Q: How did you get started in rowing?
A: I started rowing the summer before seventh grade at the Duxbury Bay Maritime School. I continued throughout high school, braving many 5 a.m. rows in 32-degree weather. A big shout out to my dad for driving me to practice before school every day from eighth grade through senior year!
Q: Why do you love rowing?
A: At first, I was drawn to the sport because I loved the competitive environment. Now I love it because it’s a lifelong sport, and I hope to keep rowing for the rest of my life.
Q: What do you like about rowing with HRCR on the Harlem River?
A: I love getting out on the water and spending time with the team. There are so many amazing people at HRCR!
Q: You started coaching at HRCR last year. What has that been like?
A: It’s been a very new experience teaching adults versus my previous experience coaching middle schoolers. With middle schoolers, my main job was to teach them to engage their core and not flop around. Adults generally understand the theory of rowing and know how to engage their muscles, but they’re often out of practice when it comes to learning and applying new information. So coaching them requires much more focus on how they receive and implement corrections.
Q: What would you say to someone interested in trying rowing but unsure how to start?
A: Rowing is a great sport to start at any age! My biggest piece of advice for new rowers is to always stretch (flexibility is key). And if you can’t get on the water, erging (indoor rowing) is a great way to cross-train for the sport.
