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Row, Row, Row Your Coastal Boat!

6 October 2020
Emily N, Allard ‘22; Photo by John Pettit
During our absence from school since March, rowers missed nothing more than the grit and joy that comes with the Brentwood rowing community. Since being back amidst Covid-19, rowing this year has been a bit different. Juniors and seniors were split up, and everything has been done within cohorts.

For the first two weeks, rowers barely got on the water, but instead they were working on the fundamentals of rowing technique. Fitness tests were also happening, as well as boat appreciation stations, and even dryland workouts in preparation for the rowers to be well equipped for all the hard work that comes with being out on the water.

In the past week, everyone has been introduced, or re-introduced, to the water. Because of Covid-19 precautions, students were only permitted to go out on the water in singles and doubles, a tippy experience for all!

New students have been getting on the water for the first time in coastal or oarboard singles, while returning students have been re-establishing their rusty techniques. After 6 months away from the water, senior Shaelyn L, Allard ‘21, realizes what an “amazing privilege it is to be back - even with the Covid protocols.”

Walking around the boatshed, it is obvious that returning rowers are happy to be back in their element once again. New students have been developing a passion for a sport that requires hard work and dedication, while feeling included from the second that they stepped into the world of rowing.

Some would argue that it would be difficult to learn to row only being able to go out in singles and doubles for the first time ever, but our new rowers have definitely been making the most of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. A new senior rower, Sophia L, Allard ‘21, is “excited to learn to row even during a global pandemic” and this is because of the amazing community that she has become a part of since she decided to join rowing!

Even though the rowing season this year is looking different, with no large regattas to look forward to due to Covid-19, varsity oarsman Karl D, Rogers ‘21 has noted that while the season feels different and “took longer to get going due to the new safety measures that everyone has had to become familiar with, on the water it feels like nothing has changed.” This proves that rowing is a sport that will always be able to persevere throughout these unpredictable times.

Before school started, all the students were intrigued to see how this year's rowing season would unfold. Since being back, it is evident that all the rowers are willing to put in the hard work to keep this season afloat. Anika E, Allard ‘23, is “happy to be back at Brentwood this year and that is mostly because [she] gets to row again.” Rowing has proven to be a sport that has been holding the community together like glue, making students even more excited to be back at Brentwood!

The rowers are all extremely grateful and happy to be back. Covid-19 is definitely a hurdle, but not one that the Brentwood rowing community can’t pull through.

Emily N, Allard ‘22



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