Issue #1 (Summer 2019) The Wave - The Coastal & Offshore Rowing Magazine

The Coastal & Offs hor e Rowing Magazine of Gr eat Britain ISSUE #1 | SUMMER 2019

Inside this issue…

YOUR GUIDE TO BRITAIN’S COASTAL & OFFSHORE ROWING MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN YOUR COMMUNITY

Featured Product:

THE RANNOCH EXPLORER

Making a splash with your…

INSPIRATIONAL STORIES

ISSUE #1 | WELCOME

© C.S. Chaulk

© C.S. Chaulk

WELCOME

‘The

Wave signifies movement; Together, we become waves Progression in harmony’

Welcome to The Wave – the Coastal and Offshore

So why has this magazine been created?

The British coastline is approximately 12,500km’s or 7,760 miles yet it appears that the fine boat/river rowing gets all the attention and prestige. The title ‘The Wave’ was chosen to make it identifiable from river rowing, it signifies movement and the adventurous aspect to our rowing. Together as a community, we become waves – progression in harmony.

Magazine of Great Britain.

Great Britain as an island has seen its history marked by the sea and it’s not hard to see why; in England, no English city is more than 70 miles from the coast and the majority of the population lives within 60 km of the sea.

For centuries, coastal communities have taken to the seas to earn a living and many continue to do so today.

This history has seen our ancestors using craft and risking their lives combating the elements, it’s through their experiences and lessons that helps shape the way we use the water today.

Rowing today is more for leisure than necessity though through passion it may feel like the latter! Gig boats were traditionally used for pilotage, harbour work and even as lifeboats, today thousands now enjoy rowing and competing in this craft with the highlight being the annual World Championships in the Isle of Scilly. Coastal rowing sculls have made the transition from the river to the sea, a growing sport around the world with an annual world championships with Hong Kong the hosts for 2019; and the president of FISA has stated that coastal rowing may be considered for the 2024 Olympics! For some communities, the boat brings everyone together, learning the craftsmanship, developing new skills and friendships to make rowing accessible even at an international level courtesy of the St. Ayles Skiff.

There’s a lot of interest in saving the oceans - for us rowers, it’s like our second home. This isn’t an activist magazine but saving the environment is important and is why this magazine is not in paper format…however, if you wish to print copies for your club, feel free to do so to help spread the word. @thewaverowing

This magazine has been created to represent and showcase the varieties of coastal and offshore rowing on this island, which to some is a focal point within their community. These small community clubs and charities that help those in the community get active, social and develop friendships and even relationships. It can be argued that coastal and offshore rowing clubs are more accepting and accommodating to all abilities than the inland clubs due to their community aspects and inclusiveness.

To lose these clubs would impact the community. Many clubs are barely surviving and ran by dedicated volunteers and it is hoped that this magazine will provide helpful content and exposure in making a difference, to make your club more appealing to sponsors and to highlight achievements, raise awareness including the environment and open the door for new challenges whether that be rowing in a race or to rowing an ocean.

It is hoped that your club brings together your community, which then brings your sport together as a community of clubs, and as a rowing community, come together at a national level to help our sport and passion for it grow.

We all have inspirational stories, share them with us; share your competition results, news, and achievements and help provide the content.

Together we can grow stroke-by-stroke.

Enjoy the issue!

Send us your news, stories and results! rowing@thewaverowing.com

Craig Chaulk Creator of The Wave

The Wave Rowing | 1

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CONTENTS

ISSUE #1 | CONTENTS

A message from World Rowing

7

A message from British Rowing

8

A Guide to Britain Coastal & Offshore Rowing

9

News, Tributes, & Photo of the Issue

20

Events - The SkiffieWorlds 2019 Stranraer

24

Featured League - The South West Coastal Rowing League

28

Adventure – Monster the Loch

31

Featured Product – The Rannoch Explorer

32

Equipment – BioRower

34

Community – More than a rowing club

36

Inspirational – Oarsome Foursome

38

Your Story – First time experience at the IOS World Pilot Gig Championships

40

Your Story – Catching the wave into Coastal Rowing

42

Fitness with SG Fitness & Indoor Rowing

44

Club Feature – Orkney Rowing Club

48

Your Letters/Results

50

Classfied/Boat Sales

51

The Wave – The Coastal & Offshore Rowing Magazine of Great Britain rowing@thewaverowing.com www.thewaverowing.com Editor, creator, formatting Craig Chaulk A special thank you to all those that have contributed content for this issue and those companies that have offered discounts for our readers; and to Lucy Bufton, Bob Cottell, Jon Houghton for all your support and referrals. A big thank you to Ania Wieczorek for having to hear me talking about rowing non-stop, the late nights and the occasional use of profanities towards my computer…. Only she knows how much time I have put in towards making this magazine a reality. I hope you all enjoy this issue and may there be many more.

The views expressed by the individual contributor are not necessarily those of The Wave - The Coastal & Offshore Rowing Magazine of Great Britain. Though the magazine will approach brands and clubs about their product in providing you content, equally the inclusion of advertisements or link in this magazine and page does not constitute endorsement of the products, services or entities concern by The Wave - The Coastal & Offshore Rowing Magazine of Great Britain. The Wave - The Coastal & Offshore Rowing Magazine is not able to recommend any product or sale, guarantee that it is free of any banned substance or take any responsibility for any claims of effectiveness or sales conducted.

The Wave - The Coastal & Offshore Rowing Magazine of Great Britain is not affiliated with or endorsed by British Rowing Ltd or its representative associations; this magazine is purely to help promote, highlight, publicise and help in any way it can in bringing attention to the coastal, offshore, and ocean rowing activities, its clubs, community and charities in supporting them.

This is a not-for-profit magazine, money will go back into the sport, All images that appear in the publication and on its social media channels and website are copyright their respective owners and The Wave - The Coastal & Offshore Rowing Magazine of Great Britain claims no credit for them unless otherwise noted. If you own the rights to any of the images and do not wish them to appear on the site please contact us thewave.gbr@gmail.com with a screenshot and they will be promptly removed.

Copyright (C) 2019. Published by The Wave - The Coastal & Offshore Rowing Magazine of Great Britain. All rights reserved. No part of the publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any other form by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise including its logo without written permission of The Wave The Coastal & Offshore Rowing Magazine of Great Britain.

@TheWaveRowing

The Wave Rowing | 3

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Rowers Rub contains just Rapeseed oil, soya wax, glycerine, cocoa butter, Bees wax, Zea Mays and Clove and Cajeput essentials oils: no chemicals, parabens, water or petroleum products.

Rowers Rub has been successfully used in by rowers from the Caribbean to Australia and by all aspects of the sport from fine boats to traditional fixed seat rowing.

We initially tested Rowers Rub during the Great River Race, 21.5 miles up the River Thames where it was a great success, and it has since helped many water sports people with recommendations from a Transatlantic Rowing team to a prone paddle boarder using it to combat suit chafing on a 1000km south west environmental beach cleaning trip.

The premium ingredients in Rowers Rub ensure that will become a natural barrier to keep you comfortable.

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WORLD ROWING

© World Rowing

ISSUE #1 | WORLD ROWING

The adventure that is coastal rowing through the eyes of World Rowing

From afar, coastal rowing might look quite similar to flat water rowing – sculls, sliding seats and bodies in lycra. While it is in that same family, up close, this could not be further from the truth.

Coastal rowing throws a new spin in the traditional 2000m flat-water race. In addition to physical stamina and technical skills, coastal rowers are affronted with a myriad of other challenges – waves, buoyed turns, no lanes, potential crashes and navigating tides and currents.

For the World Rowing Federation, FISA, the governing body of the sport of rowing, coastal rowing is the ‘mountain-biking’ of the sport. The World Rowing Coastal Championships is held annually, usually in October, and, starting in 2019 the World Rowing Beach Sprint Finals take place.

The boats are designed to handle all sorts of conditions. This has taken rowing to all new parts of the globe where flat-water rowing is not possible. The boats are wide and self-bailing, meaning the stern of the boat is flat to allow water to flow out. In wavy conditions, experienced crews will be able to use the surf to increase speed.

Racing varies in distance from sprints to 6000m raced and beyond. The longer the race, the more buoyed turns involved. The absence of lanes gives free reign to creative strategies and upfront duels, especially around the turns. Racing is usually on sea but can also be on lakes, like the 2017 World Rowing Coastal Championships on Lake Geneva in Thonon, France.

The start and finish lines can even vary in coastal racing. In locations with sandy beaches, the beach is often used for launching or finishing. For coastal beach sprints a member of the crew runs down the beach to their boat, then repeats this at the finish of the race. In port cities, on-water starts and finishes are used, demarcated with large orange buoys and referred.

The rowers are men and women of all ages and experience levels. Some come from flat-water events while others are solely coastal rowers. The one thing they have in common – they relish the unpredictability.

It’s the adventure that is coastal rowing.

World Rowing.

Up & Coming World Rowing Coastal events…

October 25th-27th - The World Rowing Beach Sprint Finals, Shenzhen, China: http://www.worldrowing.com/events/2019-world-rowing-beach-sprint-finals/event-information November 1st-3rd - World Rowing Coastal Championships, Hong Kong: http://www.worldrowing.com/events/2019-world-rowing-coastal-championships/event-information

@TheWaveRowing

The Wave Rowing | 7

BRITISH ROWING

hen The Wave asked me to share my views on the W importance of coastal and offshore rowing, it got me thinking back to the summer of 2014, just before I joined British Rowing as a member of staff.

At this time I was a keen but average inland rower, and this was the limit of my experience of the wider sport.

One of my crewmates had been a coastal rower though, and would often talk about how amazing an experience it was. When he offered a few of us at the club the opportunity to have an outing in a coastal boat, we all jumped at the chance.

That outing led to a race, which led to another, and over the next two summers we raced maybe five times - six if you include the one that unfortunately ended in a capsize at the buoy turn!

From this experience I learnt two really important things, and I’ve tried to incorporate these into my role at British Rowing.

Firstly, I learnt that coastal rowing is fun. Serious, but fun. I don’t think I’ve ever laughed as much in a boat as in that first outing, and the racing is epic. It made me a huge advocate of rowing on the sea, and I’m not alone at British Rowing. We know there is huge potential to grow the sport in this area, just as much as there is inland.

Secondly I learnt that, despite the different setting, coastal rowing is actually not that different to any other format of the sport. There are some obvious variations, but across the sport, at its heart you will find the same things: clubs, coaches, volunteers and infrastructure.

Whether you’re rowing a boat, running a squad or club, or running a governing body, it only works if everyone works together. This is true whatever type of rowing is your passion.

ISSUE #1 | BRITISH ROWING

So how is this being reflected across British Rowing?

A great example is our commitment to the British Rowing Offshore Championships. Sadly the event was cancelled at the last minute this year due to the weather, but the British Rowing Beach Sprints went ahead at Sandbanks on Sunday 11 August.

On the international stage, the big news is that coastal rowing is being mooted as a possible Olympic discipline for Paris 2024, with FISA likely to address this immediately after the 2020 Games.

At a grassroots level, British Rowing’s focus is on creating products and services that work for all types of clubs. Hopefully you will have heard about our club membership management system, known as the ClubHub Portal. Other products, such as our new suite of guidance to support clubs as small businesses, known as the ClubHub Guides, are in development.

We would like to do more, and you can help. British Rowing is a not-for-profit organisation, and the way we raise money to invest back into the grassroots side of the sport is by asking the rowing community to become British Rowing members.

You can be a British Rowing member for as little as £32 a year. As well as helping safeguarding the sport for future generations to enjoy, you’ll also benefit from a number of perks, including specialist third party liability and personal accident insurance. If you haven’t joined us already, please do, and together we’ll make our amazing sport even better.

Find out more at: britishrowing.org/membership Phil Hornsey Director of Membership and Rowing Community

© C.S. Chaulk

The finish line at the British Rowing Offshore Championships, Sandbanks.

@TheWaveRowing

The Wave Rowing | 8

A GUIDE TO BRITAIN’S COASTAL & OFFSHORE ROWING

The following pages will introduce you to the various types of Coastal & Offshore Rowing in Great Britain. Where Community, Charity and Private clubs come together socially and competitively in regional leagues and national events. Some even make the journey to international events and world championships; or with crews taking a challenge as part of a record breaking ocean row.

Š C.S. Chaulk

Did we miss something?

If you know of another variety that engages the community and is rowed socially as well as competitively, as well as any leagues or events not mentioned, corrections or additional information, please let us know.

We would like to showcase and celebrate all Coastal & Offshore Rowing varieties with you.

@TheWaveRowing

The Wave Rowing | 9

ISSUE #1 | COASTAL SCULLLING

© C.S. Chaulk

COASTAL SCULLING

Exmouth Rowing Club’s Rushworth Racing C4x+ racing in the South West Coastal League.

Boat Type: Sliding-seat Coastal Scull Transitioned from the river to the sea and adapted accordingly. Considered the adventurous side to rowing, this version of the sport is growing worldwide with annual World Championships and is being considered for the 2024 Olympics.

The boat design features a wider hull for stability and a maximum of four rowers plus cox capable of buoy turns and quick directional changes on the sea. With a very buoyant hull, some models can tackle big swells, choppy seas, and handle swamping without too much of an issue.

