The third week of Hatchets summer rowing has come and gone! We have really loved the summer so far. We hope you're enjoying all the sun and the rain, the calm and the wind and taking advantage of whatever the summer has to offer!
AUGUST 10TH-11th WEEKEND
Now is the time to let us know if you are able to join us for some or all of the events this weekend. We have a registration list in the rowing centre - or just call (705-765-1939) or email (info@hatchetsrowing.com) to sign up. As a recap - the events are:
Saturday August 10th @ 6am: The Muskoka Poker Run. The half marathon of rowing. 22km. We choose shells the day of the event based on water conditions. Check out more details here.
Saturday August 10th @ 11am: The Indian River Relay. This is our fun internal regatta for any skill level and age of rower, as long as you can row forwards and backwards and turn comfortably in one of our Mission 20/20 shells. We make teams of four of mixed skill level the day of the event and compete for the fastest team time. The winners have their hand prints painted on the dock.
Sunday August 11th @ 12pm: Long distance row to David’s cottage on Tobin’s Island close to Windermere. We Head out around 12pm from Hatchets, through the Port Carling locks, clockwise around Tobin’s Island and back, with a lunch stop at David’s. Pack a lunch and join us for the afternoon!
TOP 10 leaderboard
Distance Challenge
On the distance challenge side of things, we have a new leader for our distance challenge! Peter Roy has his own rowing shell on Lake Joe, and as of noon on Friday of the third week he was leading the pack for distance! We’ve had more join in this week and, seeing as it is already Thursday when I’m writing this newsletter (oops!) the kms have increased a lot since last week and we’ll be updating the board tomorrow!
Instructions to join the distance challenge: You can join the challenge by tracking your kms with Strava, or by keeping track yourself and sending me an email or text before noon on Friday each week with your kms. If you use Strava, I can see your kms so you don’t have to send any updates. If you’d like to use the Strava app , you can either have the app record your distance or manually enter it afterwards. In the app you can manually enter rows after the fact, and you are welcome to track it on paper too. If you’d rather just write it down, just text or email me on Fridays before noon with your total so I can include you on the leaderboard! If you are using the app, you have to request to follow me (Kathy McCarthy, Port Carling, Ontario Canada) and I will add you to the challenge!
Peter visiting us to pose with the board this week! He said something to the effect of……”Well, it might be the only week I can get ahead, so I better get some photo evidence!”. Nice job Peter!
Pullups and Fish Game
With all the rowing going on, we have been delinquent in reminding people to test their strength doing pullups, and their skill playing the fish game! The scores have increased, but I feel that this is only representative of the few we have reminded to test themselves on these challenges. When you are in next time, put yourself to the test!
This Week's Focus is The Catch!
This week's focus is the catch! The catch is the point when the oars are placed in the water before taking another stroke. Remember to keep your arms and back straight and strong, keep your heels as close to down as you can and let your blades DROP in the water by pivoting at the shoulders and picturing your hands reaching up and away from you to catch the water. Liisten for the distinct "plop" sound at the catch when you do it right!
PHOTO HIGHLIGHTS!
Here are a couple of this week’s highlights, but checkout the rest in our Summer 2024 photos at this link: https://www.hatchetsrowing.com/photo-gallery
We’ve had a few rainy mornings, but as many have learned, sometimes those are the best mornings! Our mantra when it comes to weather - just show up and something will happen! Maybe just a bunch of squat jumps and pushups, or some rowing machine time, or a great coffee, or a beautiful row in the rain! Just show up!
Welcome back Monte! Stronger, faster and more flexible. Ready to give Jeremy a run for his money again.
Another Learn to Row in the books. This was this past Saturday - and all 4 rowers looked great on the water! Looking forward to seeing their skills progress.
Do you have any kids in your life - grandkids, nieces, nephews? Did you know that we start kids rowing at age 8? Give them a chance to learn this amazing sport for life!
KIDS….Do you have any adults in your life? Parents, granDparents, aunts, uncles, friends? Did you know that we have no upper age limit for rowing? Convince them to challenge themselves to a new sport that will increase their physical and mental well being!