Erg Quirks

In a previous post, you read of Randy’s penchant for counting strokes to get him through the workout. Now we present Liz’s quirk: music whose beats per minute match with the stroke rate she means to keep.

Liz has had two persistent free-time habits in life, rowing and choral singing. These two have more in common than you might think. In both, one major challenge is to blend. Consider: in a choir, if you can hear yourself over and against the other singers, you’re not doing it right. So in a crew boat: if you can feel yourself in distinction to all the other rowers in your boat, you’re not doing it right.

But that strong compulsion to blend gets weird when it comes to erging to music. Unable not to join the driving beat of workout music, Liz finally gave up trying and just made playlists with songs whose beat match the stroke rate she means to keep.

Of course, the desperate search for music to erg to isn’t something Liz is alone in undergoing. Everyone on ergs everywhere the world over is always asking, what music will keep me going today?

Given the mid-winter crisis you might be amidst, Liz shares here her playlists, which she downloaded on Spotify. May these get you through!

You Can Count to Ten, Right?

Randy is one of the club’s most frequent rowers. You can almost always find him on the water in the double first thing in the morning. This winter you can also find him on the erg at Berkshire Nautilus with the winter program.

He recently sent out an email advocating a habit that helps him focus during his workout, whether on the water or on the erg. “Counting,” he wrote, and for others with the same habit, he continued, “We do it for all sorts of reasons. We enumerate. We track. We quantify. We count to be sure we have the right number, that we don’t have the wrong number, or…maybe it’s just obsessive compulsive.”

Kimmie Schmidt fans will recognize the technique. She actually has a lot to teach us about erging. (Ha!) As for Randy, this works for him because it helps get him “out of his head,” gives him a guidepost as to where he is in the workout or on the lake. For example, he writes, “You can use it to enumerate (this is a 10 minute piece at 24 strokes per minute so I will count to 240 strokes), to quantify (my workout is 1000 strokes, at every 100 strokes I am going to raise my rate from 26 to 34 for 20 strokes); to track (my average split time is 2:30, so at 120 strokes I will be near Apple Tree Point), etc.”

Further advice: “If you have a partner, both keep count, and count certain intervals out loud (such as 100 strokes), just to keep you in sync and to be certain you are still awake.  Practicing this, you will find that your mind quiets and you relaaax…even as you are puffing hard.”

Counting isn’t something everyone will do. But if you’re struggling to frame the hard work of rowing (or erging) this way of thinking might give you structure for the workout ahead—and a way to understand your accomplishment once the workout is behind you.

NoCo Juniors Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop

Check out four of our juniors.

They’re spending their winter still aiming for speed, but on snow instead of water. Racing in the Berkshire XC Ski League, Simon, Foster, Teague, and Callum are up to something terrific in its own right, but also doing the best thing you can do as a rower when you can’t be on the water.

They’ll make for some fierce competition at spring sprints, which start early this year–April 20, Lake Onota, Williams College invitational half-time event. They’ll be ready for it. Will you?

 

Winter Is No Cause for Whining

The Winter Program is starting out with tons of energy. Berkshire Nautilus is proving (once again) the perfect site for it, and our new crew of winter warriors is bigger and better than ever.

The first training sessions at Berkshire Nautilus were well attended.

The second week’s attendance has been ever better. On Monday, there were  nine in the group, though all twelve ergs were out in case others wanted to join. Dan has been coaching with a focus on technique so far–pause drills to help in isolating aspects of the stroke that need work. 

The crew runs the gamut from longtime, committed rowers to those who’ve never been on the water and had never been on an erg. That’s the benefit of erging–you can do it alongside someone of vastly different experience knowing that it never gets easier, your numbers just change.

Thinking about joining up? You should do it! Be in touch  with the club via email and we’ll get you connected. Or just come to Berkshire Nautilus some Tuesday or Thursday at 6 AM, or Saturday at 7:30 AM.