Common Material:

Fibreglass, GRP, injection mould, though plywood versions do exist.

Known Variations:

Coastal Coxed Quad (C4x+) Coastal Double Scull (C2x) Coastal Single (C1x)

Maximum Length: Width overall: Minimum weight: Number of rowers: Coxwain: Blade type: Bailing:

C4x+ C2x C1x 10.70m 7.50m 6.0m 1.3m 1.0m 0.75m 140 kg 60 kg 35 kg 4 2 1 Yes Clever Self-bailing; some C4x+ fitted with hand-pump or battery-powered pumps.

Most commonly found: England and Wales.

Asia, USA, Canada, South America, the Mediterranean, France, and Scandinavia and Ireland.

Known British competitive leagues and championships: South West Coastal Rowing League = search on Facebook for group Welsh Sea Rowing Association League = www.welshsearowing.org Welsh Open Coastal Championship = www.welshsearowing.org British Rowing Offshore Championship & Beach Sprints = www.britishrowing.org

10 | The Wave Rowing

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COASTAL SWEEP

Š Contributed by HD ARA

ISSUE #1 | COASTAL SWEEP

Similar to fine boat sweep river rowing but on the sea.

Boat Type: Sliding-seat Coastal Sweep Popular in the South Coast, where Hants & Dorset Association founded in 1903 (split from Coastal Amateur Rowing Association). Boat type first used around 1920 as the coastal alternative to river sweep fine-boat rowing. With a large competitive South Coast Rowing Championships, similar to that expected of river fine-boat rowing regattas due to its similarity in rowing style.

The rowing hull differs in buoyancy which can be slightly more restricted in certain conditions when compared to that of the FISA coastal sculls. No width or Weight restrictions unlike the FISA sculls.

Common Material:

Wood, Plastic, Carbon Fibre.

Maximum Length: Width overall: Minimum weight:

9.15m for a four, 6.71m for a pair/double & single scull No width restriction.

No weight restriction.

Number of rowers: Coxwain: Blade type: Bailing:

4 - 2 in a pair/double, 1 in a single scull.

In a four only.

Mostly cleavers.

Self-bailing.

Known Variations:

Some fours can be rigged as a quad. Some pairs can be rigged as a double.

Most commonly found:

Southern counties of UK. Kent, Sussex, Hampshire, Dorset and the Isle of Wight.

Known British competitive leagues and championships: Coastal Amateur Rowing Association (CARA) League = www.coastara.org Hants & Dorset Amateur Rowing Association (HD ARA) Championship = www.hdara.co.uk South Coast Rowing Championships (Dartmouth 2019) - consisting of clubs part of three associations; Coastal Amateur Rowing Association (CARA), Hants & Dorset Amateur Rowing Association (HDARA) and West of England Amateur Rowing Association (WEARA).

@TheWaveRowing

The Wave Rowing | 11

GIG

© C.S Chaulk

ISSUE #1 | GIG

Cornish Pilot Gig ‘Avocet’ of Exmouth Gig Club.

Boat Type: Fixed-seat sweep Cornish Pilot Gig: Originally used as a general work boat. When incoming vessels from the Atlantic were approaching and needed a pilot, numerous crafts with their crews would race to the vessel with the first to arrive delivering the pilot on board the vessel receiving the payment. The six-oared craft helmed by a cox is recognised as one of the first shore-based Lifeboats. Today, the gigs are primarily used for sport and social purposes with the South West including the Isles of Scilly being the main concentration of gig clubs; and with over 100 clubs around the world, including clubs in Wales, London, France, Netherland, Kuwait, Australia, USA, and the Faroe Islands.

The building of gigs is overseen by the Cornish Pilot Gig Association to retain the clinker-built traditions and oneclass specification. The modern Cornish Pilot Gig is based on a gig built in 1838 called “Treffry” that is still being raced today by Newquay Rowing Club.

East Coast Gig: The East Coast Gig is based on a traditional 19th century design with the appearance of a shorter gig. However the design differences to that of the Cornish Pilot Gig in that it is a cold moulded wooden boat consisting of four rowers and a cox built by Pioneer Sailing Trust at Harker’s Yard in Brightlingsea, Essex.

Harker’s Yard Gig Rowing Clubs in summer 2019 announced the formation of Harker’s Yard Gig Association (HYGA) to help promote and develop the growing sport on the East Coast.

Common Material:

Cornish narrow leaf elm and oak and copper rivets to fasten planks; fiberglass.

Known Variations:

Cornish Pilot Gig: Six-oared fixed-seat coxed.

East Coast Gig: Four-Oared fixed-seat coxed.

Length: Width: Weight: Number of rowers: Coxwain: Blade type: Bailing:

Cornish Pilot GIg 9.80m 1.47m Varies.

6 Yes Macon.

Hand bailer.

Most commonly found: Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Isles of Scilly, London, Somerset, Wales.

East Coast Gigs: Essex.

Known British competitive leagues and championships: Cornish Pilot Gigs:

GigRower (Leagues, Events and Information) = www.gigrower.co.uk The World Pilot Gig Championship, Isle of Scilly = www.worldgigs.co.uk Cornish Pilot Gig Association = www.cpga.co.uk

East Coast Gigs:

Harker’s Yard Rowing Clubs league and races.

The Harker’s Yard Gig Association is in early development, for more information, please visit: www.facebook.com/harkersyardrowers

12 | The Wave Rowing

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ISSUE #1 | CELTIC LONGBOAT

© Welsh Sea Rowing Association.

CELTIC LONGBOAT

Celtic Longboat at the Ramsey Island Race.

Boat Type: Fixed-seat sweep With a history starting in the 1970’s, it was in the 1990’s that the Celtic Longboat we see today was formally finalised from the Pembrokeshire Longboat. Dale Sailing is now the recognised Celtic Longboat builder to creating competitive rowing on level terms with one design. Celtic Longboat rowing is mainly conducted on the West Welsh coastline with numerous competitive fixtures and special rows including the popular Ramsey Island race and the 96-mile (150 km) Celtic Challenge Rowing Race from Arklow, Ireland to Aberystwyth, Wales. Some Celtic Longboats have even been delivered to Dubai.

The strict one-boat design is made of GRP build with an aluminium rudder, sweep-oared in gates with carbonfibre Macon bladed oars and skippered by a cox. There is also room for a passenger in the bow.

Common Material:

GRP

Known Variations:

Coxed Quad Sweep.

Length: Width overall: Weight: Number of rowers: Coxwain: Blade type: Bailing:

7.32m ~1.50m 160 kg 4 Yes Macon Hand bailer, hand-pump.

Most commonly found: Wales Known British competitive leagues and championships: Welsh Sea Rowing Leagues; North, South and Joint; Plus numerous non-league regattas, races and events including Ramsey Island.

Please visit welshsearowing.org for a full calendar of fixtures.

Celtic Challenge – Arklow, Ireland to Aberystwyth, Wales. This race is held every two years in May. The next is due in May 2021, for more information, please visit the website: www.celtic-challenge.org.uk

@TheWaveRowing

The Wave Rowing | 13

SEINE

© Contributed by Jon Haytread

ISSUE #1 | SEINE BOAT

Seine boats race only a few metres from spectators on Teignmouth’s ‘Back Beach’.

Boat Type: Fixed-seat sweep In Great Britain, these boats were originally made of wood and were used for collecting shell fish in the Teign estuary, Devon and close inshore. Apparently they were quite capable of carrying a ton of mussels!

River Teign Rowing Club possesses the most boats. The club was formed in 1994 and started racing them (25 years ago). The first year there were only four or five men’s and ladies crews, the second year they had seven of each and since then we have gone from strength-to-strength, peaking around fourteen years ago where they had almost thirty crews of both sexes, in fact they had so many we had to run two heats. In the last few years they have had about eighteen crews of each.

Common Material:

In the formative years a few were wooden, now they are all fibreglass.

Known Variations:

Coxed Quad (sweep)

Maximum Length): Width overall: Minimum weight:

5.19m 1.53m 250 kg

Number of rowers: Coxwain:

4 Yes

Blade type: Bailing:

Macon on wooden oars approx. 11ft in length.

Hand bailers are mandatory, as well as VHF radios and flares.

Most commonly found: Teignmouth, Devon, England.

Known British competitive leagues and championships: River Teign Rowing Club run a series of ten races throughout the summer from the end of April to the end of August, generally every two weeks on Saturday evenings from 5pm, the course is different every time generally starting at sea and finishing in the harbour with up to three buoys put out for the coxes to negotiate. With occasional three or four visiting seine boats, two or three from Dartmouth and one from Lyme Regis. Shaldon Regatta in Devon also plays host to races involving the Seine boats.

For more information and details available at www.facebook.com/RiverTeignRowingClub

14 | The Wave Rowing

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ST AYLES SKIFF

© Saskia Coulston / CT Productions

ISSUE #1 | ST AYLES SKIFF

A St Ayles Skiff at the Skiffieworlds 2019, Stranraer.

Boat Type: Fixed-seat sweep St Ayles Skiff.

The St. Ayles (pronounced Saint Isles) Skiff is a 4 oared fixed seat rowing boat, designed by Iain Oughtred and inspired by the traditional Fair Isle skiff. The boat’s hull and frames are built using clinker plywood. It is crewed by four sweep rowers with a coxswain. The impetus and inspiration for the concept of a new class of rowing boat for community building and use came from Alec Jordan of Jordan Boats, who took the idea of commissioning the design for such a boat to the Scottish Fisheries Museum. Iain Ougtred was commissioned to provide the design by The Scottish Fisheries Museum in 2009. Jordan Boats developed the kit from which the St Ayles skiff must be built in terms of its measurement rules. Jordan Boats have worked tirelessly to develop the class internationally and have licensed other supplier’s outside the United Kingdom to cut and supply kits.

The St Ayles skiff is defined by a set of measurement rules. St Ayles skiffs must comply with the measurement rules, although development within the boundaries of those rules is permitted. The first twenty St Ayles Skiffs were built in Scotland, but the design and concept quickly spread with skiffs now completed or in build in England, Netherlands, Northern Ireland, Australia, United States, Canada, New Zealand, France, South Africa and Spain.

Common Material:

Plywood frames and planking with timber keel and stems.

Known Variations:

Coxed Quad (sweep)

Maximum Length:

6.71m

Number of rowers: Coxwain:

4 Yes, compulsory and must be over 16.

Blade type:

Oars must be made of timber, have symmetrical blades and be flat faced rather than spooned. Most groups make their own oars.

Bailing:

Generally these are very dry boats. Hand bailers if required.

Known variations:

N/A although there are smaller designs in use amongst SCRA clubs such as the wemyss skiff, and these have been organised into a single rower class, called the picnic class, for occasional racing (Although many can also be used by two rowers and possibly a cox as well).

Width overall:

1.77m

Minimum weight: 155 kg

Most commonly found: As set out above, St Ayles skiffs are now found worldwide.

Known British competitive leagues and championships:  Scottish Coastal Rowing Association (SCRA), rather than a league, competition is through individual regattas. See website for more information = www.scottishcoastalrowing.org  See also: North East Skiff Association and The English St Ayles Skiff Association for regatta and participation opportunities. Search on Facebook by entering the name of the association.  World Championship = Skiffieworlds takes place every three years.  Castle to Crane = the longest open water row in Scotland.

Website: www.clydebuiltfestival.com/castletocrane.

@TheWaveRowing

The Wave Rowing | 15

ISSUE #1 | YOAL

© Bigton Rowing Club / Shetland Yoal Rowing Association.

YOAL

Bigton Rowing Club’s Shetland Yoal, features six sweep oars.

Boat Type: Fixed-seat sweep Traditionally used for offshore fishing, Shetland Isles in Scotland is where you’ll find the Yoal in coastal communities – and can often be referred to as the Ness Yoal. Apart from social rowing and exploring the dramatic coastline; each year, these communities/team all in their own colours come together to compete in six to eight regattas or race meets where sixteen Yoals are eligible to compete in each of the nine races.

At first glance you may mistake the Yoal for a St Ayles skiff due to the shape, however this clinker-built rowing double-ended with six planks and carries six oars – one each for the six rowers of whom sit two to each thwart “double banked” and is constructed by traditional boat builders and craftsman to specification to preserve the traditions as per the Shetland Yoal Rowing Association constitution – boat building rules.

Common Material:

Six, half inch wooden planks of larch, whitewood or redwood clinker-built using copper nails. No glue or laminates.

Known Variations:

Six oared coxed sweep

Maximum Length: Width overall: Minimum weight: Number of rowers: Coxwain: Blade type: Bailing:

6.94m 1.74m 140 kg 6 Yes Square Hand bailing.

Most commonly found: Scotland (Shetland Isles) Known British competitive leagues and championships: Shetland Yoal Rowing Association (SYRA) regattas & championships.

For more information, please search on Facebook for Shetland Yoal Rowing Association and like their page accordingly for the latest fixtures.

16 | The Wave Rowing

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ISSUE #1 | SURF

© Saunton Sands Life Saving Club

SURF

Saunton Sands Surf and Lifesaving Club hitting the waves.

