JURASSIC GIG ROWING LEAGUE
ROWING LEAGUE RETURNS WITH UNDER 16’s LEAGUE ►Report by Jackie Tutt, Jurassic Gig Rowing League
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T'S BACK! One of the largest coastal rowing leagues in the UK returns, and introduces a new U16's league. February 2022: Attracting 400 rowers, from ten clubs, and strong growth in new members seeking an active healthy life style; the Jurassic Gig Rowing League sponsored by AEP Compressed Air Technologies returns for 2022. Membership for every club has grown since the end of Lockdown with a real interest in Gig Rowing and trying something different. Clubs from Bridport, Combwich, Exmouth, Langstone, Lyme Regis, Poole, Portland, Sidmouth, Swanage, and Weymouth last met in Poole in 2019 to celebrate the end of a season of gig racing. Since the start of Covid, clubs have kept in contact with Zoom meetings during Lockdown, offering each other support and guidance and sharing ideas on how to create a safe return to their much-loved sport.
Now, the excitement is truly building for all ten clubs as the Jurassic Gig Rowing League makes its much anticipated return where members new and old can finally meet-up and race each other, and build on the momentum and growth pre-pandemic. The Jurassic Gig Rowing League regattas attract over 400 gig rowers, plus their families, friends, and supporters. They are a fantastic way to spend a weekend whether you are racing or spectating and truly provide a colourful spectacle and hive of activity wherever they go. Tourist and locals can't help but stop and admire the traditional style fixed-seat gig rowing, with crews lifting their oars up high, rowing away in unison, or the boats lined along the beach bringing a truly wonderful celebration of rowing to the coastal community. Due to the popular demand and interest, the Jurassic Gig Rowing League will look a little different for 2022 with two exciting changes. The point scoring categories have been extended to include a Men’s and Ladies SuperVets (over 50) race which now means the point scoring categories will include:
Men's A, Ladies A Men's B, Ladies B Men's and Ladies Vets (over 40) Men’s and Ladies SuperVets (over 50) Mixed races
This gives more opportunities for gig rowers to compete and win medals and trophies within the Jurassic League. Good news for new rowers enjoying their first dip into gig rowing and racing and really encouraging to include SuperVets who are usually the most competitive!
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Issue 10
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