To Be A Rower

12 July 2024Isabel H, '24

This weekend, Brentwood rowers will be participating in the Shawnigan Lake School Regatta, their final event before heading to St Catharines for the CSSAR National Championships. Here is one’s rower’s reflection on her experience.

To be a rower is to embrace a unique blend of discipline, endurance, and teamwork. It’s not just about propelling a boat forward but about synchronizing with teammates, feeling the rhythm of the water, and pushing physical and mental boundaries. “You have to be downright crazy to do it” says Mr Sean Hacker Teper, Assistant Senior Women’s Coach.

At its core, rowing demands a profound commitment to training. Its demanding hours spent on the water, perfecting strokes, building strength, and honing technique, is not everyone’s first choice on cold, rainy mornings, however the feeling of placing a gold medal around your neck is like no other. “It’s a relentless pursuit of improvement, knowing that every ounce of effort contributes to the team’s success” says Rowan V, Hope ‘25.

Rowing also instills a deep sense of camaraderie. In a sport where every member’s contribution is crucial, rowers learn to trust and rely on each other completely. Communication becomes intuitive, and unity of purpose propels the boat as much as physical power.

Beyond the physical challenges, rowing cultivates resilience and perseverance. Enduring through fatigue, weather conditions, and setbacks on the water builds mental fortitude that translates into all aspects of life. “Being a rower means being able to fail, and get right back on the path to your goal” says Sam K, Mack ‘24, a valuable member of the Varsity Women’s Rowing Team.

Being a rower transcends more than just sport; it’s an immersive journey into dedication, teamwork, and unyielding resilience. It’s a perfect blend of passion and perseverance that gets rowers one stroke closer to the finish line each race.

Isabel H, Mack ‘25, Member of Women’s Rowing Team

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