Boat Type: Fixed-seat sweep The Surfboat was born in Australia and introduced to the UK in 1965, the Surfboat scene today is run as a summer series and UK Open Surfboat Championships where crews compete numerous times in short races in quick succession from the beach to a designated buoy, turn and return to the beach riding the surf – providing an exhilarating rush of adrenaline. Visually one of the most spectacular rowing on offer in the UK where the crew of four slide on a fixed “tray” in budgie smugglers, along with a Steerman take on the waves and ride them back in the fasted time with occasional dramatic results with the crew being flung from the boats or up-turned.

The boat construction adheres to the same rules as those in Australia as part of the U.K Surf Rowing League constitution on boat Specification. Four rowers are staggered at alternating distances along with a foot plate rowing sweep along with a Steerman stood at the stern. The GRP seats are fixed and look like trays, to reduce friction, water is applied to surface area.

Common Material:

Fibreglass, GRP

Known Variations:

Surfboat (Sweep Quad)

Maximum Length: Width minimum: Minimum weight: Number of rowers: Coxwain: Blade type: Bailing:

7.925m 1.62m 180 kg 4 Yes (known as Sweep, Steerman).

Macon A maximum of two manual or battery operated pumps.

Most commonly found: Cornwall, Devon and Wales.

Australia Known British competitive leagues and championships: U.K. Surf Rowing League summer and open championship series.

Visit the UKSRL website for more information = www.uksrl.co.uk

@TheWaveRowing

The Wave Rowing | 17

OCEAN

Š Rannoch Adventure.

ISSUE #1 | OCEAN

A solo Rannoch Adventure Ocean Rowing boat.

Boat Type: Sliding-seat Ocean rowing boat This is the challenging and toughest rowing of them all where mentality and physicality are put to the ultimate test. Britain has made its mark on the ocean rowing scene with a number of firsts and world records. Starting with John Fairfax -the first person to row solo across the Atlantic in 180 days from Gran Canaria to Florida in 1969.

The fastest circumnavigation row of Britain is 26 days set in 2005 by four British army officers. Today, the most popular ocean row is the Talisker Whiksy Atlantic Challenge organised by Atlantic Campaigns; this 3,000 mile challenge from La Gomera, Canary Islands to Antigua in the Caribbean has seen participating teams raise millions of pounds for their chosen charities The boat design features a wider hull for stability and a low centre of gravity enabling the boat to self-right as long as the hatch has not been left open! Two cabins forward and aft enables a crew to sleep and store the provisions required for extended periods at sea.

Common Material:

Carbon, Fibreglass, GRP, Plywood.

Known Variations:

Solo Pairs Trio, fours and five man crews.

Custom designs

Overall Length: Width/Beam: Minimum weight: Number of rowers: Coxwain: Blade type: Bailing:

Based on the Rannoch R45 8.64.m 1.74m 940 kg 3 rowing positions with berths of Three/Four/Five Skipper/self and auto-steer on open-ocean.

Macon Self-bailing, Bilge Pump.

Most commonly found: Various locations around Great Britain training in preparation for row.

Known British competitive leagues and championships: None - Independent challenges including Round Britain Row completed in 2018.

International where British teams participate: Talisker Whiksy Atlantic Challenge = www.taliskerwhiskyatlanticchallenge.com NOMAD, The Great Pacific Race, Organised rows including Mediterranean Sea and Indian Ocean. Independent rows.

18 | The Wave Rowing

@TheWaveRowing

“Our world is everything to do with ocean rowing” Rannoch Adventure - the ocean rowing company and market leader offers everything from bespoke boat design and to expert training, “Our world is everything to the doconstruction with ocean rowing” international boat shipping and campaign support programmes.

Rannoch’s new boat is this issues featured product.

See page 32 for more!

Boats Every vessel is lovingly hand-crafted, expertly designed with attention to detail Rannoch’s new boat is this honed with many years of experience. All boats are CE certified and every race issues featured product.

See page 32 for more! category entered has been won by a Rannoch boat. Rannoch Adventure has achieved world records on every ocean and in every race and is now considered the ‘go to’ company internationally for anyone thinking about ocean rowing.

Services Boats Every vessel is lovingly hand-crafted, expertly designed with attention to detail honed with many years of experience. All boats are CE certified and every race category entered has been won by a Rannoch boat. Rannoch Adventure has www.rannochadventure.com achieved world records on every ocean and in every race and is now considered Want to know more? the ‘go to’ company internationally forEmail: anyone thinking about ocean rowing.

Tel: +44 (0)1621 782 127 info@rannochadventure.com Rannoch Adventure Ltd, Unit 8, Dammerwick Business Farm, Marsh Road, Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex, CM0 8NB, United Kingdom © ALL IMAGES & LOGOS COPYRIGHT OF RANNOCH ADVENTURE LTD 2019

YOUR NEWS

ISSUE #1 | YOUR NEWS

Welsh Coastal Scullers shine in Swedish Coastal Championships In June, the Welsh Coastal Sculling Squad flew to Malmö, Sweden, to compete in the Swedish Rowing Coastal Championships where they investment by Welsh Rowing towards coastal sculling saw the team achieve fantastic results.

Welsh Coastal Scullers shine in Swedish Coastal Championships

Bryony Jones finished 4th in the CW1x heats to qualify for the A Final. Finishing 8th overall.

Jerry Owen finished 4th in a fast paced CM1x heat to qualify for the A Final. Finishing 8th overall.

Honor Bailey and Theo Owen finished 5th in their 3km heat narrowly missing out on qualification to the A Final in the CMix2x Bryony Jones and Tom Brain (pictured top right) finished 6th in their heat missing out on a place in Sunday’s A Final in the CMix2x category.

Jac Davies and Tom Brain (pictured right) finished 4th in the 6km CM2x A Final.

Worlds and pictures submitted by Jac Davies Welsh Coastal Sculling Squad (Welsh Rowing).

In June, the Welsh Coastal Sculling Squad flew to Rowers from Plymouth’s Mayflower at 45th Vogalonga, Venice, Italy Malmö, Sweden, to compete in the Swedish Rowing Coastal Championships where they investment by Welsh Rowing towards coastal sculling saw the team achieve fantastic results.

All craft made their way to the start line on the water located near th to St Mark’s Square where at 9am, a cannon fired to commence the over 2000 craft to race away on the course across the lagoon, through the islands of Sant’Erasmo, Burano and Murano; before returning to Venice entering via the Grand Canal, under the picturesque Rialto Bridge towards the finish line located off St Mark’s Square.

Rowers from Plymouth’s Mayflower at 45 Vogalonga, Venice, Italy Bryony Jones finished 4th in the CW1x heats to qualify for the A Final. Finishing 8th overall.

Jerry Owen finished 4th in a fast paced CM1x heat to qualify for the A Final. Finishing 8th overall.

Honor Bailey and Theo Owen finished 5th in their 3km heat narrowly missing out on qualification to the A Final in the In June, theCMix2x 45th Vogalonga took place in Venice, Italy.

The 30km challenge is open to any human powered Bryony Jones and Tom Brain boats, (pictured top right) craft from Venetian Stand-up a variety of rowing finished 6th in their heat missing on a sweep, place in gigs, boats including coastal sculls, out coastal Sunday’s A Final the CMix2x skiffs, through to indragon boats,category. kayaks and stand-up paddle boards to name a few.

Jac Davies and Tom Brain (pictured right) finished 4th Members Keast, Andy Conbeer, with Tom Doherty in the 6kmJeff CM2x A Final. of Mayflower Offshore Rowing Club based in Plymouth, Devon and formed a composite Moon and Worlds pictures submitted crew

by JacSusie Davies Georgina Jagger from Marlow RowingRowing).

Club. The crew Welsh Coastal Sculling Squad (Welsh borrowed an offset sweep wooden sliding-seat coxed quad from Canottieri Querini Rowing Club in order to participate

20 | The Wave Rowing

Jeff Keast said ‘we were on the water for four and a half hours, three and a half was racing in the beautiful sunny but hot conditions. With hundreds of different craft around you at all times, it made for an exciting race with plenty of bumps and scrapes, with the finish in busy waters creating choppy conditions.’

The crew said they are already hoping to return in 2020 and are even planning to return for the 50th Anniversary of Vogalonga with the Mayflower Offshore Rowing Club coastal quads!

Words and picture submitted by Jeff Keast, Mayflower Offshore Rowing Club.

@TheWaveRowing

ISSUE #1 | TRIBUTES

TRIBUTES ALAN CHANEY River Teign Rowing Club Alan was the father of the modern/current Seine Boat.

He had a traditional wooden Seine Boat called "Saffron" and decided to make a mould from her, from this mould he built the first fibreglass Seine Boats. This River Teignthe Rowing Club was really start of Seine Boat racing on the Teign as we now know it. Alan actually raced the wooden "Saffron" in the early years after a bit of a refit against the new fibreglass Seine Boats!

ALAN CHANEY

The moulds that Alan made were handed to his grandsons Tom and Ken who continued his tradition before handing the moulds onto Billy Belton who continues to make Seine Boats to this day.

Alan was a large part of the Club in the early to middle years, a friendly, pleasant and very knowledgeable man he was another extremely influential member who made a positive impact on all those who knew him and all those who still row Seine Boats from his original idea.

Alan was another crucial cog in the wheels of the River Teign Rowing Club that we have today, and especially the Seine Boat rowing that continues on the Teign. On behalf of all members past and present thank you Alan and rest in peace.

River Teign Rowing Club

Alan was the father of the modern/current Seine Boat.

He had a traditional wooden Seine Boat called "Saffron" and decided to make a mould from her, from this mould he built the first fibreglass Seine Boats. This Mayflower Offshore was really the start ofRowing Seine Club Boat racing on the Teign as now know it. Alanthat actually raced the wooden It iswe with deep sadness we have to announce the "Saffron" the Hammond early years- after a bit of aofrefit against passing ofinJeff the President Plymouth’s, the new fibreglass Seine Boats!

Mayflower Offshore Rowing Club in early July this year, aged 72. As a lovable character with his energy and The moulds that made his Mayflower Offshore Rowing Clubwere tohanded charisma, Jeff wasAlan an ambassador coastal to rowing, grandsons Tom and Ken who continued his tradition always encouraging, taking initiative and loving a before handing the moulds onto Billy Belton who challenge. continues to make Seine Boats to this day.

JEFF HAMMOND JEFF HAMMOND

He was one of the founders of Mayflower Offshore Rowing Club. The club was founded after the first Eddystone challenge with Tony Lovering, Paul G, Dave P, John B and Lawrence P where they raised enough money to buy two old offshore boats from France and in 2003, Mayflower Offshore Rowing Club (MORC) was born.

Tony Lovering, who knew Jeff for over 42 years through the WEARA racing circuit, mentioned that he was invited by Tom Pattitichis (British Rowing) to take part in 2003 French Surf Boat Championships. The crew including Jeff Hammond, won the fastest overseas boat. Since then, Jeff took part in many International events including gig rowing.

His contribution to local and international coastal rowing community has been enormous.

In 2009, Jeff Hammond was one of the main organisers of World Rowing Coastal Championships in Plymouth.

With over 400 participants from 22 countries, starting from the Royal Western Yatch Club at Queen Ann’s Battery, he often referred to organising this big event as a “crazy thing to do”. Fundraising for the event included the hosting of a special gala dinner, where Sir Steve Redgrave, the five times Olympic gold medallist, was the main guest speaker. Tony Lovering added: ’We have come quite a long way in a short space of time.

Where people from all walks of life are taking part, who are all shapes and sizes, who enjoy the sport”. Today, over 600 rowers take part in the World Rowing Coastal Championships from over 50 countries.

@TheWaveRowing It is with deep sadness that we have to announce the passing of Jeff Hammond - the President of Plymouth’s,

Alan was a large part of the Club in the early to middle years, a friendly, pleasant and very knowledgeable man he was another extremely influential member who made a positive impact on all those who knew him and all those who still row Seine Boats from his original idea.

Alan was another crucial cog in the wheels of the River Teign Rowing Club that we have today, and especially the Seine Boat rowing that continues on the Teign. On behalf of all members past and present thank you Alan and rest in peace.

Jeff Hammond was a very enthusiastic coach and a River Club edge who would always give rowerTeign with aRowing competitive 110 percent. He would always take new rowers out on their first session and would give a few words of encouragement. Jeff Keast, MORC Regatta Secretary, still remembers his first row from over 7 years ago, when Jeff H took him out in a double and after 5 minutes they stopped and Jeff H. commented "Well done you're doing great, what you're doing is totally natural, completely wrong but natural". Jeff H always had a great humour and he had a story to tell from his many endeavours at every event whether it was sport or social related. He'll be thoroughly missed for his knowledge, enthusiasm but mainly for his friendship & fun.

Fiona Carmichael, double British Rowing Offshore Champion in the ladies single, will always remember him arriving to row in his Crocs with his ability to consume large amounts of cake and beer, which, according to her, was his secret to being such an amazing rower.

The influence and contribution to local, national and international coastal rowing community is immense and in order to celebrate Mayflower Offshore Rowing Club is holding a tribute row and boat naming ceremony in which all donations from the day will be given to charities chosen by Jeff’s family.

