Six adventurous Hexham rowers (and Andy’s enormous bag of wetsuits) set off on a sunny Saturday to attend a beach sprint taster session, generously offered by Heather from Tynemouth Rowing Club and hosted by South Shields Sailing Club. We had perhaps all signed up before googling what a beach sprint involved, however after thorough preparation for our session (watching YouTube videos and eating delicious toasted teacakes from Little Haven Hotel) we were ready to learn.
Heather introduced us to Ryan (elite GB coastal rower and coxswain…so no pressure!) and Julia (a coastal rower from Whitby, whose son was in South Shields for beach sprint training) who had very kindly given up their time to help us. We were shown how to get in and out of the boat safely, and also how to act as boat handlers. The boats we were using were singles, but wider and heavier than our usual fine boats, so as not to capsize in choppier waters. Although I think we all tested the theory at some point! As there were three boats, we were matched into pairs according to similar heights (remember this fact for later!) and took turns in getting in and out of the boat and being a boat handler. I do apologise for the near water-boarding that Andy received as I got into the boat in a not-so-nimble fashion!
Once we’d practiced the entries and exits and practiced some 180° turns around a buoy that was about 30m offshore it was decided that we would have a local derby…Hexham v Hexham! The first race was Andy vs José, with both off to a great start. Unfortunately, José was using Sue and Tracy’s boat and no-one had thought about the slight height difference in terms of setting the feet! José managed to get around the course at half-slide, but determination was not enough to beat Andy. Next up was Ant v myself (Claire) and honestly I can’t remember a lot about it other than nearly passing out at the end! Goodness knows how people manage 250m of rowing there and back! Sue v Julia was a close call, but some confusion over hand signals from Sue’s boat handlers (Sue had not been taught them, so thought perhaps we were bringing in an Airbus) and a south easterly breeze meant that Julia pipped her to the post. The second time around was much the same, although José won his race this time as he had sorted out his feet, whilst Andy battled with a few crabs.
Overall, a really fun day with some new skills learned and an appreciation for the fitness of beach sprinters!
* not really
