In honor of everyone up in Boston, check out this user submitted video of MIT looking badass!
Anonymous asked: I was 7 seat in our v1 8 all fall but now my coach is having me row bow and he told me that it's because I have a brain. But I don't get why having a brain is more important in bow pair than stern pair... Thoughts?
First of all, I’d take this seat switch as a compliment. I also row bow (and will probably never ever row anything but bow or two, as I’m only 5’6”) so I’m obviously biased, but from a coaching standpoint this is what I can offer as an explanation:
Bow and two seat are crucial to maintaining the set of the boat, which means they have to be very technical rowers that are able to adapt to changes quickly. I read somewhere that the bow pair affects the set more than any other pair due to the fact that they tend to sit higher out of the water, and therefore their movements can have more of an impact on the boat.
So why would you “need more of a brain” in bow pair? I actually don’t think “having a brain” is a good description of what is needed; instead I believe bow pair must have the ability to be more mindful of what is going on so they can quickly adapt and adjust whatever is necessary to help the other rowers move the boat to the absolute best of their ability. Instead of saying bow pair must “have brains” I’d say bow pair must be able to use their brains at all times instead of forgetting everything else and cranking on it the way middle four can. This of course should not be interpreted as “middle four doesn’t need to be smart,” they just need to use their brains differently than bow pair.
So how does bow pair differ from stern pair? Stern pair should also be very technically sound so they are easy to follow, but should be able to maintain proper technique and stay consistent despite all the factors working against them (rush, set, etc.). If stern pair adjusted to accommodate every little change the way bow pair does, they would be hard to follow and the boat would be a mess. Again, I don’t think this has anything to do with whether or not stern pair “has brains” in relation to bow pair; they just use their brains to accomplish different tasks.
I hope this helps a little…it’s Saturday, so my brain happens to be turned off.
Anonymous asked: Hi! I absolutely love this website- I rowed briefly in high school but due to a heart condition I had to stop. But I still like reading these and being able to understand most of them :) my question is - my cousin is now a coxswain and obsessed with it, and it's her birthday soon! I never coxed soo I was wondering what sort of cox related presents you'd recommend? Or gift websites for rower presents? Thanks! :)
Depending on where you live…I’d recommend http://www.rubinijewelers.com/store/scripts/default.asp
They have all sorts of cool rowing and coxing related stuff…I have an oar ring from them that is pretty much glued to my finger.
I Haven’t Forgotten About You…
I’ve been getting all of your messages and will try to respond to a few tonight. I’m currently stuffing my face after a successful morning practice and therefore can’t use my brain to do anything but make sure I don’t choke on my food as I eat ALL the things!!!
…but then we had to erg.