Mayflower Offshore Rowing Club

The Wave Rowing | 21

PHOTO OF THE ISSUE

ISSUE #1 | YOUR PHOTOS

© An Eathar Rowing Club

This fantastic image is of An Eathar Rowing Club’s St Ayles Skiff ‘Yackydoola’ on the island of Taransay in the Outer Hebrides in Scotland. Yackydoola is the boat that saw the return of community coastal rowing to Siabost and the Westside of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides. The 22 foot; 5 person; 4 oared; rowing boat was built by the club after arriving as a kit. The St Ayles skiff has changed many coastal communities through coastal rowing due to its affordability.

22 | The Wave Rowing

@TheWaveRowing

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ISSUE #1 | EVENTS

Stranraer shines during biggest ever SkiffieWorlds th

As well as marking the 10 anniversary of the design Stranraer shines during biggest SkiffieWorlds of the first Stever Ayles skiff, SkiffieWorlds 2019 saw the

The St Ayles skiff coastal rowing world championship brought personal bests, international agreements, record entries, a proposal of marriage and a footfall of around 30,000 people to Stranraer, as SkiffieWorlds 2019 took to the waters of Loch Ryan.

The week long international sporting event saw 700 crews of coastal rowers and 55 community built boats descend on Stranraer, with crews travelling from as far as Australia, South Africa, Canada, Tasmania, the USA and mainland Europe to take part.

signing of an International Minute of Agreement by four existing national organisations to form an International Class Association. The agreement between associations in Scotland, Ireland, Australia and the Netherlands, was formally signed at the event and will result in international co-operation in promoting the St Ayles skiff class worldwide.

A Royal Occasion

© Saskia Coulson / CT Productions.

© Saskia Coulson / CT Productions.

EVENTS

Dundrum Coastal Rowing Club, from County Down in Northern Ireland, retained their World Champion title, after placing top of the points table, with nearby Sketrick a close runner up. Top Scottish clubs Eastern and North Berwick placed 3rd and 4th overall, while top international club WSV Woudrichem from the Netherlands placed joint 5th.

Wendi Cuffe Project Manager for SkiffieWorlds 2019 said: “It’s just so awesome to see all the beautiful boats on Loch Ryan, the beach lined with club gazebos and to see thousands and thousands of people enjoying themselves – the park was packed as more and more people travelled to Stranraer over the course of the week to experience SkiffieWorlds. The feedback from competitors has been absolutely incredible and the potential of Loch Ryan and Stranraer to become an international water sports destination should now be obvious to everyone.

“For too long Stranraer has been talked down and Loch Ryan hasn’t shown its full potential, but we have the opportunity, now, to unlock that incredible potential. This is one of the most accessible, sheltered and unspoilt sea lochs in Scotland, and its proximity to the town gives events like this an opportunity to be driven by the local community and benefit the local economy. It’s a coming together of local people and local businesses with the stunning natural amphitheatre of Loch Ryan that makes Stranraer the perfect stage for water based sports development.”

The event received a royal visit from HRH The Princess Royal who eagerly watched the racing through binoculars, walked around the site and awarded medals. Paul Bush OBE, VisitScotland’s Director of Events, commented: “Loch Ryan proved to be the perfect stage for the Stranraer SkiffieWorlds 2019 with a fantastic turnout, both from local spectators and competitors from across the globe. We were delighted to see HRH The Princess Royal adding some further excitement to an already fantastic event.

Congratulations to all the crews involved, in particular, Dundrum Coastal Rowing Club for retaining their title as well as Eastern and North Berwick for their respective 3rd and 4th place finishes, putting Scotland on the leaderboard.”

© Colin Tennant / CT Productions.

24 | The Wave Rowing

@TheWaveRowing

Taking the plunge!

Personal international agreements were made too, with an impromptu proposal of marriage from a Dutch rower from WSV Woudrichem to a Scottish rower at the closing ceremony – she said yes.

Kees van Vugt from top placed international team WSV Woudrichem, from the Netherlands, said: “We were the first St Ayles skiff club in the Netherlands, we have 165 rowers in our club and we have 5 skiffs already and we’re building our 6th. St Ayles skiff rowing is growing quickly in the Netherlands and I expect another 10 clubs in the next year. The reason it’s so popular is because we have 140 sloop rowing clubs, and sloop rowing clubs are starting to see the potential of St Ayles skiffs. Sloops are much bigger than St Ayles skiffs, but they’re long distance whereas St Ayles is more like a sprint, which means there are more possibilities for more people to row a race.

“We love Stranraer and I think the event is well organised, and the view and the panorama is very nice.

I think it’s a good thing that the ferries no longer stop here, because now Stranraer is a destination, not just a place to travel through.”

Once every three years…

Stranraer SkiffieWorlds 2019 is supported and funded by a number of organisations including Dumfries and Galloway Council, EventScotland, SSE, Kilgallioch Community Fund, The National Lottery Awards for All, The Galloway Association of Glasgow and a huge number of businesses in and around Stranraer.

The World Championship, called SkiffieWorlds, takes place every three years and Stranraer won the competitive bid to host the event after impressing judges with the sheltered water of Loch Ryan’s sea loch, nestled behind the distinctive hammer-head peninsula of Scotland’s south west coast. St Ayles skiff racing is known for its accessibility, with races classes encouraging entry from a wide range of ages – in fact the oldest rower was 88 years old George Playfair from Boatie Blest, Cockenzie & Port Seton Community Coastal Rowing Club, competing in the 60+ mixed class with his daughter Margaret!

Results of the club point’s competition can be found at: https://scottishcoastalrowing.org/2019/07/14/skiffie worlds-2019-the-points-competition/

Scottish Coastal Rowing For more information about Scottish Coastal Rowing please visit scottishcoastalrowing.org

Taking the plunge!

@TheWaveRowing

Personal international agreements were made too, with

ISSUE #1 | EVENTS

Changing communities in Scotland and around the world – St Ayles Skiff Coastal Rowing St Ayles coastal rowing boat was invented in Scotland 10 years ago and was inspired by the traditional Fair Isle skiff. The sport is now one of the fastest growing water sports in the world and it starts with a community build of the skiff itself. This community approach to boat building makes each and every skiff unique; many of them brightly coloured and with quirky stories behind the boat names.

Alec Jordan of Jordan Boats designed the original St Ayles skiff ten years ago and who was at the SkiffieWorlds has seen his idea transform to what it is today said: “I didn’t know Stranraer at all well but what they’ve done through the skiffs is absolutely amazing and the organisation of the regatta has been fantastic. It’s great to see the skiffs that I sell play their part in the transformation of so many coastal communities. I thought I had wild dreams about where this was going to go, but what has happened has gone well beyond anything I could have dreamed ten years ago.”

The St Ayles skiff concept is to be affordable and accessible which is why it has been a success. The skiff is available as a basic kit from Jordan Boats comprising of:  A set of Plans  The planking and frames, CNC cut in Lloyds Type Approved Marine Plywood  The moulds over which the boat is built, CNC cut from WBP Plywood  Patterns for shaping the stems.

The biggest cost is time. During the build, willing volunteers and those in the community come together to build an appreciation towards the craftsmanship in boat building and develop news skills that could help boost ones credentials in other fields beyond the rowing. The boat has transformed many coastal communities with positive benefits. The boat can also be purchased built or second hand. For more information of the build of a St Ayles skiff, please visit jordanboats.co.uk

Changing communities in Scotland and around the world – St Ayles Skiff Coastal Rowing St Ayles coastal rowing boat was invented in Scotland 10 years ago and was inspired by the traditional Fair Isle skiff. The sport is now one of the fastest growing water sports in the world and it starts with a community build of the skiff itself. This community approach to boat building makes each and every skiff unique; many of them brightly coloured and with quirky stories behind the boat names.

Wavethe Rowing Alec Jordan of Jordan Boats The designed original| 25 St Ayles skiff ten years ago and who was at the

© Saskia Coulson / CT Productions.

EVENTS

ISSUE #1 | EVENTS

EVENTS SKIFFIEWORLD REACTIONS

“Stranraer and Loch Ryan proved to be a stunning backdrop for SkiffieWorlds 2019. There was real energy and excitement for the event and that was demonstrated by the high number of visitors who flocked to Stranraer. The Council invests in major events to create memorable experiences for local people and attract new visitors to our beautiful region, which brings benefit to the regional economy.

Thanks to the hard work and skill of the Stranraer Water Sports Association we have achieved all of that last week through Skiffieworlds 2019.”

Councillor Adam Wilson Dumfries and Galloway Council’s Events Champion

© Kirstin McEwan / CT Productions.

“We regard SkiffieWorlds as a huge success for Stranraer, and a large part of that is because of the coming together of the local community and the rowing community. The organisation of this event has involved more than 150 volunteers and it’s a credit to those volunteers that everything ran so smoothly. Thank you to every single one of them.”

David Davies Chair of Stranraer Watersports Association

“I’m loving how SkiffieWorlds is helping local people to see Stranraer in a different light. Hearing people from all over the world talk about our town as an amazing venue for international water sports is really changing how we perceive ourselves as a community. Hosting this event has been a transformative experience for Stranraer, this is only the start.”

Allana Hardie Project Assistant at SkiffieWorlds 2019

“This week we discovered that Stranraer is possibly the perfect venue for this kind of event. Stranraer is a perfect combination of sheltered water, lovely beach and sea front, and all the accommodation and cafes, bars and local services that you could possibly want.”Wave Rowing 26 | The Topher Dawson

© Kirstin McEwan / CT Productions.

“The venue was perfect for the rowers - the beach for gazebos, the accessible marquee and food stalls, the launching area, the boat shed.

The volunteers were amazing and approachable at any time of day, everyone was smiling - volunteers, organisers, rowers and locals. Everyone was included with events for all ages and I know that many rowers were there for the week with their entire family including their dogs. Congratulations Stranraer for hosting a very impressive event.”

Amanda Brownlow Portaferry Coastal Rowing Club

“The whole thing was remarkable by anybody’s standards. I can’t recall any event in Dumfries and Galloway that comes anywhere close to SkiffieWorlds. It was of Stranraer people by Stranraer people, and my goodness they showed themselves to be exceptional. It was wonderful.”

Kerr Little The Little Bakery in Dumfries Trader at SkiffieWorlds throughout the week © Saskia Coulson / CT Productions.

© Kirstin McEwan / CT Productions.

“This week we discovered that Stranraer is possibly the perfect venue for this kind of event. Stranraer is a perfect combination of sheltered water, lovely beach and sea front, and all the accommodation and cafes, bars and local services that you could possibly want.”

Topher Dawson Treasurer of Scottish Coastal Rowing Association

“We thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of the event and would like to congratulate and thank the organisers for the huge amount of effort that was expended to make this such an amazing event for participants and spectators. Our teams achieved their goal of participation and had no expectation of troubling the scorers so had a wonderful time. Special mention must be made of our safety boat helm Hayden Shaw who despite his tender years (15) manned his post for every single race and showed maturity beyond his years in carrying out his tasks meticulously and with good humour. We are very proud of what he has achieved.”

Alan Thomson Annan Harbour Action Group

“Where do I start what a brilliant week! What a superb event! There was a real buzz the whole week and it was great to see local residents enjoying the racing and the entertainment. We were thrilled to win Gold in the 40+ Women and Silver for our Open B Mixed but our favourite moment was the 'Row In' at the Opening Ceremony - what a sight and to the sounds of the pipe band it was unforgettable!! Loch Ryan and Stranraer is an amazing location, a perfect arena for such a prestigious event and Stranraer obviously pulled out all the stops. Well done to everyone involved great job done - be proud!”

Kate Lorimer Captain of Broughty Ferry Boating

“The venue was perfect for the rowers - the beach for gazebos, the accessible marquee and food stalls, the launching area, the boat shed. @TheWaveRowing The volunteers were amazing and approachable at any time of day,

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ISSUE #1 | FEATURED LEAGUE

© C.S Chaulk

FEATURED LEAGUE

SOUTH WEST COASTAL ROWING LEAGUE When you watch the Oxford versus Cambridge boat

How did the league come to fruition?

race on the Thames; the appeal is the endurance, a boat could get swamped with water, a rower catches a crab, the line taken by the cox – anything could happen; it’s an exciting spectacle... now let’s add, buoy turns, big swell that towers over the rowers coming from different directions, rowers with one oar in the water and the other up in the air as the boat is being battered, boats being swamped numerous times, anything could break given the power of the sea… welcome to the South West Coastal Rowing League!

The SWCRL is now in its fourth year. Originally talked about for many years between club members; then on one evening in Torquay Les Norcliffe (Exmouth Rowing Club), Richard Cudmore (Torquay Rowing Club), Andy Darkin (Teign Scullers, Teignmouth) and Jeff Keast (Mayflower Offshore Rowing Club, Plymouth) met up to discuss ideas and the approach in developing a league and the league slowly started of two years. In 2014, the rule structure and point scoring method was developed.

Initially there was only Ladies, Men’s and mixed races and only 1 regatta each to be held by the host club.

