May 2023, and summer was on the horizon. Inspired by the allure of the sport and the thrill of competition, Andreas and I, Sagar, made the decision to participate in the World Coastal Rowing Championships post-summer. It seemed like a long journey ahead, with both of us managing personal challenges alongside our training regimen.
I, Sagar, had been plagued by one-sided lower back pain, which made erg training a literal pain. This issue stemmed from a lengthy flight from Hawaii to Oslo in 2018. To mitigate this, I immersed myself in hip mobility work, gaining insights from various Instagram accounts dedicated to mobility exercises. With long erg pieces being uncomfortable, I shifted focus to interval workouts, specifically 4-minute intervals at 24–30spm. My doctor, noticing no neurological issues, advised me to continue training but with caution. Deadlifts were a no-go, as they only exacerbated the pain.
Andreas, on the other hand, faced time constraints. With commitments ranging from spending time with family and friends, to planning mountain trips for Econa, and running with visually impaired people, he had to meticulously carve out time for our training.
Beyond our individual challenges, the year was filled with unexpected interruptions. The loss of Andreas’ family dog was a significant emotional setback. Work at the Oslo Roklubb board also presented its own set of challenges, with significant changes unfolding throughout the year. Despite these setbacks, we maintained our commitment, aiming for three sessions a week.
Our training was diverse — long 15 km sessions, interval training, and focused drills to navigate buoy turns. During our sessions, we were occasionally greeted by a friendly seal, adding a touch of nature’s magic to our routines. While I supplemented our boat sessions with swimming and erg intervals, Andreas kept active by running with visually impaired athletes at Bislett Stadion. With aspirations to expand inclusivity in the sport, we are optimistic about introducing visually impaired rowers to rowing, provided we secure funding for a quad.
Amidst training, we also became unofficial ambassadors of environmental cleanliness. Every time we rowed, we made it a point to collect plastic trash from the shores of Bestumskilen and the ocean, doing our bit for the environment.
In preparation for the championships, we participated in local long-distance races: Geita Rundt, Ulvøya Rundt, Bleikøya Rundt, and Ramberg 8ern. These races honed our endurance, preparing us for the challenge ahead.
We were enthusiastic about the Kiel Regatta in Germany, but, to our disappointment, it was canceled. Nonetheless, the training camp weekend we spent there was invaluable. Graciously hosted by Germany’s third oldest rowing club, Erster Kieler Ruderklubb, we lodged at the House of Athletes — a structure erected for the Munich Olympics of 1972.
The road to the World Coastal Rowing Championships was as much about overcoming personal obstacles as it was about rowing. We had our moments of doubt and exhaustion, but we were fueled by our shared passion for the sport and the camaraderie we shared. With every stroke, turn, and buoy navigated, we were not just training our bodies, but also our spirits.
Arrival to Bari and the First Practice Session
Our journey to the world coastal rowing championships took flight, quite literally, on a Swiss Airlines flight to Bari via Zurich. The stopover at Zurich, though brief, left a delicious memory, as we couldn’t resist the temptation of trying their iconic pretzels.
Upon landing in Bari, we swapped wings for rails, boarding a serene train ride to Barletta. The beauty of this journey was amplified by the sparsely populated compartments, allowing us to soak in the scenic views without distraction.
In Barletta, we found our temporary home in a quaint B&B run by Dominico. Although he spoke little English, his warmth transcended language barriers. Nestled in the historic heart of Barletta, our B&B boasted an added attraction: a delightful seafood restaurant just outside its doors.
Our first order of business was to secure our vessel. We were thrilled to reunite with Iztok Cop from Slovenia, who arranged for us to rent a Filippi double, a make we’ve been familiar with for some time. Thursday at 12h35 marked our initiation into the championship’s waters as we familiarized ourselves with the 4km course, which meandered around 7 buoys. It was a challenge right from the start; the route demanded we steer straight out of the beach for 1,250 meters, then take a subtle right turn at buoy number 2, eventually aligning ourselves parallel to the beach by buoy number 3. Navigating to the first buoy was particularly tricky. With no distinct landmarks to guide us and the wind and waves constantly testing our direction, it became apparent that maintaining a straight course would require as much mental focus as physical exertion.
With every stroke and every turn around the buoys, we grew more in tune with the waters of Barletta, drawing ever closer to the championship we’d trained so hard for.
The Heats
The sun was high in the sky when our first heat for the CM2x was scheduled at 13h on 6th October 2023. Arriving early at the beach around 10h30, the air was thick with anticipation. Our first instinct was to check our boat, making the necessary adjustments with the assistance of the Fillipi officials. Ensuring we met the 60kg minimum weight requirement, we meticulously emptied excess water and added a tad more weight.
The northeast wind, both a challenge and a companion during our heats and finals, continuously nudged us away from the buoy. It demanded more power on the stroke side, challenging our technique and coordination.
We knew our competition was fierce. Sharing the waters with us were the formidable two-time world champions, Dennis Gustavssen and Eskil Borgh, the skilled Brazilian national team rowers, and the accomplished Irish rowers from Team GB — the pride of the European U23 Championships.
Nature threw in its own twist. The wind had shifted from southwest to northeast during the day, ushering in onshore waves that made our task even more daunting. As we got our GPS attached and secured the iconic toblerone bearing our team number, we felt a rush of gratitude for Till and Stefano, who were always ready to assist, helping us with the boat for our warm-up.
Lined up at lane 11, the Irish and French teams flanked us, their focus and determination evident. The clock seemed to tick louder as we approached the two-minute mark. Once again, Till and Stefano stepped in, helping position our boat perfectly in the water. The sands beneath our feet were our last connection to solid ground before we embarked on this aquatic duel.
