The Mississippi's mystique attracts beginner rowers
by Lynne Voelliger The mystique of the Mississippi River is never stronger than at sunrise. The promise of a new day calls to those who relish the quiet solitude of the river.
Runners, walkers and cyclists are lured to the path along its banks. The slow-moving current calls to boaters and fishermen.
Nancy Phelps, 40, of Davenport, Iowa, is one runner who has responded to the call of the river. As she trained along the Ben Butterworth Parkway in Moline, Illinois, she noticed a long, low boat with eight rowers gliding alongside her. She was first struck by the beauty and serenity of the scene, and then by the thought, "Rowing would be great cross
training!"
Other Quad Citians, crossing the Interstate 74 bridge between Iowa and Illinois on their way to work, often see the early morning rowers. More than a few have thought, "Someday, I would love to try that."
Still others are attracted to the competitive nature of the sport. Watching a rowing race along the Cedar River in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is what motivated David VanHook, 34, of Davenport, to take the class.
These individuals and others decided that
"there's no time like the present" and signed up for Learn to Row classes offered earlier this year by the Quad City Rowing Association (QCRA) in Moline.
"The first night is a classroom session where students learn the basic stroke technique as well as boat handling and safety," said Grace Burt of Bettendorf, Iowa, who heads up the classes. "The remaining classes are conducted on the water."
"There is a lot more to rowing than I ever imagined,"
said Jenn Penn, 35, of Davenport, as she warmed up on a rowing machine called an ergometer inside the Moline boathouse. "You have to put a lot of thought into technique."
Rowing coach Dan David of Moline has taught countless beginners how to row. "It's a great sport for all age groups and ability levels," he said.
"The sport can be whatever you want it to be," David continued. "Some people use it to unwind after a day at work, some for a cardiovascular
workout and others for competition."
Classes begin with warm-ups on the "erg" machines. Crews work together to carry the boat, known as an "8" for the number of rowers that propel it on the river. Each rower slips into his designated seat, adjusts the rowing shoes, known as foot stretchers, and waits for instructions from the coxswain, or captain of the boat seated at the stern.
As they sweep (with one oar), rowers respond to different commands from the
coxswain, who uses a microphone and speakers to communicate with the crew.
The coach floats beside the 8 in a separate launch in order to observe technique from a distance. He reminds them that their eyes should be focused on the person in front of them as well as on their own oar.
"There are six steps involved in rowing, and the secret to success is in mastering each step," David said.
At the end of a session, many first timers decide to continue with the sport by taking
intermediate and advanced classes to improve their skills. Competitive programs are available for all ages from Juniors to Masters.
Many participants from the class decide to join the Rowing Association as an alternative fitness program.
"It's great to come here after work and work out with friends," said Julie Carstensen of Davenport. Carstensen took the Learn to Row class four years ago and now serves on the QCRA board of directors.
Membership in QCRA is $275 per year
for adults and $225 for students, which Burt says is a great value.
"Even though we are only on the river from April through October, we have use of the ergs and the weight machines all year, as well as core strength training classes," instructor Grace Burt said. "Also rowing is one of the few sports where you don't have to invest in the equipment. It's all right here at the boathouse for our members to use."
QCRA President Marshall Guth said one- and two-man boats
called sculls are available for rowers whose schedule prevents them from joining a four- or eight-man boat.
"Because of our commitment to juniors, we have the biggest selection of club-owned sculling equipment in the Midwest," he said.
Guth added, "Rowing is much more than a die-hard, win-at-all-costs sport. It is a lifelong activity to enjoy on a peaceful morning, alone or with friends or in a late afternoon big boat row."
Participants in the Learn to Row class
must be at least 15 years old. Physical requirements include the ability to swim, lift 30 pounds overhead and have good knee and hip flexibility.
The next opportunity to check out the sport will take place in May 2005. "We offer a Learn to Row Day in conjunction with the National Learn to Row Day," said Erika Nelson-Wong, who organized the event last year.
The beginner classes will be offered again next summer, typically beginning a week after Memorial Day. Classes are
limited to 14 people and the sessions meet in the evenings twice weekly for four weeks. Cost for the class is $125, a portion of which can be applied toward the purchase of an annual QCRA membership.
For more information on Learn to Row classes or on joining the Quad City Rowing Association, call 309/762-6030 or visit their Web site, www.qcra.org.
Lynne Voelliger is a freelance writer, editor and publicist in Bettendorf, Iowa. She assists organizations and individuals with their writing needs, as well as contributes to regional newspapers and magazines.
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