front bumper/fender). For the stern, you may need to shut it into the boot / trunk if there isn’t a suitable place to tie to.
Double-Check the Security: Once the bow ball is tied on, double-check the strap. Give the boat a gentle shake to test for a bit of movement / looseness – this is what you want.
2. Stabilising Your Car Roof Rack
Another issue rowers often face is a wobbly car roof rack when carrying a single scull. A shaky roof rack can be nerve-wracking and potentially dangerous, especially….
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