For the rower, agility is important to get your boat running in the given conditions. As a sculler, your reactions have to be quick, your Left-hand over the right could suddenly become right over left, and you’re riding up a broadside wave with one oar in the air, the other in the water – that’s your connection so make that stroke count! Timing remains as important as ever.

Even when a wave swamps the boat – you get back in sync as quickly as possible whilst your cox is desperately pumping the water out of the boat in one hand and the other on the rudder trying to keep that line and motivate the crew back to form. Turning a buoy is an art, it can make or break the race, take it too sharp and you stall the boat, take it too wide then you lose the gains you’ve just made. Judging the current or on the crest of the 12ft swell you’re riding on; surfing the wave could see your three boat length lead suddenly vanished.

This is what Exmouth Rowing Club, Plymouth’s Mayflower Offshore Rowing Club, Teign Scullers Rowing Club and Torquay Rowing Club all endure as part of the growing Southwest Coastal Rowing League (SWCRL) that its now having occasional appearances from clubs including Welsh rowing clubs, and growing interest for south coast clubs wanting to experience the fun and thrills to test their abilities where it’s all about the rowing.

The 2019 race format is as follows:    

Ladies 8km Men’s 8km Single and Doubles 4km Masters 4km (rowers must be 50+ years of age on the day of race)  Mixed 4km Racing is performed in FISA sliding-seat Coastal coxed quad sculling boats, single scull and double scull participants are also welcomed to enter. In addition to the above, Exmouth does hold a novices race to encourage its members to participate competitively.

Each club now hosts two regattas per year (four in Spring, four in Autumn); every regatta course incorporates buoy turns and where possible, spectators are also taken into consideration, feedback from the public includes how dramatic it looks, and they’re crazy!

The locations offer a variety of challenges are very tide and weather dependent as to what to expect from raceto-race on the day. The race calendar is compiled at the start of the year for the coming season, they are planned to accommodate any club commitments and favourable tides.

© Jon Houghton

Races focus on the rowing; with abilities of the rowers and coxes tested. Races normally start with boats lined-up on the start line, then crossing a finish line.

Most clubs use the Rushworth Racing Coastal Sculling quad boats with a minimum weight of 140kgs to comply with FISA rules.

28 | The Wave Rowing

@TheWaveRowing

FEATURED LEAGUE THE SWCRL COURSES EXPLAINED… Teignmouth – Parson & Clerk Gallop Hosted by: River Teign Rowing Club (Teign Scullers) Named after a location on the coastline to the north of Teignmouth; the 8km course sees the rowers starting from the channel at the mouth of the River Teign, out pass the Teignmouth Sewer buoy, down to Shag Rock (at Parson & Clerk), re-entering the channel cutting close to Back Beach where spectators can get very close to the action; the finish line on the River Teign just off Fish Quay. Depending on the tide and sea state, the course can get rough when out towards the sewer buoy, when heading towards Shag Rock, it is now a challenge for the cox to spot the red rock against the red cliff, if the tide is heading to low, rowers can face a very strong outgoing current combined with standing waves – a great test of stamina for the crews.

Plymouth – Breakwater Bash – The 8km race takes rowers through Plymouth sound rounding Drakes Island, then out and around the Breakwater (hench the name) before turning to the finish line between Mayflower Marina and Mount Edgecombe. In recent years, the course has changed slightly, with the rowers now rounding the fort next to the Breakwater within Plymouth Sound. The majority of the course can be seen from Plymouth’s Hoe. The conditions outside of the Breakwater were known for the big swell; within the breakwater, the rowers and cox contend with ever changing currents and waves.

Exmouth – Langstone Challenge Hosted by Exmouth Rowing Club The 8km course takes its name from Langstone Rock near Dawlish. Starting on Exmouth seafront, the course takes rowers out to the fairway buoy, then to two buoys near to Langstone Rock before returning to the finishing line on Exmouth seafront. Spectators can enjoy a day watching the racing from the beach. The course can get busy with boat traffic in the channel, rowers have to contend with the energetic wash from the boats; meanwhile, coxes need to read the waters as when the tide is turning to low, any lead could easily be lost if taking the wrong line due to the current.

Torquay – Thatcher Rock Hosted by Torquay Rowing Club The course starts at the marina by the Living Coast attraction, then proceeds out to round Thatcher Rock (hench the name); then back into Torbay rounding a buoy for the finish line by the marina/Living Coast. The sea wall in front of the start/finish line provides the vantage point. This 8km course is known for big swell/waves; in 2016, the rowers were faced with a very big swell which saw ‘walls-of-water’ 12ft+ in height and swamped boats. Personal note: when you see a boat 12ft above you on top of the swell, whilst you’re in the trough it is a sight you’ll never forget!

ISSUE #1 | FEATURED LEAGUE Part two of the season commences after the summer break.

Exmouth – Exe Raid Date: 7th September 2019 Hosted by Exmouth Rowing Club This is one of the narrowest courses and the most visual for spectators due to its double out-and-back course.

The rowers start on Exmouth’s sea front and then row out to sea in the channel rounding the Fairway buoy, returning back, and passing buoy 10 to out-and-back up the weaving River Exe channel, before racing back to the finish line. The course is a test for the rowers and especially the cox in getting the right line on this tidal water.

Teignmouth - Lead Weigh8 Date: 21st September 2019 Hosted by River Teign Rowing Club (Teign Scullers) The name comes from the hosts Teign Scullers using a very light boat; however, they kept forgetting to put in the lead weights in order to comply with FISA/Southwest Coastal League rules on minimum boat weight; when the regattas started to be named, Andy Darkin came up with the name Lead Weigh8. The 8km course takes rowers closer to the pier and seafront at Teignmouth in a triangle pattern before finishing at the Fish Quay.

Torquay – Pier to Pier Date: 28th September 2019 Hosted by Torquay Rowing Club The 8km course one of the straightest in the regatta reaches out towards Paignton pier before turning back towards Torquay’s (Pier-to-Pier) with the added addition of coming close to the sea wall and pier. This course can be known for the choppy and confused water; the energetic rebound from the seawall makes for a dramatic visual spectacle right in front of the spectators - for the rowers it’s a bit like being in a washing machine.

Plymouth – Muddy Rubble Date: 5th October 2019 Hosted by Mayflower Offshore Rowing Club The course takes its name from the Muddy Rubble buoy on the course. The course has a few vantage points for spectators to watch. Some rowers and coxes cite this to be one of the best courses due to how it has everything thrown into the mix. Strong tidal currents that frequently change direction especially with the influence of Drakes Island, rough patches, traffic, and exposed areas.

The Southwest Coastal Rowing League welcomes new participants. Boat hire is possible to enable those without their own coastal boats to participate – some of these boats include the latest in coastal boats from LiteBoat!

For more information including entry, please contact:

© R. Cudmore

Email: GBR.SWCRL@gmail.com Facebook: South West Coastal Rowing League Instagram: @GBR_SWCRL

@TheWaveRowing

The Wave Rowing | 29

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ISSUE #1 | ADVENTURE

© Monster The Loch / Row Tours.

ADVENTURE

© Monster The Loch / Row Tours.

This September, Row Tours invites you to take-on the mighty Loch Ness and its famous inhabitant, in any human-powered boat you fancy!

The Loch is 21 miles long from Fort Augustus to Dores and only 1 mile wide, but 4 times as deep as the English Channel! They hope to have over 100 boats of all shapes and sizes filling the start line and already have a 12-man Viking Longboat as well as multiple pedalos, kayaks and elite rowing crews attempting to break the record in their respective disciplines!!

In 2018, the fastest crews were well under the record, rowing in fine rowing shells when only 1 mile from the finish, the still waters of the loch came alive and stopped them in their tracks!

In June 2019, the 26 year old record was broken by 72 seconds by the ORIO crew in a 13 man Basque Trainera boat in a time of 2 Hours 26 minutes and 57.04 seconds.

How to enter To enter, please visit www.monstertheloch.com Entries close on Saturday 21st September 2019.

© Monster The Loch / Row Tours.

Monster the Loch is Row Tours first marathon style water event, allowing the fastest crews to race, while others can enjoy the journey down the beautiful Loch.

To quote one of last year’s competitors, “I didn’t realise we had been rowing for 2 hours, as the sheer magnitude of rowing on the Loch took me away”.

Raising money for charity This year, Monster the Loch will be fundraising for the RNLI, so if you don’t have a charity to do the race for they would much appreciate your support!

@TheWaveRowing

The Wave Rowing | 31

Photo and logo © Rannoch Explorer.

FEATURED PRODUCT

ISSUE #1 | THE RANNOCH EXPLORER

BECOME AN

The Rannoch Explorer is the creation of adventurer Charlie Pitcher, founder of Rannoch Adventure, the world’s #1 ocean rowing company based in Essex and world renowned naval architect Phil Morrison. The company puts its entire focus on one sport – ocean rowing, and has designed and built over 70 ocean boats to date and over 50 Guinness World Records have been given to Rannoch crews for ocean crossings.

The boats purpose is in its name – The Explorer. With an average speed of 5 knots+, this is not a racing boat but a boat for the rower with an adventurous side for open water rowing. With a maximum boat load of 200kgs, this boat features a large watertight storage compartment, providing enough space for a tent, sleeping bag and basic camping provisions or a dry bag.

Charlie recognised that not everyone has the opportunity or desire to spend months at sea crossing an ocean so it was only a matter of time before he came up with the ultimate rowing boat for shorter trips and avid open water adventurers.

Launched at the Rannoch Adventure open day in April 2019, a new training and recreational boat was introduced to the world – The Rannoch Explorer.

Constructed in Burnham on Crouch, the boat is made from Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) with a polished gelcoat finish. The Explorer website claims it is much lighter and cheaper than injection moulded boats with a significantly superior and more exciting performance and handling characteristics; a practical and comfortable layout with custom designed anodised aluminium shaped riggers, adjustable sliding seat(s) and adjustable foot board with straps. With three rowing stations ensuring the boat is always balanced for its solo or pairs rowers. The boat measures in at 510 centimetres (cm) in length, 95cm in width and a dry hull weight of 52 kilograms (kgs).

32 | The Wave Rowing

Above: The boat features a large watertight storage compartment situated at the bow. © Rannoch Explorer.

In choppy conditions, the hull expels larger waves and is light enough to cut through the water at pace. It also features a small splash guard – though it won’t deflect the big waves, those that have ever rowed in bow without a splash guard will know what a difference that small touch makes.

@TheWaveRowing

ISSUE #1 | THE RANNOCH EXPLORER

FEATURED PRODUCT

The boat is available as a solo or pairs and offers an array of optional extras: An additional set of oars, a road trailer capable of carrying two boats, a seat pad, an anchor set; you also have the option for a Garmin inReach Explorer GPS (excludes airtime costs) and some fantastic looking Rannoch Explorer technical performance tops and leggings!

Above: The Explorer is built by Rannoch Adventure at their site in Burnham-On-Crouch, Essex. © Rannoch Explorer.

A boat that has been designed and built in Great Britain

by Rannoch Adventure - the world’s leading Ocean rowing company, gives you the confidence that it will been built to a high standard to withstand the elements. The well-tested recreational oars come as standard, and of course that large storage compartment. The boat also comes with a unique mobile wheel cradle which is ideal for traversing to the water’s edge and the boat is light enough for two people to handle and can be placed with assistance on top of a family car.

Above: The Explorer is available as standard as a Solo or Pairs, and comes with well-tested recreational oars, slidingseat(s), adjustable footplate(s) and straps, rigger(s) and launching wheels. © Rannoch Explorer.

CONCLUSION The Rannoch Explorer recreational rowing boat is a welcomed addition to the waves and gives one the freedom to create their own coastal adventures or with fellow Explorer rowers. My only suggestion is some ondeck elastic storage for those to-hand items when doing long rows; however, whether you’re training for an Ocean row, to keep active and fit on the water, rowing your partner for a romantic picnic, or to explore the beauty of the coastline for a day or two - this is a boat that opens a sea of possibilities in exploration.

If you are interested in the Rannoch Explorer, you can also attend a ‘Try Before You Buy’ session by visiting the Adventure Trips page on their website for dates and details: www.rannochexplorer.com ■ Above: The Explorer can be placed with assistance on top of a family car. There’s also an optional extra of a road trailer capable of carrying one or two boats. © Rannoch Explorer.

We would like to thank Rannoch Explorer for their cooperation and being accommodating in making this feature possible. If you would like The Wave to conduct a feature or review of your product, please email: thewave.gbr@gmail.com

@TheWaveRowing

The Wave Rowing | 33

ISSUE #1 | THE BIOROWER

Photo and logo © Biorower.

EQUIPMENT

TRUE ROWING – NOW INDOORS Biorower manufactures what they call “boat native” rowing machines. As of 2019, Biorower offers two models, the S1club for sculling and the S1pro for sculling / sweep rowing. The latter has a few features which are hard to find anywhere else on the market.

S1pro

© Biorower.

© Biorower.

S1club

The S1club, essentially is an indoor single scull.

It comes with a spread of 160cm, adjustable inboards, adjustable foot stretchers, a slide system to allow “dynamic rowing feeling” and a full measurement system which they call the “Biorower App”.

Instead of using algorithms to calculate watts, the S1club is equipped with a strain gauge and an angle sensor on each oar. Force and stroke lengths are measured every stroke and sent to the user’s Android device by Bluetooth.

