I have been working with the novices at the club. It's very rewarding, not least because it gives the chance to work with a blank canvas and to avoid many bad habits. We have a great squad this year: they are very keen and are training hard, but, perhaps most important, they share a good attitude.
Lack of water time is the constant challenge for any rowers in Wellington, so any chance to get out there is seized. Sometimes that can lead to an element of risk, so we are usually very careful, even over-cautious.
On Tuesday morning, nine eager athletes turned up at a shockingly early hour, lured by Dave's promises of good water. Unfortunately, the weather was what might be called marginal (think Hurricane Harvey), but they made the decision to give it a try. They set forth in the ominously named Poseidon...
What happened next was a timely reminder that our sport is, in fact, quite dangerous. After a brief excursion out into the harbour, it was obvious that conditions were worse than feared and the sensible call to head for home was made.
It was claimed that "two massive, freak waves came out of nowhere" ....
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| "For goodness' sake, 6, get in time!" |
To their credit, no-one panicked, and they managed to get the boat back to shore, despite most of it being submerged.
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| "I think the crabs have caught us..." |
Poor old Sam, who had nobly volunteered to cox, must be wondering: the same damn thing happened to him last year on the Manawatu.
Relieved that no harm was done, but shared experience is what builds trust and thus teams.
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