So this happened today. Felt good. Love #learntorow

Today I had the chance to coach a little learn to row. I love doing this and it has been a while since I have been in a launch on the water.

I stepped away from coaching because I couldn’t balance my career in teaching, my head coaching responsibilities, family and keeping healthy. I’ve been struggling with Atrial Fibrillation which has been a real pain, considering how much I like indoor rowing.

I’m scheduled to have my third heart procedure this summer and hopefully, I can get back to some kind of normalcy.

We had a good session on the water and it was the first day for a few of the kids ever having been in a boat. We spent time learning how to put the boat in, put oars in, and then how to balance the boat when we are not rowing. We then progressed to pick drill on the square with a pause drill at arms away for good measure. At the end of practice, we did legs only drills.

Novices need to understand that slow is fast and need strong fundamentals such as sitting squared and buried before they start rowing. I never let them row without checking they are in the correct release position first. Pause drills help them to become aware of where their body is while learning basic technique.

Boy, was this fun today and I am grateful that I got the chance to brush off the cobwebs and know that I can still do this and enjoy it. At least, from time to time.

#learntorow #rowing #rowingtechnique #atrialfibrillation #fun #novicerowing