Carry on Stroking!
June 2021
WivGigs Rowing Club came out of Lockdown 3 with a growing membership, all keen to get back out on our beautiful river and beyond. Sadly Covid has seen off the Harker’s Yard race series for another season. Instead we have the Hythe and beyond on our radar. We might even make it to Brightlingsea.
Lockdown 3 wasn’t a great deal of fun. Lockdowns 1 and 2 were little better. But we’re a positive bunch. Forward ever, backwards never.
There is no hidden secret to gig rowing. I hate to spoil the magic: you dip your oar in the water, and then you do it again – preferably at the same time as the stroke rower, and certainly in time with the instructions from the cox.
It really is that simple. In, out, IN, OUT. Watch the stroke and keep an eye on the cox. Try not to snigger, listen to the local gossip being shared in the boat instead.
This is something of a Golden Age for WivGigs. We’ve come out of lockdown eager to get back out on the water as often as possible. Our members are keen to renew friendships and welcome new rowers. Double dipping has even featured with two crews swapping over during the popular weekend rows. We’re a friendly bunch and can always accommodate all club members when minor inconveniences such as work get in the way.
Live to row, row to live.
This has been the mantra for some of the sunrise and sunset launches since Lockdown 3. A 6am alarm call sometimes leaves you cursing. An hour later and the sight of the estuary sun rising leaves a great big grin on your face.
Who’s on stroke?
This is the lead rower who dictates the pace and strength of each stroke. That’s why they’re called… the stroke. Is this the correct place to confess that I sometimes nominate a not so strenuous stroke rower if I’m struggling with the 7am start?
Next up is the launch. It’s great to share the hard with our friends at the Sailing Club. Plans were put in motion during lockdown that allowed WivGigs members to sign up to the Sailing Club. We maintain our spirit of independence, but are keen to work alongside Sailing Club members.
Launching and retrieving Audacity is the tricky part. It’s a bit like taking off and landing an aircraft. If anything is going to go wrong, then this is the time. Except we’re a lot more eco friendly and we have far better in-flight snacks. Never under estimate the healing power of necking half a dozen Percy Pigs halfway down the Colne.
And then we’re off! Next question: upstream or downstream? Tide and time often dictates this decision. Plus also whether we fancy a pose as we pass The Rose and Crown, or The Anchor at Rowhedge. Chests out, best smiles, and even a Royal wave past one pub, slack off for a little, and then do it all again when we reach Rowhedge.
Downstream is a different matter. We’re out into the big open estuary and all the wonders and opportunities it offers. This sometimes involves seals; it can also mean jet skis. Everyone has the right to explore our beautiful river. Let’s all do it at a sensible pace, eh fellas?
It’s often said that WivGigs Rowing Club is also a Camera Club and a part-time seal spotting organisation. Combine all three and you’ve hit the Holy Grail of Gig Rowing. Our crew even boasts a fully trained seal charmer who is able to seek out the little fella almost on demand.
Each row lasts an hour and a half – or whenever the Percy Pigs supply runs out. One of the lucky crew members gets to live out their wader fantasy as they RUBBER UP and put on the fetching green footwear.
Now it’s time for the retrieval. The trick is not to let Audacity get too friendly with the Sailing Club hard. Keep her floating, fetch the trolley, then giver her a good rub down. Everyone is happy.
We’d be even happier if you came along and gave gig rowing a go. We offer free Come and Try sessions for all in the community.
Lockdowns have taught us all many things. For WivGigs it’s how much we love our beautiful river, and the sense of friendship that rowing up and down the Colne can bring. There’s always room for more.
To the Hythe! And beyond…