ROWING.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2673, 1 December 1909, Page 6

ROWING.

NOTES

(By “Double Scull.”)

Another round of races has been rowed by both clubs and A. Kirk, the hard working and popular secretary of the Poverty Bay Club, annexed the trophy presented by Mr B. S. Cox. Throughout these trials the racing was exceptionally good and close finishes were the order of the day. This Club has an entry of fifteen crews for the “Robertson Trophies” and keen and exciting struggles may be looked for. The painting of the shed is now being proceeded with and it is understood that the Club is indebted to Mr F'. Hall for some generous assistance in the matter. In the Gisborne Rowing Shed P. Hamilton again proved what a sterling oarsman he is by winning the “Cox” double sculls after some magnificent racing. In the final Hansen Jed Hamilton to the bridge and from there Hamilton disputed every inch and eventually won by a length. In the “Monse’’ Fours Cowan won the final after a close and exciting struggle with Coleman, who was looked upon by the experts as a certain winner. ; ...

The steering generally; throughout this Club’s races was shocking and strokes should see. that the boys are properly instructed in- their duties. .. Even allowing for The fact that the majority of the coxswains are new to ■the game they, sbould have by this time enough experience to do better than they are doing, •; • ■; The entries for the next series of races in the G.R.C. easily constitute a- record, no fewer than eighteen crews comprising seventy-two members, being in active training, and the Club presents a most animated appearance both morning ''and. eveniiig. The G.R.C. is in the midst of preparing new- rules and bye-laws providing for the registration of the Club under “The Incorporated -Societies’; Act.” In the new lot of. races the “B” grade members have been- promoted to slides and provided that these rowers give attention to the adyice of the coaches, considerable improvement should be made before the racing takes place on December 16th. Strokes of these crews might remember that they., still -have something to learn. - •. ■ HOW -TO WORK THE SLIDING SEATS. . In view of the fact that many young rowers are now'fot the first time training in boats fitted, with sliding seats the following hints should prove useful. They are contributed bvvMr F. D." Kesteven, one o* the best-known names in the aquatic world of Canterbury and a very successful oarsjnan in the early days: — . .’ .- —Commencement. — Throw the knuckles well down, and the inside; wrist slightly, arched.: v. . Because this brings; the oar over the water at a right angle. * ' * 1 Raise the hands straight up to such a height that the blade is fully covered with water.- •' The oar then enters-the water at a right angle, the proper position, and the blade being fully covered there is solid watei- to press against. At the very instant the oar is covered swing back with the shoulders, keeping the arms perfectly, straight. . 1. Swing with the shoulders, because the Weight of the back is th en on the first‘part of the stroke, making it : sharp and powerful. _ 2. Keep the arms straight, because; by so doing, the weight of the work is kept on the back, , this part of, the frame being best .'able, to bear it.. 3. Hold the slide until the body is perpendicular: practically until the blade of the oar is in a line with the rigger. 4. Drive out with the legs, because this throws all the weight of the body on the oar, and, the weight being lessened on the boat it rises, thus displacing less water and travelling faster. 5. Now it becomes necessary to bend the arms, and the oar by ' this means must he brought to the body level with, the lower part of the 1 chest and the outside hand must touch the guernsey. All the gain in length of stroke is on the last part, and this is why it is absolutely imperative/that the oar should come right in to the body—level with the lower part of the chest. The stroke is in theory three actions, but ih. practice is so blended as to be from start to finish one solid sustained- pull at the oar. The stroke is now finished. - . —Recovery.— ,A _ . ■- . Keep the body just in the position ft, was. Drop the hands, flatten the wrists'-and the oar is feathered. Shoot the hands away from the body untilthe arms are straight. Now bring the slide forward steadily, with an, easy motion, until the hands are far‘enough •forward to go. through the operation of a second - stroke. • : v 1. Keep the body as it was at the finish of the stroke, because the boat is 1 now travelling very fast, and will

lose way if the body is moved ate, too quickly. . 2. Drop the hands straight down, because by this means the oar comes out of the water square. v 3. Flatten the wrists, because, the oar 5 now being out of t-lie water, the wind will catch it. '• Never flatten thti wrists until the hands have been dropped, otherwise the oar will not come out clean, but must be wrenched out, and so stop the boat. ' 4. Shoot the hands away from the body, not with a jerk, but an easy quick movement, until the arms are straight. Thus the knees are cleared, and will not be knocked by the hands. Never move the slide until this is doivP, but, as soon as it is done, then let the body follow with an easy motion, keep, ing the arms extended. Never jerk, never labor, never, loaf. Catch your stroke at the beginning, Then let legs with vigor work, Little hope has he of winning Who his stretcher loves to shujt. Let your rigid arms extended. Be as straight as pokers two, 4nd until the stroke is ended Without jerking pull it through.