Silence of the early morning; nothing but the sound of the water running under the shell
The mechanical sound of the seats and the riggers stroke after stroke
Fog on the glassy water's surface
Gentle yet firm and consistent swing of everyone together on the level boat
The repetitiveness of the stroke, work on back angle, resisting the catch,
constant pressure on the feet, twisting to the pin

The perfect click from the blade backing in to the water's surface with a satisfying plop
Competitively taking on the V8 up to Pineda Causeway and back
Coach in his blaring launch with the broken megaphone
Slowly starting to feel the legs after the red triangle
The repetitiveness of the stroke, work on back angle, resisting the catch,
constant pressure on the feet, twisting to the pin

The cold sweat rolling down my back with my half empty water bottle down at my feet
The skies slowly clearing up to a baby blue
Cool air running past my torso, my arms, and my neck
The repetitiveness of the stroke, work on back angle, resisting the catch,
constant pressure on the feet, twisting to the pin

The green island trees to the east shore
Patric Air Force Base off behind the power lines just past Pineda
Rowing back to the dock passing the Novices and the Women’s team
Pulling the oars and boat out of the river, and up off the dock
The repetitiveness of the stroke, work on back angle, resisting the catch,
constant pressure on the feet, twisting to the pin

Morning Practice