(Newswire.net — July 9, 2014) Denver, Colorado — The rowing crews are wet with anticipation for the region’s largest rowing competition which is set for 7:00am this Saturday, July 12th. Spectators can make their way to the boat house at Cherry Creek Reservoir Lake Loop on the south shore to bid the nautical competitors bon voyage.
Rowing, also known as crew, is a sport that dates back to ancient Egypt. It’s also has been an Olympic sport since 1900. Not for the casual weekend worrier types, rowers routinely are on the water for practice before sunrise to ensure smooth sailing on calm waters. It takes dedication to wake at 4:30am to be on the water by 5:15am.
The home team and host for the regatta is Rocky Mountain Rowing Club [RMRC] which sports a robust 137 crew membership. In a recent interview with RMRC Board Member at Large, Karen Blackman, she states that “conditions for the race are some of the best we’ve had in recent years with the reservoir water level at full capacity, fair winds, and mild temperatures. We will be hosting half dozen teams with over 100 crew members.”
The regatta will feature 27 races including age ranges from as young as 15 year olds from the Mile High Rowing Club junior program to the dean of Colorado rowing, Dean Smith with RMRC, weighing in at a youthful 86 years young.
Various race configurations are on board for the regatta including scull and sweep. Two oars are used by each rower in scull and a single oar per rower in sweep. There will be races for 1, 2, 4, and 8 crew row teams.
Considered one of the few low impact sports to exercise all of the body’s major muscle groups, rowing offers an excellent approach for cardiovascular fitness and building strength. Not to mention, there is nothing like being on the water when the sun rises over the horizon to set a great attitude for the day ahead.
RMRC offers learn to row programs in the spring and coach rowing programs throughout the year when water conditions not to cold. One can find more information at the RMRC web site for more information at www.rockymountainrowing.org