[Michelle]

Not sure I will make it to tonight’s zoom lesson. Have company coming in. Just wanted to share my aha moments from todays practice. Went back to the first day(it is only my second day on the water). I changed my oar length and my inboard which allowed me to move back up towards the stern. I didn’t have tape but just sitting at the catch and looking at where I am in relation to the pin seemed like I was just even. Overall the load felt lighter with the adjustment of the oars. I went back to the beginning because to work on the release and tapdown. I felt I had more control when I did the stationary drill if I took my time. I was nervous I wasn’t going to be balanced so I went quicker but when I just focused on taping down same pressure and timing I did better. Still need to work on it through the feather for more consistency. I was determined to overcome the J drill. I had some success. Again if I was tense and rushed I failed every time. Was successful when I relaxed but “active core” and focused on hand position. Ended up with a better tap down but still think I need to be more deliberate because At arms away I think I’m adding pressure so I can square the blades as I’m approaching the catch. I feel a little dis one Ted at the tap down and change of direction as compared to other places in the recovery.

I feel like I was getting obsessed with conquering that and then getting frustrated and then moving on. But when I did that Or just did some steady state rowing I noticed that I was tapping down more than I was at the beginning of the session. So my take away was sometimes you need to love on before you see the benefit of the drill or change focus and go back later.

Changing of the inboard helped with the ability to do the open arms/big hug!

If I can’t make it on tonight, Thanks so much! This was a great class and learned a ton and looking forward to implementing this.

[Michelle]

I’m Michelle and I row with Baltimore Community Rowing in Baltimore MD. Have mostly participated in sweep competitively but dabbled in a single and have owned a Peinert since 2015. I love on a water community so have taken it out infrequently on the river by my home but the pandemic forced me into it on a regular basis. Now I go out regularly in it and am looking to improve my technique. Did a novice single race several years ago. Maybe someday I will feel skilled enough to race with the “big girls” and I’m considering a new boat.