Does anyone want to join me in a double this Fun Friday? I signed out a double for Friday. Send me an e-mail and let me know!

Lu

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Nice rowing for all those that participated yesterday. We had a fairly large contingent with 10 shells on the water. Surprisingly, there was a lot of smack talk from the women this week, accompanied by some fierce competition and speed.
Top shell on the water for the morning was the mixed 2x with Zuzanna striking a ferocious stroke rating with Coach Don H gleefully matching her fast hands. As they charged down the river, moving people out of their way, no doubt the entire women's contingent couldn't help but wonder if maybe Zuzanna & Don shouldn't handicap themselves with a more "measured" rating accompanied with some reasonable pause drills.
Fierce competition continued from 2007's season between the 2x duo's of Carlson/Folan against the Suplick/Goldblum. (Suplick/Goldblum somehow not only snagged the coveted "Jane 2x" but also showed up rowing their NEW C2 Oars WOW!!!
Katie Spiker showed the entire group, for second week in a row, that women can indeed dominate with a 1x.
Jeff and Jason, in the 2-, evidently had a faulty battery with their onboard GPS unit as their course was "varied & adventurous" at best. However, they confidently left no part of the river unexplored
In men's 1x, much to the delight (and a hint relief) of Chris Ryan, Steve Carr, selflessly, tested the water temperature. Finally Steve Martino continued to leave a blazing trail of fire in his wake.

Rowers:
women's 1x: Katie Spiker.
men's 1x's: Steve Carr, Steven Martino, Chris Ryan & Donald W-P.
women's 2x's: Jenn Brogan & Megan Kuehm, Luanne Suplick & Jackie Goldblum, Susan Carlson & Sally Folan.
mixed 2x: Zuzanna Matouskova & Don Heckenstaller.
2-: Jeff Boldt & Jason Monnell.

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This morning, 6 scullers (Bill Anderson, Lee Kulinna, Steven Martino, Chris Ryan, Katie Spiker and I) took to the Allegheny River with the first of many "Fun Fridays". The water was flat, sunrise amazingly beautiful and Martino gave me a schooling in two of three pieces!!!

Fun Friday's are for all rowers (1x's, 2x's and/or 2-'s) who want to have fun and practice rowing fast. The Fun Friday format allows for all levels of experience and speed to participate. The goal is to practice racing. Don't think you need to be in tip top shape or form in order to show up.

There is no substitute for showing up. The best way to improve ones water speed and abilities is to practice against others. In the past, it's not been uncommon to have upwards of 15+ shells out there.

We meet every Friday, warmed up, above the 40th Street bridge @ 6:00 AM and return back to the docks by 7:00 AM. The morning generally begins with a warm-up piece to assess general and relative speeds. Three to six odd pieces of varying lengths follow with the faster rowers starting after those that are slower. The slower rowers race to stay ahead with the faster rowers trying mightily to catch up. Everyone achieves practice, racing in competitive conditions while dealing with common variables such as steering, passing, being surrounded by other shells & their puddles, varying water conditions ect.

Again, all are welcome. Pass the good word and invite all your buddies.
If necessary, be sure to reserve your shell in advance with the reservation log. As always, sign out the shell on the Safety Log before launching and sign back in when returning to the dock.

Hope to see everyone out on the water next Friday morning.

ps: martino, i'm gunning for ya!

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