" Rowing has become a wonderful way to experience the river, and bond with members of my community in a natural, healthy way."

- Anne Wynn

 

" I am so grateful for the opportunity community rowing has given me to feel like an ATHLETE. To have actual rowing coaches giving their time to train me in a sport is incredible and is something that I did not have the opportunity to enjoy growing up overweight and ininterested in physical activity. Now I am healthy and fit and I am so happy that I did not miss the chance to experience being part of an athletic group. I love the fact that we must work as a team to accomplish the best rowing experience -- from being attentive to our cox as they call commands, to working for the balance our boat needs to glide smoothly. I also love the element of trust required in rowing. We must trust our cox completely since we are unable to see our direction. It can be really difficult to give up that control, but it is so rewarding to have that connection. "

- Dana McKeen

 

" I would love to share how rowing has impacted my life. I was a collegiate gymnast. I spent many years in the gym, and many after college on the road running. Those years have taken there toll on my lower body. I've tried many different activities to stay fit, but as I have aged, (48yrs old) there are fewer options. Rowing has met my desires to stay fit, have fun doing it and meet and build bonds with others. It's just a wonderful sport/activity. I'm truly inspired to get up each day and spend time, on the beautiful Black Warrior River. Tuscaloosa has a wonderful resource, that runs through it. I often share with my friends the positive impact that the BWRC has made in my life. Then, they ask, "When is the next Learn to Row?"

- Tina Magner

 

" As a new rower of only two months' experience, I've accumulated a number of excellent memories and more. A few thoughts ...

1. Rowing gives me exercise to compliment my cycling, and thus is an important part of my wellness routine.
2. Rowing helps me feel connected to nature, as there is nothing like starting out before dawn in clear starlight, and watching the dawn come up over our beautiful river as we practice.
3. Rowing makes me realize the importance of commitment and "showing up" - as when someone doesn't show, everyone else suffers.
4. Rowing gives me as a businessman, the perfect metaphor for my clients ... unless everyone puts their oars in the water and rows in unison, then there is no way the boat moves smoothly through the water.
5. Rowing has given me something to do with my daughter, as at she is training to be a coxswain, and it has boosted her self-esteem beyond measure.

I get so much more than this. I hope that rowing spreads throughout our state. "

- Ken DeWitt

 

" Rowing, to me, is one of the greatest mind-over-body challenges. It has taught me that my mental approach to a situation is the most important predictor of the ultimate outcome, and has enabled me to develop confident mental attitudes in all aspects of my life. Moreover, it has helped me develop the stamina I need for long shifts at work, a positive outlook on life that pushes me through the many hurdles in my day, and self-confidence in my ability to overcome obstacles I would have previously avoided.

Can I add that it is probably the most addicting sport known to man?! You guys need to give a disclaimer at Learn-to-Rows from now on :D"

-Rachel Cross

 

" Rowing has given me a more functional reason to pursue being physically fit, and increase my quality of life, both physically and mentally.. Though learning the sport is an ongoing challenge, it gives me more determination, which spills into other areas of my life. Rowing has helped me to put other stressors in life a bit more in perspective. Often after I have pushed through a row, it’s also easier to push through a work day, putting difficult days and people in a different perspective. It's also been great learn the sport along with others, sharing this new interest.

Rowing has made me appreciate Tuscaloosa more. Often health conscious adults seek areas to live where a variety of outdoor recreation is available to them. Rowing would offer unique wellness/outdoor recreational activities for adults and children in the area, and tourists who could enjoy the River Walk area.

Alison Pollini and Jason Cottingham have been wonderful coaches as they have shared their passion with the Master’s BWRC. The BWRC also appreciates the UA Rowing Crews for allowing us to use their Boat House Facility and water space. We also look forward to supporting both the women’s and men’s UA Crews including increasing awareness in the community. "

-Amy McCauley

 

" Physical Education gym classes back in the 1960's consisted of teams playing the season sports. The jocks were always the captains to choose sides. Being the smallest least adept to team sports meant I was usually the "last one picked".
Rowing was a sport I always wanted to try and at the age of 56 I had my chance. My first time on the water had me hooked. Even those awkward first sessions out I could understand how in the sweep, success comes from everybody working together.
There is such a sense of elation rowing when I get the stroke right, and everyone is in sync. I train now five days a week at the"Y" so not to be the weak link on the team. Rowing has been an influence in my life to push myself physically further than I have since I was in my 20's.
I often think how school and life would have been different for me had a rowing program been available to me back in the day. As I live through my upper 50's I look forward to rowing as a statement of living life to the fullest, keeping fit and not having age dictate to me what I can do..... "

-Jamie Brewer