Returning to Rowing: Six Things to Consider

This is not the first time lockdown has been eased with the promise of freedom illuminating the horizon, but with the vaccination programme full-steam ahead and cases going down across the country, it seems like it could well be the last time. Now that boathouses are reopening (yet) again and it’s finally time to get back out on the water, there are a few things to bear in mind before rushing headlong into a rigorous training programme after months of erging and cross-training.

Find your balance

Both in a literal and metaphorical sense! Obviously, after an extended break from water training, it might take longer than expected to settle back into being entirely comfortable in a boat. Make sure to take the time to go over the basics, and don’t beat yourself up if you don’t manage to be as slick as you think you should be. Similarly, it might not be the wisest idea to aim for 15km on your first session back – just because you’ve become a dab hand on the erg and the water is glassy doesn’t mean you won’t regret it tomorrow.

Goals

Having attainable and competitive goals has kept us all sane throughout lockdown, but now it’s finally lifting, reassessing and setting goals remains just as important. Whether it’s to avoid capsizing, regain confidence in a single, or be at the top of your game for the winter season, keep re-evaluating your goals as you get used to being back and don’t feel bad if you have to lower your expectations.

Food

We’re heading into summer now (though you wouldn’t necessarily know it by looking at the weather), so there’s not such an emphasis on avoiding seasonal illnesses. Still, nutrition nonetheless remains intrinsic to successful rowing. Make sure you’re fuelling your body sufficiently and drinking enough water both during and after sessions – remember to take snacks and drinks in the boat just in case you get caught short!

Technique

Drills are doubtless fairly low down on the list of things we’ve missed most about being on the water, but they’re probably more vital now than ever before. Whether it’s spending longer on a backstops warm-up or just focusing on getting a good tap down, there’s a lot to think about, so commit to taking the time to get your tekkers back to their former glory!

Hands

The joys of blister-free hands! Please make the most of it, because even years of callus-cultivation can’t stop those fresh blisters from appearing when you get back on the water. Some people swear by surgical spirit to toughen up the hands but bear in mind this is not a good idea if they’ve already started blistering! Tape is your new best friend in terms of protecting blisters whilst on the water, but make sure you remember to clean them thoroughly with antiseptic whenever you finish a session to stop them from getting infected.  

Stretching

Hopefully, this is something you’ve kept up throughout lockdown (and if it’s not, how have you managed?), but it is imperative now we’re back on the water. Bear in mind that the water’s continuous movement means more muscles will be constantly engaged and that you could find yourself aching in unsuspected areas. Take the time to stretch after each session properly, and even incorporate some planks to ensure that your core is still conditioned to avoid back injury.

That’s all for now. If you’re hungry for more, check out any of our other pieces from The Catch, listen to the latest podcast episode, or flick through our race previews.

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Lucy Lloyd

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