Well, what a day we had!
The Great Tyne Row was held on Saturday 26th August and traditionally is rowed over a 26km 17 mile route from Newburn (Tyne Rowing Club) to Tynemouth ( Tynemouth Rowing Club). It involves about 2 hours rowing, depending whether you are trying to break a course record or not. It’s a lot of hard graft, bum soreness and sliding up and down.
Heavy showers were predicted on the day over Hexham and Newburn, but the best weather was forecast on the coast in North Tyneside. Two Hexham crews HEXpedition and HEXplorer were among 20 crews from far and wide taking part. With all crews having varied experience, strength and composition and rowing in stable boats. The theme for the day was “The Coronation ” so boats in most cases were decked in flags, red, white and blue and regal costumes worn by rowers.
With the tide changing and crews ready to row Colin the GTR Event Director started the crew’s rowing.
Unfortunately with half the boats on the water the heavens opened, torrential rain soaked all crews and significantly filled most of the boats!
Thunderstorms followed and the event had to be delayed and restarted.
However, finally an hour later crews started and began heading towards the coast!
The weather improved significantly and crews pushed to the coast. After the Tyne bridges and a long hard row crews finally finished in significant swell at Tynemouth. At the finish we were met with a surprise seal encounter and a warm reception from Tynemouth Rower’s. A welcome cup of tea with hot food greeted us at the rowing club and results compiled.
Great news for the club a near course record for time completing the GTR, with the HEXpedition crew winning a rowing shield!
It was a fantastic day and fun!! It was a great introduction to a long distance rowing. A big thanks to all the organisers, Pam and Justine for towing, Gill P and Sue H for supporting and for Rob and Beverley who were coxing and without which we couldn’t compete!!!
I would recommend any rowers that haven’t tried this event to enter next year, it’s really worth the effort!!
Thanks Andrew C for this fabulous report!
