ROWING NOTES.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume VI, Issue 691, 9 May 1879, Page 2

ROWING NOTES.

By Coxswain.

I hope that the rowing men of Gisborue will take m good part all that I may say anent the subject of aquatics. I write only with the intention of pointing out any existing faults m style, &c. , that may become apparent to me from time to time, and that may be improved, if brought before the notice of those concerned ; and these are intended m good part, without favour or malice, and with no intention of wounding the amour propra of any one person. The weather has unfortunately been too bad for steady training, and conse- ■ quently much time has been lost.; but now that it promises to hold fine, we may expect to see all the crejvs out regularly, morning and evening. The two crews out laat evening were Ratcliffe's and Carrick's. The former promises to be well placed, and, I think, if they pay attention to their breathing exercise, will stand a good show for the final heat. In my " Notes "of the 7th I mentioned No*. 3 m this crew m error ; it should have been No. 2. No. 3, who took his seat yesterday for the first time, pulls a strong oar, but is lather out of condition, and is a little slow m coming forward. ' Carrick's crew were pulling well together, but as the light was very bad, I was unable to see much. This morning all the crews were away, Skeet's crew leading, followed shortly after by Spencer's ; then, on their return, the boats were manned by Ratcliffe's and Carrick's crews. Skeet's crew were not shaping at all well, the damp weather having evidently affected their form, but a visible improvement is noticeable m Bow. Spencer's crew were pulling strong, and m good time, and still keeps up its show for a forward place m the oompetition. Carriok's crew also shaped very fairly, but Bow still wants looking after ; he has developed a screw. which he must break himself of ; and Stroke should pay less attention to the blade of his oar, and keep his eyes m the boat. Ratcliffe's boat looks strong, and promises well. No. 3is a Jittle stiff, but constant practice may make him supple, • and improve his coming forward. The river is now very favourable for rowing, and we hope to see thepraotice kept up with a will. If the crews were to take out competent " coaches " with them for the first week it would tend greatly to improving their style, and bring them sooner to the mark.