The Biorower data readout has a 1% accuracy tolerance, which is why their products are used for research in Europe and Asia. Visit biorower.com for more details on the comprehensive Biorower App data.

34 | The Wave Rowing

“The S1pro has three additional features, which require a completely different construction”, says Aram Lemmerer, who founded Biorower in 2000. And he continues: “Most people do not know how difficult it is to transfer the independent force from two inboard handles back into the machine. Basically, every Biorower is built like a mechanic watch, with the exception that we use heavy duty transmission parts.

While the S1club can handle up to 450 NM or torque, which equals a luxury sedan V6 tdi running under full load, the S1pro handles up to 1.200 NM of torque, which is more than most supercars produce at max power.”

The S1pro is convertible for sculling and sweep rowing, it can tilt or set to be stable and it can connect to larger indoor team “boats”, such as a double / pair, quad / four or even an eight.

For more information including pricing, please visit the Biorower website at www.biorower.com

@TheWaveRowing

ISSUE #1 | THE BIOROWER

EQUIPMENT SCULLING

ADJUSTABLE FOOT STRETCHER (FOOT PLATE)

SWEEP

The Biorower features a high precision data read out with a 99% accuracy - which is why their products are used for research in Europe and Asia.

Visit biorower.com for more details on the Biorower App.

ROTATING OAR HANDLES

The Biorower features a high precision data read out with a 99% accuracy - which is why their products are used for research in Europe and Asia.

Visit biorower.com for more details on the Biorower App. FLEXIBLE HAND HEIGHT

LIVE DATA TO YOUR MOBILE DEVICE

Features Sculling Sweep rowing Instability mechanism Variable handle height during the drive Rotating oar handles Rotating oar handles with 71° lock mechanism Connectability to team boats (mechanically and through the app) Boat native racing seat (wood) Comfort seat (starting 2020) Carbon racing seat Custom colour for the main cover (any RAL code you want)

S1club

S1pro

 -

  









-



-



-



 Optional

Optional

-

Optional

For more information, visit biorower.com or scan…

All images © Biorower.

@TheWaveRowing

The Wave Rowing | 35

ISSUE #1 | COMMUNITY

© C.S Chaulk

COMMUNITY

As coastal rowers, we all have one thing in common, a

If you have a clubhouse…

love for being on the water. Beneath the surface we all have our own personal reasons for joining – maybe an active lifestyle, to develop and learn new skills, to socialise and make friends… some even turn into relationships to last a lifetime. Once you catch the bug of rowing, the passion brings us together. Not everyone likes being on the water but wishes to engage in making a difference in their lives or within their community; however in some communities, the options are limited. Being diverse and more than a rowing club could make you ambassadors within your community in driving change and hopefully making a positive difference can be rewarding not only personally to those around you and within your community - and beyond but also open up financial opportunities to help keep the club going.

How often is the clubhouse used? If you have the space, you could open it to local groups to use the facilities whilst you are on the water or during the day.

Some local groups for example art clubs, bridge clubs, indoor skittles, and children’s playgroups, birthday parties, talks/presentations could all be looking for a facility like yours and you could charge a small charge accordingly. Some communities don’t have a cinema, you could host film nights by simply using a projector, laptop and pull down screen… you could ask within you club if anyone has this or access to this equipment. You can make money by charging an entry fee and providing refreshments. If you don’t have a club house, how about the village hall for showing the film night?

Not everyone likes being on the water. This shouldn’t stop them having an active lifestyle in a coastal community. Combining your training and opening it to the rest of the community could result in increased membership. You could pioneer an organised jogging/running group that meets at your clubhouse or set location on set days and times; outer club opportunities for activity days and experiences to try rock climbing, archery, paintball, walks, bike rides – for the young generation trips to a theme park or for the older generation a day out to a Heritage site; as a group you can take advantage of discounted entry and could be a great additional revenue stream by adding a margin to the ticket that goes back to the club to help fund new equipment. Using social media to advertise the events/days out, local notice boards and contacting local publications will also help with your publicity within the community as the go-to place for getting out and about on or off the water for new experiences.

© Jon Houghton

Active Lifestyle and activities

Your clubhouse or village hall could open new club revenue streams.

© C.S Chaulk

It is hoped than the following suggestions can help drive change within your community by volunteering a little time in making a difference.

Legal bit: We have all skipped the ‘warning’ section at the start of a DVD or online film… It you are showing a film or documentary, this is the copyright disclaimer that clearly states that it’s not to be shown in clubs without permission, therefore make sure you request permission first from the studio/distributor.

Cycling also uses muscles for rowing as well as a new activity for members.

36 | The Wave Rowing

@TheWaveRowing

COMMUNITY Environmental changes With the increased awareness of plastic pollution in the oceans and plastic-free alternatives, who better to help portray this message than the rowing club who uses the water?! You can become the ambassadors in driving this for change.

Beach cleans wearing your club tops are a great visual representation to others in portraying a positive image of your club within the community. Using social media by creating an event on Facebook to be shared and local notice boards could encourage others to partake in beach cleans meeting at the club on a set day and time.

Encouraging local businesses to become plastic-free and raising awareness in creating a cleaner community for all in recycling and implications of ones purchasing.

Using photos from your beach clean collections will help convey the environmental impact the issue is on a local scale.

Working together If your community has other groups and clubs (football, rugby, sailing…) why not come together and hold an event that to showcase the variety of activities on offer?

With the advent of computer gaming and mobile phones, it could be argued that the youth of today are not engaging in an active lifestyle as their parents did at the same age. By hosting a community day that engages sports and activity clubs and welcome local businesses to partake will demonstrate and may encourage not only children but also the parents as to the possibilities available and options within the community in developing new skills, friendships and promote an active lifestyle that could potentially be life changing, giving one a new direction, confidence and ambition in life in something they never thought of before.

ISSUE #1 | COMMUNITY

Be inclusive not exclusive, Encourage not discourage Every club has its politics. With generation gaps, competitive versus social rowers, resistant to change, complacency. What one generation likes is very different to another which is why a committee should have a mixture of ages to cater for all groups and encourage members.

If the club has an older generation that’s resistant to change with a social aspect to the club, this will discourage younger members of the community who may be looking for a competitive edge or that active lifestyle and vice-versa. By having a mixture of ages on the committee can encourage fresh and innovative ideas to reduce the risk of complacency making things exciting, new, and encouraging. The ambitious ideas require an experienced opinion in making the ideas come to fruition and these innovate thinkers could be seeking your guidance or experience. Look at the pro’s and con’s – the ideas are a sign of passion and should be encouraged not discouraged… this may be the committee of the future, the competitive may put your club on the map and attractive to sponsors = much needed revenue opportunities, the social aspect may be inspirational across all ages.

Avoid creating clubs within clubs (clique exclusive groups), there’s no problem with rowing with friends or the winning competitive team; however, it’s important you remain an active member in encouraging others, participate and support events and the experiences the club has to offer no matter what the age or ability. We were all in the same boat once, where someone opened this opportunity to you with the possibilities and experiences, or encouraged your goals and motivated you. Inspire as your actions can last a lifetime or even life changing to any new or existing member. Have fun and enjoy it and make the club a place you and the others around you look forward to coming to.

© C.S Chaulk

© Charlotte Stevens.

Being at the forefront by organising a community event will create positive exposure for your club and a great boost on a Curriculum Vitae and developing new skills.

Running as a project, working together as a team – it will have its challenges but once you have held the event you will look back at the amazing achievement, and new experience and skills.

Showcasing rowing at a community festival, actively engaging with the public.

@TheWaveRowing

We all have one thing in common, a love for being on the water.

The Wave Rowing | 37

© Oarsome Foursome: From Left-to-Right: Bird, Linda, Mo & Claire.

INSPIRATIONAL

ISSUE #1 | INSPIRATIONAL

OARSOME FOURSOME FOUR LADIES 3,000 MILES ONE BOAT What will you be doing this winter? Whilst most will enjoy the splenders of a mulled wine by the fire with the family, spare a thought for the rowers in the Talisker Whiksy Atlantic Challenge rowing 3,000 miles from La Gomera to Antigua. This year’s rowers are busy training and raising money for their challenge and causes. The Wave chats to four ladies from the South West – the Oarsome Foursome to find out why they are undertaking this incredible challenge and what’s to be expected.

What inspired you to undertake the challenge?

A few Christmas’s past, Bird Watts bought her Mum Mo O’Brien a book - Four Mums in a boat; it was about four women who decided to row the Atlantic. Bird had already warned Mo when she gave her the gift, they weren’t going to row it themselves but it would give her Mum Mo, the inspiration for their next challenge. Mo has never been one to sit around, in fact she relishes a challenge, from climbing mountains to biking across Kenya and running marathons just to name a few.

Mo was instantly hooked on the book and read it in a very short space of time, and voila that is how Oarsome Foursome began its creation! Mo needed to find crew members and so began first with her daughters Bird and Naomi. Bird said yes and unfortunately due to pregnancy Naomi had to decline. Bird and Mo discussed others and Linda Whittaker was recruited from Bird’s Gig Club – Cape Cornwall. The last member was Claire Allinson who at the time was a non-rower.

38 | The Wave Rowing

How do you manage your time towards the campaign?

All four women work/study full-time and this can also be away from home. This is the tricky part and we often laugh that if we can raise the funds to get to the start line – then the rowing will be the easy bit!

How challenging has it been to raise money?

To enter the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge for a team of four you need to raise around £90,000 to get to the start line. The girls are relentless in raising these funds. We have had so many doors closed which were looking promising that it can at times become daunting however we have all agreed never to give up.

Are you raising money for any charities?

We are raising funds for three local charities which for one reason or another are extremely close to our hearts. These are Cornwall Bloodbikes, Carefree and Exmouth & Lympstone Hospiscare - the work each charity does is simply mind-blowing and we hope to raise as much as possible to help make a difference.

Above: Undergoing the sea survival course kindly sponsored by Cornish Cruising. © Oarsome Foursome.

@TheWaveRowing

INSPIRATIONAL

ISSUE #1 | INSPIRATIONAL

What boat will you be using for your crossing?

We will be rowing 3,000 miles from La Gomera east to west across to English Harbour in Antigua. Our boat Liberty is a Rannoch R45 Ocean rowing boat and we love her! She is 28 feet long and 6 feet wide. With two cabins either end, these will provide solace for the gruelling 2 hours on, 2 hours off, in pairs, rowing rotation 24 hours a day until we reach the finish line. It will be very hot in the cabins as the hatch doors must remain closed at all times for safety – just in case she capsizes – she will self-right so long as the hatches are closed.

What do you expect life to be like on-board?

We know that the blisters and salt sores are a given – you couldn’t expect anything else rowing an ocean!

Haven spoken to various crews, we know that at some point we will all hit sea sickness and are preparing with who takes charge of the foods to ensure intake of calories remain at their individual requirement (60 per 1kg of bodyweight) for each rower as they will burn in excess of 5,000 per day. Then add exhaustion, fatigue, emotions and injury into the mix and we know this is our biggest life challenge to date.

What will motivate you?

We are motivated in knowing that every penny we raise is helping carers, patients and their loved ones by providing much needed funds for the amazing charities we are supporting.

What makes you different to the other entries?

Oh and did we mention that the amazing Mo is also deaf? She just wants to prove to people that ordinary people can achieve the extraordinary. When Liberty crosses the finish line, 4 Guinness World Records will have been achieved!

Below: The Oarsome Foursome departing Exmouth Marina, Devon in Liberty on a training row. © Oarsome Foursome.

@TheWaveRowing

How does one donate to your campaign?

You can donate to our campaign by clicking this link: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/oarsomefoursome All funds will be divided equally across all three charities at the end of the race. Individual links will be set up at race start date on 12th December 2019.

Are sponsorship opportunities available for your campaign?

Sponsorship is still available – the race attracts 3.1 billion followers with a PR value of £114m on a global scale! We also welcome sponsorship/donations of equipment that will be needed for the row itself.

If interested, what are your contact details?

For more information, please visit our website at www.oarsomefoursome.co.uk or call Claire Allinson on +44 (0)7909 545 924.

The Wave would like to thank the Oarsome Foursome team for their contribution; we wish them and all crews a safe passage on their epic challenge this winter. ■

The Wave Rowing | 39

ISSUE #1 | YOUR STORY

YOUR STORY

The World Pilot Gig Rowing Championships

By Rachel Palmer It was October 2018 and I’d never rowed a gig boat let alone raced one. But I decided I wanted to race at the World Pilot Gig Championships. ‘Scilly old timers’ from my club talked passionately about the spectacle of 170 boats on the start line and the sound of the ‘clunk, clunk’ of the oars against the pins as the boats set off. This sparked my interest. Then I heard about the restrictions on boat numbers being implemented in 2020 and I knew 2019 was likely to be my only chance of racing there in the open event. My mission was to get myself into a crew!

Months of indoor rowing and painful 3km ergo tests.

Getting to grips with the technique of rowing a gig boat and squeezing in as many sessions on the water as I could manage. Before I knew it, final selection arrived. A sense of relief washed over me when I heard I’d made it into the ‘C’ Crew.

