Rowers are often some of the most efficient, resilient and driven people in their personal and professional circles. One of the key reasons is that they tend to learn a number of valuable life lessons from rowing. As per Peter A Derow, as like in rowing, choppy waters are also inevitable in life, and dealing with them can be overwhelming. However, one does get to choose the way they respond to difficulties in both life and rowing. The best response usually is to be calm and patient, knowing that the choppy waters will settle eventually.
Peter A Derow briefly marks a few life lessons learned from rowing
There are two parts to a rowing stroke, the catch and the recovery. The catch is when one drives the oar through the water, while the recovery is when the oar is out of the water while one prepares for the next stroke. In a regular stroke, the time spent on both catch and recovery is the same. It is a 1:1 ratio. However, it is also common to do a ‘ratio shift,’ and take twice as long on the recovery and then accelerate through the catch with greater speed and power. Similarly, in life, there shall always be a level of split between the time spent recovering and resting and the time of intense drive, no matter whether it is athletically, socially or professionally. The important thing is to know the balance. Too much of either can prevent life and the boat from moving smoothly.
From the start to the end of the stroke, pressure from the water reduces as the boat is propelled forward. When the pressure reduces, rowers have two options available for finishing the stroke. They can either increase the power to finish strong or ease up to start recovery. The acceleration at the end of the stroke can majorly impact the speed of the boat when done repeatedly. Similarly, in life, reducing efforts towards the end of a task can be easy, after all, most of the work will already be done. However, accelerating through the end of the task is something that can set a person apart and help them to achieve greater success.
As Peter A Derow points out, rowing is the ultimate team sport. The level of coordination needed to excel at rowing is higher than most other types of sports. When everyone collaborates in perfect harmony, there is a powerful multiplier effect at work. As eight oars strike the water in unison, a boat is able to steadily gain momentum. In a similar manner, in a professional setting, project teams working in complete synchronization will surpass a group of more capable individuals who lack coordination. While each member has a specific role, everyone must remain aligned, and strive to progress together toward the same objective.
In rowing, each person rows for those beside them, not just for themselves. Every stroke must be executed with precise timing and pressure. Pausing for even one stroke is not even an option as each rower is accountable to the others. This provides each rower with a sense of belonging. When it comes to life, no matter whether it is in a family, a volunteer group, or another setting, engaging in something that requires a strong commitment to those around is highly rewarding. It is quite fulfilling to be relied upon and to rely on others.
