Rowing and the circular economy
The rowing world is good at keeping boats and oars in serviceable use for many years – but eventually something happens and equipment gets “retired” or handed on to another owner. I learned from John Leekley that Vesper RC hired a “decluttering” expert to assist in their boathouse clearout recently. Many clubs could use that skill.
We are fortunate that kevlar and carbon lasts a long time and can be repaired. My double suffered a crushed bow when I steered it up a pontoon – the repair guy gave me the long strip of carbon he’d taken out of the hull. And we made it into a new trophy for our club – the “Impact Award” presented for the first time last weekend.
I feel sad when reading appeals for equipment from startup clubs in Africa because it’s just too hard to ship boats there (plus import duties are ruinous). Although Eliza Camp managed to get eights donated from UK clubs out to Italy last year to the delight of all involved.
So when I saw an announcement about FindOar I had to investigate.
Johnny Cantwell has started an “oar matching” service. When you break one blade – which often happens – he will endeavour to help you to find a match so you can economically get the oars back to use.
It’s not selling anything, just enabling folks to pair up and get in touch.
Currently working only in the UK – but if anyone wants to start a similar service in their country, get in touch with Johnny.