Time to hurriedly book flights and try to find accommodation. Most people book up their accommodation before they leave the Scillies for the following year. As a first timer that’s not possible and it becomes a bit of a mission to find a bed for the weekend, but with the many message boards on social media myself and my friend, also a first timer, managed to find a room in a lovely Bed and Breakfast on the far end of the main beach at Hugh Town.

You couldn’t miss all the gig rowers at Lands End airport, clutching their cushions and wearing their club kit. Our tiny plane was full of excited gig rowers. The white sand rimmed islands came into view as we approached St Mary’s, and looking out of the window I had a stunning aerial view of the beautiful, many coloured gigs lining the beach. It was incredible to think that the boat I would be racing in that evening had left the River Teign Rowing Club at the beginning of February to make its way to the Scillies – certainly a logistical feat for the organisers to get a record number 171 boats to the start line on time!

40 | The Wave Rowing

I was racing in the ladies veterans’ race and open race.

My first vets race was Friday evening shortly after I had touched down. The atmosphere was amazing! Walking through the hundreds of gigs lined up on Hugh Town beach there was a real mixture of pre-race nerves and a festive spirit – a very special combination! The top crews train incredibly hard and compete for places in their club’s top crew, others come to race but probably more for the party and atmosphere! There is such a range of experience and expertise, from novice rowers to top athletes.

We rowed out of the harbour into very choppy seas to the start line of the ‘long race’ which was just off St Agnes and lined up amongst 71 other boats. It was a spectacular sight but one that the old timers kept telling me would be even better the next day when we’d be lining up for the main ladies race amongst 170 other boats! The water was so rough I just focused on making sure I didn’t miss a stroke! It was fantastic nearing St Mary’s Quay and hearing the crowds cheering from Rat Island. We came in 11th out of the fleet of 71 boats and were buzzing. We’d made it to the final!

No time to celebrate as our vets final was 9am the next morning followed by the open ladies long race and then the first of the ladies heats. We had a delicious Thai take away and sat on Porthcressa Beach trying to keep out of the wind before having an early night.

The vets’ final was a totally different race to the long race. 12 boats lined up side by side at Nut Rock to race over a shorter course of about 1.5km back into the harbour. I loved every stroke although it was so rough, I was just relieved not to have lost my oar! To top it all we came 7th! © Rachel Palmer.

Gig’s lined up at Hugh Town beach. © Rachel Palmer.

My first Isles of Scilly experience

@TheWaveRowing

ISSUE #1 | YOUR STORY

YOUR STORY

Again, no time to celebrate! A quick trip to the Co-op to grab some lunch and a look at the results board on Holgates Green before rowing back out to the start line for the long open ladies race. My club had four boats in this race, so it was great to see our club colours bobbing up and down at the start line along with 167 other boats! It really was an incredible sight and certainly lived up to expectations.

We had another great race and came in 28th. This put us in the ‘C’ Group for our heat race later in the afternoon. Another side by side race of 12 boats for the heat. In each heat the top two finishing boats go up a heat and the bottom two boats go down a heat. We were delighted to stay put in our Group!

Then the party started! Crews were drinking on the beach in the afternoon sun as they packed up their boats. By the time we got to our crew dinner at The Atlantic we were certainly a bit jolly. Then onto the Mermaid for some more revelry. Everyone was on a post-race high and spirits were definitely soaring!

With a slightly fuzzy head I sadly said goodbye to the Scillies and my first World Pilot Gig Championships.

What a blast it had been. Great racing in a stunning place steeped in gig history in the most beautifully crafted boats. I reflected on how I’d struggled to get to grips with Gig rowing, but I was now hooked! Back home, the post Scilly Blues set in – I had been warned!

Rafting-up at the final © Rachel Palmer.

Time for the next race. © Rachel Palmer.

Our final didn’t disappoint, with all the crews racing flat out, side by side from start to finish. It was tough but brilliant. As each group final crossed the line all the boats rafted up alongside each other ready to cheer in the group ‘A’ final. Prosecco was popped open; chants broke out and other crews joined in. It was a real spectacle with some crews even in fancy dress. As the winners crossed the line everyone held up their oars to salute the New World Champions. It was a special ritual to be a part of.

After three tough races that day my crew were exhausted, but we found good positions to watch the men race. We pottered around to Porthmellon Beach and had a delicious supper at The Beach (with a cheeky G&T) while watching the sun set over the water to finish an amazing day of racing.

I loved my by now very familiar walk along the beach past all the gigs to find Teign Spirit, my boat. I was beginning to get to know the names of our opposition gigs – Tregarthens, Spy, Grace, Volante… I love that the boat is very much a part of the crew – it’s the boats name that is put up on the results list rather than the club or crew name. You can’t deny the boats are very special.

Having done so well the day before my crew were beginning to feel a bit nervous for the next heat. We desperately wanted to stay in the ‘C’ Group. The water had flattened down. We lined up on the start amongst the 11 other boats in our heat. Suddenly we were off.

We didn’t row as well as we had done in previous races and came in 11th so had to come to terms with being moved down a group. There were a few tears, but we soon picked ourselves up ready for our final race.

The race format at the Scillies is one of the best and fairest I’ve come across. By the time you get to the finals you’re up against eleven other crews who are all pretty much the same speed so whether you’re in the ‘A’ group or ‘M’ group you can expect a very tight, fiercely fought group final.

@TheWaveRowing

Rachel’s Tips 5 Do’s  Book your accommodation as early as possible – scour the notice boards  Bring a large tub of Vaseline to protect your bum  Give yourself a moment on the start line to take it all in  Bring binoculars for watching the racing  Buy your prosecco early from the Co-op before they run out 5 Don’ts  Don’t forget to pack warm clothes, it can get pretty chilly waiting for the start  Don’t leave litter around, and if you see it pick it up.

Hugh Town is a small place packed with people for the weekend so we must all do our bit  Don’t miss watching the races from Rat Island or The Garrison  Don’t rush home on the Monday, stay an extra day  Don’t think you won’t get the post Scilly blues!

The Wave Rowing | 41

ISSUE #1 | YOUR STORY

Strait of Gibraltar © Tim Fenemore..

YOUR STORY

Coastal

For

By Tim Fenemore You may think that you have to stick to your chosen sport and refine your technique to succeed and enjoy it, however fine boat rowers can learn new skills, Coastal Rowers can refine theirs and people who enjoy beach sports can all benefit from trying Coastal Rowing. Over the past 7 years, I have moved from a focus purely on windsurfing to a ‘blend’ of sports. This has helped improve my fitness and protect me from injury.

My daughter started rowing after the 2012 Olympics and I soon realised that fine boat rowing was a sport that could compliment my passion for windsurfing, allowing me to stay fit when the wind speed dropped below a force 3.

After taking up fine boat rowing and competing in singles, doubles and quads in 2016 I took my ‘fine’ boat and a van full of windsurfing equipment to Spain. The aim was to take a holiday and improve my rowing on low wind days.

Access to rivers and lakes was complicated – I simply did not know which were navigable. We arrived in Tarifa, known as the windiest town Spain on the southern tip of the country looking across at Morocco.

Unfortunately the wind was too light to windsurf most days. After a week of looking out at the Straits of Gibraltar I was bouncing off the ceiling of the van and could feel my fitness declining. There seemed no alternative but to pluck up the courage to take my fine boat out into the Atlantic… despite the protestation of my wife. The swell and waves made things a little too exciting – timing the rapid run back to the beach on a flat section in a particularly large set of waves was particularly memorable. How exhilarating!

Everyone!

The following year we decided to go to Portugal and following a little more homework discovered the mysterious world of FISA Coastal Rowing. I bought a second hand Sea Sabre and set off to explore. Now able to cope with waves, wind and tides it provided a whole new experience. The highlight was an amazing 20 minute row with a school of dolphins in the crystal clear water off the North West coast. Waves were no longer to be feared, they were ramps to launch down!

Realising that I needed some coaching, I visited Bob Cottell at the Row for Life centre at Studland for some tips. As I rowed alongside him, I started to realise that boat design is also a factor to be considered in the wide variety of conditions faced by Coastal crews. Since I first started windsurfing 37 years ago equipment has developed massively - hull shapes and set up dimensions can be optimised to suit the conditions.

Research and development of Coastal Rowing equipment has much to learn from other sports.

In 2018, I was fortunate to compete in the champs at Sandbanks and the Welsh Open in Aberporth. The beach scene feels very different to that at fine boat regattas. Loud disco music, lots of people supporting each other in the shore break and a real community feel across competitors who have a wide age range. Close action at the start and turning buoys provides adrenaline rushes similar to that fine boat rowers might experience during a multilane side-by-side regatta.

The 2019, The South West Coastal Rowing League Spring series has been great fun, the water is warming up and the Champs at Sandbanks are a few weeks away… it’s an exciting time of the year and with the prospect of the Autumn series, Shenzhen beach sprints, Hong Kong Global Champs and even a potential Olympic class in 2024, we have a great chance to increase awareness of (and participation in) our sport.

If you are a fine boat rower, why not hit the beach and try Coastal Rowing to widen your skills and enjoy the seaside… Coastal Rowers keep up the training for Champs and the Autumn Series… windsurfers, kitesurfers, kayakers, surfers, cyclists and runners give Coastal Rowing to improve your fitness. You’ll love it!

Tim Fenemore

Riding the surf in Phwheli, Wales © Tim Fenemore..

42 | The Wave Rowing

@TheWaveRowing

© SG Fitness & Indoor Rowing.

ISSUE #1 | FITNESS

FITNESS

Sarah is a mum of 3, Personal trainer, indoor rowing instructor and twice British Indoor Rowing age category Masters 40-49 lightweight champion for the 2k and 500m distances held in 2017 and 2018. Sarah also holds World and British age category 40-49 lightweight records on the Concept2 indoor rower in the 500m and 1km sprints, her interest in indoor rowing started in November 2014 and since then she has gone from strength to strength.

Sarah Gibbs, founder of SG Fitness & Indoor Rowing.

The benefits of an indoor rowing training plan A structured indoor rowing plan will make sure you are rowing the necessary sessions to get to your goal whether it is improving your 2k time, training for a 1/2 marathon or just using it for general overall fitness. All of these targets have specific programs that you need to follow. The 2km is a sprint so there should be a speed session, endurance session and a distance session.

Whether you want to row 3 or 6 times a week these 3 sessions are important ones that need to be performed during the week. It is probably advisable to add a distance session of 40 min or more at a low rate as this will build up your aerobic base and muscle endurance and also let your body get over the stresses of the speed and endurance intervals, as these shouldn't be completed one after another due to the fact it may increase your risk of burnout.

An indoor rowing training program changed the way I looked at the indoor rower, it helped me increase my times across the board, changed my body-shape and gave me confidence in my abilities. If you add in a weight-training program this will most definitely compliment your rowing. Take for instance an exercise such as the Romanian deadlift this uses similar actions to the hip swing of the rowing stroke, there are many other strength movements that rowers use to strengthen their performance on the rower.

So, if you’re a beginner and interested in indoor rowing try a training plan, it will help give you structure, motivation and also the support which is needed for you to gain confidence using probably the best and most important cardio machine on the gym floor!

Record your progress

I have always advocated the most important part of any program, albeit indoor rowing, weight-training or even running is the consistency part. You need to be performing these sessions at least 3 times a week to see any improvement in fitness and to further your progressions. With my training, I aim to indoor row 6 times a week, I and I have just written a strength program for my indoor rowing team which I am aiming to perform three times a week. There is also the factor that your training plan has to be gauged by you, to do this you need to record details of your sessions - how you felt, what you achieved - and then review it at the end of a 3-4 week period, it's then where you can make the changes that will benefit the next part of your training.

© CS Chaulk.

‘record details of your sessions – how you felt, what you achieved – and then review it at the end of a 3-4 week period…’

In this issue of The Wave, Sarah has kindly put together a free four-week indoor rowing program to help get you started! See pages 46-47.

Visit www.sgfitnessandindoorrowing.co.uk for more inspiration and motivation.

44 | The Wave Rowing

@TheWaveRowing

ISSUE #1 | FITNESS

FITNESS The muscles used whilst indoor rowing…

Strength Exercises

Indoor rowing is a great low impact workout which uses around 75% of your body’s muscles, so it is a great tool to give you an all-over body workout without the stress on your joints. Both your upper and lower body are needed to make and complete the whole stroke, this makes the workout tough but also rewarding aerobically and strength wise too.

The strength exercises should help strengthen your upper body, lower and core so squats are a great all over body strengthener, start off with a bodyweight squat and when you have the correct movement/form you can start using a weight too, Push-ups, tricep dips are great for upper body and core strength, with twisting lunges hitting your lower body, core and oblique’s great too. The single leg deadlift is perfect for strengthening your core, glutes and hamstrings and the mountain climber is a fantastic all round aerobic and strength improvers.

The main muscles worked during the strokes are…  At the catch it is your Erector Spinae (lower back,) your hamstrings and your calves.

Start off with 8 reps and work towards 12 and then add in weights if needed to keep on challenging yourself and to help those muscles make the needed adaptations to improve your strength for power in your stroke.

