And…we’re back!
It’s rowing season again which means more riveting rowing coverage of our boys (and girls) in the boats. The spring season kicked off yesterday in Gainesville, Georgia. Races were held on Lake Lanier, location of the 1996 Olympic rowing events. (And if you haven’t read The Boys in the Boat, referenced in my opening sentence, I highly suggest you do.)
The idea of a spring season evoked thoughts of rowers paddling on calm, warm waters while daffodils bloomed onshore. Nope. Not in the south where spring this time includes tolerating our third winter season of the year.
Our rowers tackled their first spring regatta in temperatures that hovered around 40 degrees and on waters that I’m sure were much colder. This cold wasn’t just cold. It was a bone-chilling, damp cold. Spectators, dressed in layers of coats and blankets, watched from team tents set up along the course to cheer on their boats while the rowers bravely tolerated wind and splashing on the course.
And though I was shivering, I quickly learned the spring season is exciting to watch. During the fall season, the course is much longer with boats starting separately and competing for the best time. You can’t tell who won until results are posted. In the spring, the course is short and boats start together racing side by side. You see which boat wins when they cross the finish line. And for Asheville Youth Rowing, they crossed the finish line in first place, a lot! Despite the frigid temps, the girls and boys rowed hard, often winning their event by several boat lengths.
It was a fun peek at what is sure to be an exciting season. We just hope the next spring regatta lives up to its name with spring-like temps. Until then, here’s a chilly snapshot of our time in Georgia. Go Asheville!
Our boys going out…
And we can’t forget little brother who had a break from rowing with a visit to a trampoline park
And back to rowing for the medal handout
