Rowing is one of those sports that anyone can try and be good at, as long as you are willing to work hard. Rowers complain, we have a lot to complain about, but make no mistake we love our sport with our whole being. Rowers also have a lot to love and we aren't shy about that either. With the spring competitive season upon us, here is a list of things that only collegiate rowers will understand.
1. Your hands will never be soft, start accepting it now.
Your hands will be bloody, hard, and overflowing with blisters 300 days out of the year. They are essentially cheese-graters at this point. Only true friends will hold your hand.
2. Every season is bulking season.
Bigger is better, with muscles that is. We like to pick things up and put them down (Schwarzenegger voice).
3. I don’t care what you say, nothing is as hard as rowing.
I know running up and down a field or court for an hour is hard, but try squatting with the weight of 8 other people on your back, super fast, for 20 minutes straight- or if you're lucky- for 7 minutes three separate times. All while keeping good form, breathing, trying not to puke, and being screamed at by a tiny Napoleon.
4. Uni tan lines are a competition.
Mine is definitely worse than yours, look at this contrast…I look like a tomato in a swimsuit. I think I’m peeling… "Coach do we have aloe in the boat box?"
5. There is nothing better than Tinder at Head of the Charles.
Head of the Charles is one of the biggest fall regattas in the United States. Imagine thousands of gorgeous people with gorgeous bodies from all over the world all in one place. That is Head of the Charles. Playing Tinder was never more exciting! Because lets face it, a rowers dating pool consists of rowers. Everyone else seems to small.
6. Early practices are worth it.
Yeah, we get it, waking up early sucks. BUT rowing during a sunrise on glassy water is pretty freaking awesome! Plus now you have your whole day to eat and sleep...and eat some more.
7. Taking over your local coffee shop is no small feat.
There is nothing better than coffee after a morning workout. If we have to swarm the local Dunkin Donuts at 7 a.m., we will. Also, we know we look gross so theres no need to stare.
8. Practice happens no matter what.
Did it start pouring while you were out on the water?– Enjoy your new blisters.
Did it start lightning?- Go erg
The water is frozen?- Go erg
Its too windy?- Go erg
Too cold?- Go erg.
9. We are the only people who will willingly go in river when it is below freezing...
... During a power ten.
