GLIDE BOATS
ISSUE #6 | GLIDE BOATS
It is fantastic that the GlideBoat enables 8 years+ to get on the water. What is it that makes this boat so special in making this possible, what has the reaction been like from the kids and what do they find difficult the most?
Can the boat be rowed in competitive competitions? The GlideTide will meet the FISA requirements for coastal rowing and is 5.0 metres long. An optional set of 3 custom buoyancy bags will be available to provide the watertight compartments required by FISA. From experience in sea trails against other fibreglass FISA class singles, the GlideTide performs really well. It is even considered that you would be at no disadvantage in a GlideTide FISA single scull.
© Rowing Adventures
© Rowing Adventures
One of the main attractions of GlideBoats is expanding the opportunity for younger children to experience sculling rowing. The GlideSolo is a fantastic boat for young and adult novice rowers. Subconsciously because the boat is plastic, we believe rowers are a little less nervous of using the boat in coastal areas as it’s not as brittle as our more expensive fibreglass boats. Added to this, from a club perspective, damaging the plastic hull is far less a concern than a more expensive and delicate fibreglass or carbon fibre boat. Christmas even saw Santa Claus bring the GlideSolo to Donegal - the perfect gift for Seamus of Donegal Bay Coastal Adventures’ 9 and 12 year olds in the midst of this pandemic, thankfully they can still get out and enjoy the water, the girls love the boat and how easy it is to manage.
There are a couple of reasons I [Seamus] took on the agency for GlideBoats in Ireland. The main reason being I wholeheartedly believe in the product. I love that Pauls main focus is very simply, to get more people rowing, it’s that simple. It’s not all about profit, it is far bigger than that, it’s about joining the movement by making rowing more accessible, and to get more people enjoying their local waters in a safe - fun boat at a reasonable price. I know only too well from my club experience that rowing in some respects due to the cost of equipment can be viewed as an elitist sport. Price matters. What also matters greatly especially in a coastal environment is making the boats robust enough for novice and young rowers. Plastic makes sense, especially to those of us who have spent years and money fixing fibreglass or worse carbon fibre.
© Rowing Adventures
© Rowing Adventures
Where do you see the future of Coastal Rowing?
Above: Double Olympic champion Heather Stanning took to the water with her Aunt Jilli to experience rowing alongside her niece.
© Rowing Adventures
© Rowing Adventures
Below: Outings can range from skills development, adventures and trips in the Glide, including a river row at Beaulieu, and the Isle of Wight,
Above: The versatility, possibilities and fun that the boat presents in helping to engage all ages groups into rowing.
32 | The Wave Rowing
@TheWaveRowing