A Rower who Sings the Blues (and not just in the off season!)

One of our juniors, Julia, is even better known locally as the lead singer of Born IV Blues.

Founded in 2017 when they were all but 9th graders, Julia along with Diego the drummer, Austin the guitarist, and Josiah on bass are still at it, writing their own music as well as reinterpreting songs from the blues canon. You can read more about them here, and you can listen here.

Just last night, they performed at The Barn in Egremont as a fundraiser to support their upcoming trip to the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, their second time participating in that event.

Julia is a treasure on the rowing team, too, helping the coaches run workouts when they’re busy getting the launches ready or deciding on line-ups, pushing as hard as anyone in whatever boat she lands in,  but also coaching in the boat when set work with newer rowers, as seen here with Isabelle at her first regatta.

Way to go, Julia! BCR is grateful to have you among our ranks!

Tobias Tops 100k

Tobias, one of our juniors, completed 100,000, a Christmas surprise because he’d told his family his aim was to do the juniors’ challenge of 50,000!

Having committed to the Concept 2 Holiday Challenge following Thanksgiving, Tobias decided not only to do 2,500 meters every school day, but to double that–5k every school day.

His mom, Liz, was taking on the Holiday Challenge, and Tobias wanted to keep pace. Plus, his schedule allowed it. He had just spent the months of late fall preparing to play Puck in the Lenox High School’s Fall Festival of Shakespeare’s production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. 

This accomplishment now behind him, he descended to his basement where the erg awaited.

Each day, when he got off the bus from school, he hammered out the meters. And as of yesterday, late evening, he reached his goal.

Well done, Tobias! Now enjoy that Christmas log and egg nog. You’ve earned it!

Holiday Challenge Met

Sue might look like a mild-mannered mother, (new!) grandmother, school administrator, and rowing club treasurer (wanna be) emeritus. 

And she is all that. But she is also much, much more–our club’s biggest, baddest erg beast.

Having taken on the Concept2 Holiday Challenge, Sue was doing what any mere mortal can do if any of us were to try really hard. Erging 100,000 meters from Thanksgiving to Christmas is a manageable undertaking, if a little tedious.

But the latest numbers suggest Sue isn’t going for mere mortal status. She’s going for 200,000 meters, and she could well do it. About 50 hours until the end of the challenge, she’s currently at 165,303 meters.

What’s her secret?

She writes, “Take it easy. Do 2,000 meters to start, and then rest for two minutes. Then do it again, and again, and then push for a 4th round.”

She claims counting strokes can keep the mind occupied, noticing that it takes her about 300 strikes to do 2k, keeping count while also doing some day-dreaming. If she’s emotionally prepared, she can even throw in some power pieces–a power 10 every 50 strokes.

Her advice is this, for any who want to join in her ranks: “Don’t get discouraged,” and of her own work she writes, “Whether my endurance or strength is increasing or not, just clocking in the meters” has intrinsic worth.

Since she does all this at her nearby gym, she enjoys people-watching, noting the latest fashions in athletic wear and appreciating all the effort others are putting in as well, some more capable than she, many far less so, and each doing what they can to be healthy and happy.

She also recommends a lot of self-forgiveness. She doesn’t make it to the gym everyday, and doesn’t always have a sublime experience on the erg. But she’s managed quite a lot during this dormant season.

Impressive, Sue! Congratulations! Well done.

Winning an Erg; Giving an Erg

Michael won the ergometer from our 2018 Erg Raffle, a now annual fundraiser for BCR thanks to Concept2. Maker of ergs, C2 also supports rowing clubs like ours in our perennial search for ways to raise money by offering ergs at lower cost for raffling off. (If you want in, look to September 2019 when we’ll have another chance to win!)

But Michael’s prize erg arrived at his door just as he was downsizing–into an apartment where, as he wrote, “there wouldn’t be enough room for both the erg and my wife. As much as I love rowing, I chose my wife.”

