Are You Kidding?

As my husband and I begin our 18th year rowing with the Ann Arbor Rowing Club, with fond memories of our son’s five years on the University of Michigan men’s team, I take issue with the From The Editor page in December’s magazine.

“Rowing is not complicated; first one across the line wins, period.” Really? Tell that to the thousands of masters rowers who race in age-weighted events.

“Rowing is not an expensive sport.” Again? Are you talking about the NCAA teams that are funded by universities? How about the excellent club-level teams that charge dues (roughly $2,400 a season eight years ago at Michigan) and spend significant time fundraising on top of that.

Jumping on an erg at the Y is not rowing; it’s just good exercise (as long as you do it with correct form, which is not a given).

Your letter was disappointing and misguided, unless you were talking to just the small percentage of rowing athletes who race with NCAA varsity rowing teams.

Lisa Psarouthakis

Ann Arbor, Mich.

 

Cancer Fighter

Thanks so much for using Lisa Worthy’s photograph to illustrate Doctor Rowing’s great column about why we love the Head of the Charles. It was an incredible weekend for everyone involved!

We’re focused on sharing the good news that exercise, as shown by studies published in the New England Journal of Medicine, lowers the risk of cancer and extends the lives of cancer survivors. We would love to see every cancer patient and survivor discover the health benefits of our sport of rowing, whether on an erg or on the water.

We’re grateful to Rowing News for helping us share our story.

Beth Kohl

Executive Director, Survivor Rowing Network

Wilton, Conn.

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