With every heartbeat echoing the word ‘start’, the calm voice of the starter rang out, followed by the decisive horn signal. Swiftly, we clambered into the boat, feet finding their places in the shoes. We realized, a bit late, that strapping the feet wasn’t necessary, a lesson we tucked away for the future. The beginning was fierce; our boat surged forward with the pack. But twenty strokes in, we noticed a gap forming. We were slightly behind, yet undeterred.
Battling the wind and the waves, we navigated the first buoy and steered towards the second. Just as we adjusted to the rhythm, the unexpected happened. The French team, having missed their mark, had to circle back to the second buoy. Their sudden movement blocked our pathway momentarily. A close call, but we managed to steer clear just in time.
The swell from the third buoy presented a fresh challenge, coming in at an oblique angle and forcing us to ride the waves while keeping our boat aligned. Pushing on, we found ourselves tailing a sprightly Spanish crew. Each stroke brought the finish line closer, and in a final sprint, we mustered all our remaining strength. Though we couldn’t overtake the Spanish team, finishing a mere 7 seconds behind them felt like a victory.
As we caught our breath, the realization set in. We had made it, qualifying for the B finals. The journey had been challenging, but every wave, every stroke, every second was worth it.
Finals
Saturday, the 7th of October 2023, dawned bright and promising, carrying with it the weight of our dreams and aspirations. We reached the shoreline, where our dear friends Till and Siri were ready to hold the boat, offering their support as Stefan and Andrea were also preparing for their B finals.
To our side, we glimpsed our fellow countrymen, Andreas Berge and Einar Solbakken, representing the Norwegian national recruitment team. The intense air was soon pierced by the commanding strains of “O Fortuna” which is part of Carmina Burana. A symphonic masterpiece, it heightened the tension and set the stage for the imminent battle on the waters.
The signal came, and we leapt into action. Instead of strapping our feet in, we focused on gaining momentum. Our start was fierce, and our rate notably high. The waters were rough, but that didn’t deter us; in fact, we felt as if we were dancing on the waves, riding their peaks and troughs.
Positioned amidst the thick of the race and contending with a north-eastern wind in lane 2, we had our task cut out for us. But with focus and strategy, we carved out paths between boats, moving from less advantageous spots to ones offering a closer reach to the buoy.
Navigating around buoys 1 and 2 brought us head-to-head with the young Spanish double. For a while, we had them trailing, but they soon shifted gears, drastically ramping up their pace. A near-collision at buoy 3 forced us to momentarily reign in our intensity.
Just when we were finding our rhythm again, the Danish crew, rebounding from a poor start, began closing in on us. As we made our way to buoy 4, we fiercely rode the waves, surfing to distance ourselves from them. However, as fate would have it, the Spanish team managed to veer off-course near buoy 5. We spurred ourselves on, hoping to catch up, but the sea’s relentless fury combined with our growing fatigue made it a herculean task.
Some unfortunate mistakes on our part, like catching a few ‘crabs,’ made us reconsider our strategy. Prioritizing clean, smooth bladework and power, we opted against pushing for an excessively high rate.
By the time we approached buoy 7, only adrenaline and sheer willpower kept us going. We mustered every ounce of strength for that final sprint, the shoreline beckoning us. While Andreas was hopeful of closing the gap with the Spanish runner, the distance proved too much.
Our journey culminated in the 14th spot in the B final, placing us 32nd out of 44 crews. The race, for the most part, was clean, with only one Irish crew failing to cross the finish line.
Looking back, we embraced the experience, for it wasn’t just about where we finished but the journey, the teamwork, and the indomitable spirit that got us there.
Lessons Learnt
Andreas and I embarked on the world coastal rowing championships as passionate enthusiasts and returned as seasoned learners. Every stroke in the water, every twist and turn brought with it a lesson, some obvious and others subtly whispered by the waves.
The Beach Start: In hindsight, it became clear that strapping into the shoes during a beach start wasn’t the wisest choice. It’s a detail, but one that can change the trajectory of the race.
The First Buoy Dash: It wasn’t just about rowing, but rowing smart. A powerful surge towards the first buoy proved crucial. It wasn’t merely about the distance covered but the position claimed.
Endurance Meets Navigation: Raw endurance, when married to the ability to navigate deftly in varying weather conditions, created a synergy that was hard to surpass. It’s not just about lasting the race, but also reading it.
The Need for Speed: While we were swift, the championships showed us the gap between our pace and the top-tier. Boosting our race speed by an average of 1 kmph could be the key to pushing into the A finals.
Navigational Precision: The sea is vast and often deceptive. Identifying better reference points emerged as a paramount lesson to navigate with precision.
Volume Matters: To compete at such a high level, increasing our training volume became evident. Enhancing our physical capacity isn’t a luxury but a necessity.
The Sprint Finish: The final sprint isn’t just a flourish but often the difference between places on the leaderboard. It underscored the age-old truth: It’s not over until it’s over.
Constant Vigilance: At the world championships, every moment counts. The environment is relentless, offering no respite. We must be ready to tackle challenges as they come.
The Evolving Landscape: It was an eye-opener to witness the surge of semi-professional coastal rowers and the vigor of young rowers born in this century. The sport is evolving, and we must evolve with it.
The Resilient Vessels: While every boat manufacturer showcased commendable performance through their athletes, it was a reminder that it’s not just about the boat but the souls within.
Guarding Our Back: The relentless sea can take a toll on our backs. Strengthening our core muscles and working on our hip and shoulder mobility isn’t just about performance, but also about longevity in the sport.
As we reflect on our time at the championships, it’s evident that it wasn’t just a race but a profound learning experience. These lessons will be the wind beneath our oars as we forge ahead, with dreams of future championships shimmering on the horizon.