We at Berkshire Rowing believe he chose well.

So do those at the Burke Rehab Hospital in White Plains, New York, where Michael’s been a fitness instructor for over seven years. He donated the erg to the hospital and it now resides in the gym making it available for use both to Michael and to his many dedicated colleagues. “Win-win!” he writes, in the spirit of this sport.

Check out the Burke Rehab Newsletter, top of the 3rd page, to see photo evidence of his generosity–and his good form, for that matter. (Great engagement with the foot plate!)

Another Lucky Potluck

BCR held our annual end-of-the-year banquet, a potluck dinner that was delicious from main dish to dessert. On Saturday evening, November 10th, Berkshire Rowers and their loved ones gathered to eat, reflect on the year that was, and look forward to 2019.  The Lichtenstein Center in downtown Pittsfield once again provided the perfect venue as we were surrounded by art installations, mosaics, and paintings by local artists.

Our juniors gathered in full force to celebrate their medal-winning season, our masters looked forward to winter training at Berkshire Nautilus, all their family members wondered what they’d do with their rowers now just hanging around the house, and everyone enjoyed Sue’s baklava.  Until next time~

Harassment Policy

Berkshire Rowing And Sculling Society (BRASS) is committed to providing a respectful sport environment by promoting the prevention and prompt resolution of harassment. All members and employees of BRASS have the right to be treated fairly, respectfully and with dignity in an environment free of harassment. To this end, BRASS has a zero tolerance policy toward harassment.
It is expected that all club members will consistently display high ethical standards and project a favorable image of our sport to participants, coaches, officials, spectators, the media, and the general public.
Read the Harassment Policy [hyperlink]

Travel Code of Conduct

All rowers under the age of 18 planning to travel with the club must read and sign, with their guardian, the BRASS Travel Code of Conduct document before being allowed to travel.
Read the Travel Code of Conduct [hyperlink]

Payment of fees

Fees must be paid in advance, immediately upon billing or rowers may be denied water access.

Safety Video

The US Rowing Safety Video promotes and demonstrates safe practices for rowers.
All rowers, regardless of experience, must watch the US Rowing Safety Video before going on the water.

WATCH THE US ROWING SAFETY VIDEO

Safety Rules and Regulations

The following pages outline the safety rules that apply to all members of BRASS and those who use the BRASS facilities. Strict enforcement of the BRASS safety rules is the duty and responsibility of every BRASS member. Failure to follow the BRASS Safety Rules may result in disciplinary action and/or suspension of club privileges.

• The BRASS Boathouse Manager shall have the final say in matters related to rowing times, safety, and equipment maintenance and usage.  If the Manager is not present, the boathouse staff person on duty will assume this responsibility.
• All rowers must attest annually the ability to swim and to don a personal flotation device (PFD) while on the water. Those aged 18 and over can indicate on the registration form their ability to swim; those under 18 need signature of a parent or guardian, or must take a swim-test. A list of non-swimmers should be kept at the boathouse. Non-swimmers must wear a personal flotation device (PFD) when in a boat.
• Each rower, safety boat operator, and coach must ensure that the equipment under his/her control is in safe operating condition.
• Prior to commencing rowing each year, all rowers and coaches shall review the US Rowing safety video (see link above).
• Each rower shall be instructed as to the location of safety equipment in the boathouse including telephone, emergency numbers, first aid kits, and lifejackets.

Launch Times

• Rowing after dark is not permitted at any time of the year.
• The start and end of the season will be announced each year by the BRASS Trustees.
• All rowing shells and safety boats must have some form of safety lighting when rowing before sunrise.
• Prior to May 15th and after September 15, rowers will wear a properly fastened personal floatation device.

Rowing in Hot Weather

• Maintain a high fluid level. Drink water before leaving the dock and frequently while on the water.
• Avoid sunburn by using sunscreen, with a sweatband or hat to keep lotion out of eyes.
• Wear light clothing.
• Plan activity level consistent with the degree of heat and humidity.

