Rowers

[Richard Shead]

Now being a Thames man I have had my fair share of "run in's" with rowers over the years their only problem being the size of the wake I drag behind me.

Now imagine my surprise when I awoke this morning from my penthouse hotel room, after grabbing a bucks fizz and wondering onto the terrace which is directly opposite the dome, what did I see? a number of rowers (are they called eights) heading down river.

Now how is it these guys (and girls) can row this far down river with water taxis, tugs, pleasure boats and cargo ships all creating a significant wash and not capsize but if you create a ripple upstream you will get called all sorts of things?

From what I could see the boats were not modified and looked like the standard issue you see upstream.

answers on a post card please...

 

[landlockedpirate]

Time for a confession, I rowed when I was at school. There i've said it !!

I dont understand the problems either, we rowed all over the country (In an eight) including the tidal Thames (head of the river races).

I started in wood boats that were really stable, but even the later carbon fiber ones we started to use were not a big problem.

The main issue I can see with wakes (as opposed to generally rough water) is that they are unexpected and an inexperienced rower would be more likely to catch and crab and possibly sink the boat. Rowers who use the tidal Thames are used to the rough water and make allowance in their rowing style.

However having spent a couple of holidays on the Thames, I think most of the rowers I meet are just wusses. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

 

[Richard Shead]

Next time I am in the Angel in Henley I shall call a couple that and report back!

 

[ms1]

I do slow down seriously for rowers. Most of the time I dont get shouted at. What beats me is
1 why do they stop when there is some wash - surely it is better to keep moving
2 when they are stationary in front of you waiting to start .. why do they wait for you to pass them and then start and follow you at speed ... AND
3 why do they come barreling up behind you and start screaming and shouting.... what are you supposed to do ... evaporate ....

 

[NickSlater1972]

I have seen rowers out at night with no lights.

I presume there are rules and regs that the PLA enforce.?