Weight workout – body weight beginner exercises

 At the start of the drive again it’s your lower back, upper back, Quads, calves and your hamstrings.

3 sets of each 8-12 reps with 1-1:30 min rest in between rep.

Bodyweight Squat - lower body and core

Tricep dips - upper body and core

 The drive back it is the lower back, your abdominals (core), triceps, upper back, traps, deltoids (delts), latissimus dorsi (lats). Glutes, quads, calves and hamstrings.

Walking twisting lunges - lower body and core

Push up - upper body and core  The finish is all of the above and then your obliques and biceps.

Single leg deadlift - lower body and core

As you can see there are a lot of muscles being activated for the whole stroke, to get strong and powerful at indoor rowing, I would suggest following an indoor rowing program and also incorporating some strength training with it also.

Mountain climbers - upper, core cardio

Disclaimer: Warm-up, stretch, cool down pre-and-post workout to help prevent the risk of injury and keep hydrated. Maintain proper technique throughout. Rowing is a high-intensity workout, seek a medical professional’s advice prior to a new exercise routine. Stop immediately if you feel nauseous, dizziness or pain. The workouts in this issue are for guidance only and at your own risk. SG Fitness & Indoor Rowing and/or The Wave – The Coastal & Offshore Rowing Magazine of Great Britain accepts no responsibility for any injury, illness or affects as a result of conducting the workouts contained. Images leftside © CS Chaulk, Rightside © SG Fitness & Indoor Rowing

@TheWaveRowing

The Wave Rowing | 45

ISSUE #1 | FITNESS

FITNESS

2km average /500m =

: SG Fitness & Indoor Rowing Free four-week rowing machine training program SESSION Program the ergo

SESSION ONE Program 2,000m

SESSION TWO

WEEK ONE

Program 30 mins.

SESSION THREE Program intervals distance with 5 min rests.

SESSION ONE

WEEK TWO

Program intervals variable by distance with rest times as shown.

SESSION TWO Program intervals time with 2 mins rest.

SESSION THREE Program distance intervals variables as shown with 5 mins rests

Duration

Stroke Rate (spm)

2,000m (2km)

Free-rate

As fast as you can without being too uncomfortable.

Once complete, record your average /500m split time above

30:00 mins

20

Your 2km average split +17/18 seconds.

Keep in mind your technique for this endurance.

1,500m Rest 5 mins 1,500m Rest 5 mins 1,500m Rest 5 mins 1,500m Rest 5 mins 1,500m Cool down

Pace/Notes

24 26 28

Your 2km average split +10/12 seconds.

Endurance: think technique and positive thoughts.

26 24

This is a speed session. Pace yourself - leave the faster stuff till the way down.

250m Free-rate Your 2km +3/4 secs.

Rest 1 min 500m Free-rate Your 2km +1/2 secs.

Rest 2 min 750m Free-rate Your 2km +1 sec.

Rest 3 min 1,000m Free-rate Your 2km +3/4 secs.

Rest 4 min 750m Free-rate Your 2km +1 sec.

Rest 3 min 500m Free-rate Your 2km +1/2 secs.

Rest 2 min 250m Free-rate Your 2km +3/4 secs.

Rest 1 min 15:00 mins 20 Rest 2 mins 15:00 mins 22 3,500m 24 Rest 5 mins 2,500m 26 Rest 5 mins 2,000m 28 Cool down

Your 2km +17/18 secs. Don’t push the pace!

Your 2km -2/2.5 secs. Don’t push the pace!

Your 2km +10 secs. Endurance session, keep to pace.

Your 2km +10 secs.

Your 2km +10 secs. Push a little harder. Maintain technique.

Follow SG Fitness & Indoor Rowing for inspiration, empowerment, motivation, advice and workouts.

If you would like Sarah to assist you with your training requirements, please contact Sarah via her social media channels or via her website www.sgfitnessandindoorrowing.co.uk 46 | The Wave Rowing

@TheWaveRowing

ISSUE #1 | FITNESS

FITNESS SESSION Program the ergo

SESSION ONE

WEEK THREE

Program Intervals variable 250m with 1:30 rests as shown.

SESSION TWO Program 20 mins with 5 mins splits.

SESSION THREE Program Intervals by distances of 2,000m with 5 mins rests as shown.

SESSION ONE

WEEK FOUR

Program Intervals distances of 1000m with 4 mins rests as shown.

SESSION TWO Program 30 mins.

SESSION THREE Program Intervals time 12 mins with 2 mins rests as shown.

Duration

Stroke Rate (spm)

250m Any Rest 1:30 mins 250m Any Rest 1:30 mins 250m Any Rest 1:30 mins 250m Any Rest 1:30 mins 250m Any Rest 1:30 mins 250m Any Rest 1:30 mins 250m Any Rest 1:30 mins 250m Any Cool down 5:00 mins 5:00 mins 5:00 mins 5:00 mins

20 22 24 26

Pace/Notes

This is a speed session. As fast as you can. Pace yourself.

Keep in mind technique to avoid injury.

Your 2km +17/19 secs.

Your 2km +15/17 secs.

Your 2km +13/15 secs.

Your 2km +11/13 secs.

2,000m 24-26 Rest 5 mins 2,000m 26-28 Rest 5 mins 2,000m 24-26 Rest 5 mins 2,000m 26-28 Cool down 1,000m Free-rate Rest 4 mins 1,000m Free-rate Rest 4 mins 1,000m Free-rate Rest 4 mins 1,000m Free-rate Cool down 30 mins

20

12 mins 22 Rest 2:00 mins 12 mins 24 Rest 2:00 mins 12 mins 22 Cool down

Your 2km +9/10 secs.

Practice your technique.

Your 2km +9/10 secs.

Your 2km +9/10 secs.

Your 2km +9/10 secs.

Your 2km +5/7 secs. Maintain technique throughout.

Your 2km +17/19 secs. Maintain technique.

Your 2km +14/16 secs.

Your 2km +12/14 secs.

Your 2km +12/14 secs.

Follow SG Fitness & Indoor Rowing for inspiration, empowerment, motivation, advice and workouts.

If you would like Sarah to assist you with your training requirements, please contact Sarah via her social media channels or via her website www.sgfitnessandindoorrowing.co.uk Disclaimer: Warm-up, stretch, cool down pre-and-post workout to help prevent the risk of injury and keep hydrated. Maintain proper technique throughout. Rowing is a high-intensity workout, seek a medical professional’s advice prior to a new exercise routine. Stop immediately if you feel nauseous, dizziness or pain. The workouts in this issue are at your own risk. SG Fitness & Indoor Rowing and/or The Wave – The Coastal & Offshore Rowing Magazine of Great Britain accepts no responsibility for any injury, illness or affects as a result of conducting the workouts contained and is a partnership arrangement with no monetary exchanges between parties.

@TheWaveRowing

The Wave Rowing | 47

ISSUE #1 | CLUB FEATURE

CLUB FEATURE

St Ayles Skiff 131 © Orkney Rowing Club

ORKNEY

ROWING CLUB

Pilot Whales spotted during an outing © Orkney Rowing Club

48 | The Wave Rowing

Coastal rowing bringing together the community. © Orkney Rowing Club

@TheWaveRowing

ISSUE #1 | CLUB FEATURE

CLUB FEATURE When was the club established?

The club began on 24th July 2014.

Common social activities: Sociable weekend rowing every Saturday and Sunday morning

A brief history: Back in 2011 six rowers from Orkney and twelve from Shetland took part in a sponsored row from Aith in Shetland across the North Atlantic to Soudorouy (South Island) in the Faroe Islands a distance of 200 miles which was rowed in 45 hours and raised a grand total of £56k for the charity Clan.

What activities do you do that engages the public/community?  Fundraising events  Volunteer at local events such as rally’s  Engage with local media, social media (Facebook and Instagram)

Then in early 2014 these rowers purchased a Shetland Yoal, she was called Fridarey which is Old Norse for Fair Isle where she was originally built by local boat builder Ian Best. Once the boat had received a little bit of a face lift, she was put to the water. It was decided to hold an open meeting to gauge the interest for rowing in Orkney. The meeting was well attended and so it was that on 24th of July 2014 the Orkney Rowing Club was officially formed.

The vision of the club was to row Shetland Yoals and St Ayles Skiffs enabling the club to go North and South with their rowing. Also, part of the clubs plan was to continue to carry out fund raising for local charities.

Do you have a Clubhouse?

We currently have a boatshed – however, this belongs to the local council and it is due to be demolished. To date we are on the lookout for a permanent base for the club.

What club facilities do you have?

None as yet.

Boat fleet/number & types:  3 - Shetland Yoals  2 - St Ayles Skiffs (130 & 131) Rowing Association: Members of Scottish Coastal Rowing Association Are you charity rowing club?

Yes, we are a registered charity SCIO 47947 Average membership numbers: Approximately 50 memberships Common competitive events and main league:  Annual Yoal rowing regatta against Shetland.  At least 2 St Ayles Skiff rowing regattas per year.  Annual Castle to Crane 22K river race up the Clyde in Glasgow

Notably achievements:  Charity row around the Orkney Mainland in June 2016.  Paddled a hide boat across the Pentland Firth for a BBC programme in August 2016.  Close encounter with Orcas in Scapa Flow in July 2018.  Our 50+ men won the Castle to Crane race in September 2018.  Helped herd Pilot whales out to sea June 2019.  Took part in our first ever Skiffieworlds in July this year and came 16th out of 55 clubs.

Common Notable wildlife:  Common Seals  Variety of sea birds  Pilot Whales  Dolphins  Otters  Orcas 5 tips for a new rower to Coastal/Offshore rowing:  Blisters are unavoidable, occupational hazard!!

Sense of humour essential.  Come prepared with various layers of clothing  Bring gloves, hats appropriate footwear  Take drinking water along as you will get thirsty  Enjoy being at one with nature and never give up.

30 minute training routine (either on or off water): Warm up for 5 minutes, 20 light strokes, 20 power strokes for 20 minutes, 5 minute cool down row.

Contact & Social Media details E-mail: Address: Website: Facebook: Instagram:

info@orkneyrowingclub.com ORC 7 Hirta, Kirkwall, Orkney, KW15 1XR https://orkneyrowing.wordpress.com Orkney Rowing Club SCIO 47947 @orkneyrowingclub

Pilot Whales spotted during an outing © Orkney Rowing Club

@TheWaveRowing

The Wave Rowing | 49

YOUR LETTERS & RESULTS

ISSUE #1 | YOUR LETTERS & RESULTS

Send us your letters and comments What are your thoughts and opinions on The Wave, feedback, what would you like to see, did you learn something new?

What issues do you foresee or have experienced and suggest within the Coastal & Offshore community?

Share with us and fellow rowers your views and tales.

Email: rowing@thewaverowing.com

Send us your end of season results Share your results and achievements with fellow rowers to help promote your sport. It is our intention to feature an end of year results section and we need you to help make that happen!

Email: rowing@thewaverowing.com

50 | The Wave Rowing

@TheWaveRowing

ISSUE #1 | CLASSIFIED / SALES

CLASSIFIED / SALES COASTAL SCULL Boat type:

Coastal Rowing scull (Single)

Model: Year: Material: Weight:

Eurodiffusion X19 V1 Competition build (single) 2016 Carbon fibre 35kg - FISA race ready weighting.

Condition:

Very Good condition.

Includes: Custom size boat bag Rigging bag Carbon seat Active shoes Price:

Please contact seller

Contact details of seller and for more information: Email: elliotharrison04@gmail.com

OARS

OARS

Manufacturer:

Croker

Rowing Type:

Ocean Rowing

Description: These Ocean rowing oars are thicker, longer, stronger and different in a few ways than your average river sculling blades. They have wooden handles to attempt to reduce blisters rather than plastic handles. Macon spoons to reduce the load on your back, but also is very handy so that each blade is identical meaning that if one snaps with a rogue wave, the spares can be used port or starboard.

Condition:

Very Good condition. These were spares for the Atlantic Crossing by Atlantic Discovery and not used.

Dimensions:

320cm in length to give us extra length to propel us through the ocean to Antigua.

Blade type:

Macon

Price:

Please contact seller

Contact details of seller and for more information: Name: Email: Telephone:

Isaac Kenyon (Atlantic Discovery) isaackenyon3@gmail.com 07833 473 157

Are you looking to sell your Coastal &/or Offshore equipment?

If you are a club, team or individual looking to sell you boat, oars or rowing association equipment; maybe you need equipment and wish to post a wanted item?

Why not post your listing in The Wave at your target audience‌ coastal & offshore rowers!

Email: rowing@thewaverowing.com @TheWaveRowing

The Wave Rowing | 51

In the next issue…

    

The history, the route and the logistics in making it happen.

We’ll be chatting to the British teams undertaking the challenge.

A tour of an Ocean Rowing boat.

Life on the ocean and the challenges the teams may face.

How you can monitor their progress.

Also featuring…

News Stories Featured League Results

Equipment Community Fitness and more…

Subscribe to our mailing list to receive your free issue #2 e-magazine upon its release:

www.thewaverowing.com

Thank you for reading this issue, we hope you’ve enjoyed it!

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www.thewaverowing.com rowing@thewaverowing.com @thewaverowing