Traffic Patterns

• Scullers and bow seat rowers will be instructed to follow traffic patterns dictated by boathouse manager. Further, areas for safe haven during unexpected bad weather and emergency procedures will be reviewed annually.
• Make sure that you are aware of the local traffic patterns and rules on the water.
• Familiarize yourself with shallow water, stumps, rocks, seasonal problems and landmarks.
• The bow seat rower and single sculler should make frequent checks on both sides. Listen for oncoming traffic.
• Be courteous to others on the water. Be aware of powerboats and treat them with respect.

Adverse Weather

• In the event of windy or foggy weather, the decision to put boats on the water will be made by the BRASS Boathouse Manager.  In the event the Manager is not present, this responsibility shall be assumed by the boathouse staff person on duty.
• NO boats will be allowed on the water if lightning threatens.  If rowers are on the water when lightning is spotted on the horizon, they will immediately head for the nearest safe haven, or BRASS boathouse if time permits.
• Do not row in whitecaps or winds of 12 knots or higher under any circumstances.
• Do not row in fog unless your visibility to shore is as least 100 yards. Be sure to have land reference points. If fog sets in while you are on the water, move slowly, be prepared to stop quickly and return to the boathouse

First Aid

• First aid kits are available in the BRASS boathouse.  When travelling at regattas, a first aid kit will be included with equipment being transported.  Athletes are expected to provide their own supplies for routine first aid, including care of blisters.

Fire and Emergency

• In case of fire or emergency, call 911 using boathouse phone or a cell phone.  The club address is Lake Onota, Burbank Park, South Parking Lot, Valentine Rd., Pittsfield, MA.

Addendum to Safety Precautions

All coaches and rowers must be knowledgeable about the safety rules and their responsibilities.

COACHES

Coaches must ensure that:

• The safety precautions are strictly followed.
• Before launching, each coach boat must be equipped with adequate gasoline; a paddle; and a bailer.
• The coach boat motor is started to ensure proper operation before the crew leaves the dock.
• Each rower and coxswain reviews the USRA safety video before commencing rowing each year.
• Each rower is dressed properly for the weather conditions.
• Each crew receives special instructions in the event a shell capsizes or swamps, namely:
• Do not allow the rowers to leave the shell.
• Do not allow the oars to float away as they can be used for flotation.
• When in the water and the boat capsizes, the rowers “pair up”, i.e. 1 and 2, 3 and 4, etc., with the bow pair or stern pair, as applicable.
• Do not thrash around and panic since excessive activity will lead to loss of body heat.
• His/her crew is never out of sight.
• There is no “horseplay” on the water.
• The equipment under his/her control is in a safe condition.  This includes checking all shells prior to rowing to ensure there are no cracks, that all are equipped with bow balls and have easy release footstraps.
• Any damage or faulty equipment is reported to the Boathouse Manager and if a shell is not rowable, a note is left on the shell to prevent its use.
• Coaches must possess a current and valid CPR / First Aid certification.

ROWERS

Rowers must ensure that:

• They are familiar with the safety precautions.
• They know traffic patterns.
• They remain calm in the event of trouble..
• They always watch for changing weather conditions and proceed to the dock or to the shoreline in the event of threatening weather (lightning, high winds, sudden change in wind or water conditions.)
• They exercise good seamanship (i.e. turning in windy or rough water, rowing into the wind at not less than a 45 degree angle [quartering] etc.
• They ensure the equipment under their control is in safe condition (i.e. ensure oarlocks properly fastened, there are no holes in the decking that may allow water in, that shoes are tied loosely with the heel tied down to allow for quick release, etc.)
• Remember they may be required to assist their coach in the event of an accident involving the coach boat (i.e. coach falling overboard.)

LEADERSHIP IS EXPECTED FROM COACHES AND ROWERS.