Rowing camp experiences: Blisters, camaraderie, and swordplay in Lincoln's summer season
In the picturesque town of Lincoln, a group of enthusiastic participants embarked on a three-day rowing camp at the Lincoln Minster School and Lincoln Rowing Centre. Among them was Elliot Skinner, a 16-year-old eager to hone his rowing skills.
The camp, designed to build resilience, friendships, and create inside jokes, was filled with a mix of unforgettable moments and challenges. Each day began with roll calls and motivational speeches, setting the tone for a day filled with hard work and camaraderie.
On the water, participants honed their techniques, engaging in seat racing, pair rowing drills, and learning to synchronise their strokes. Off the water, they bonded over shared pain from erg tests and weight circuits, and even debated the acceptability of wearing rowing Lycra in public.
The river was a central part of the camp activities, providing moments of triumph and chaos. There were splashy starts, the exhilarating feeling of flying down the water with a crew, and experiences that will likely never make sense to anyone else.
As the days passed, participants found themselves sunburnt, sleep-deprived, and with an obsession for split times. They ended the week with a newfound appreciation for the sport, a sense of accomplishment, and friendships forged over shared experiences.
In the spirit of sharing, the author of this article shared their experiences on various social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Mail. They urge juniors and adults in Lincoln to visit Lincoln Rowing Centre and try rowing, promising an amazing time and friendships for life.
The camp would not have been possible without the support of Lynne, John, Lizzie, Ciaran, Gary from Lincoln Rowing Centre and Mr Tom Eves from Lincoln Minster School. Their guidance, encouragement, and provision of space and opportunity allowed the participants to grow, laugh, and learn how to have fun in a boat.
As Elliot Skinner looks back on his summer stay at the rowing camp, he reflects on the incredible experiences he had, the friendships he made, and the immense pride and happiness that rowing has filled him with. He encourages others to give rowing a try and experience the joy and camaraderie it offers.
