common injuries of rowing/crew

It’s a beautiful morning on the lake. Quiet and peaceful. You slowly push your shell into the water. A loon calls in the distance. You are sitting in your shell balanced on top of the water, like a water strider. Another loon replies not too far away. Now, the moment has come for “the catch” when your oar makes contact with the water. Next, you’re ready for “the drive”. You hear the loons coming slightly closer together. The muscles of your legs, arms, and back are working smoothly together into one powerful drive propelling you through the water, as if you had an outboard motor. The loons scatter, frightened as you smoothly sail around the lake. “The recovery” prepares you for your next stroke. This is sculling. (Don’t sail into the loons!)

(rowing along Merrimack River, New Hampshire)

(kayaking in Derry, New Hampshire)