Following CDC and local guidelines, CRRC remained active during the COVID pandemic.
Board meetings via ZOOM were held frequently, working to keep our club active and moving forward.
Singles sculling became a popular norm. Thanks to our dedicated coaches and fleet of 1xs, club members gained skills and confidence sculling on the Chester River. Several club members acquired their own singles!
The first (annual?) Head of the Chester was organized and on Oct. 4, 2020 17 CRRC members raced either a 2.5K or 5k course. Everyone had the opportunity to challenge and display their 1x skills.
CRRC supported the Kent Co. Food Pantry, collecting food items and financial donations for the Christmas holiday.
Veranda nights, a favorite club social event, continued on the expansive (i.e., plenty of social distance) porch of the Washington College Hodson Boat House.
Coaches Eye:
John Wagner: Last year’s CRRC activity started out as a challenge, and as most rowers do, took a difficult situation and created a positive experience. Once we regained access to our equipment, Covid put the spotlight on singles and sculling for all. It has been a great experience for all, and has improved everyone’s rowing abilities. As we return to the quad, or sweep rowing, all have benefited from last year’s singles experience….which means…..
Even more fun for this summer
Patti Nash: We were all looking forward to the Spring rowing season when COVID-19 hit. Unsure of whether we’d even get to row, the decision was finally made that we would only be able to take out singles. If anything good came out of the 2020 season it was the improved skill level and confidence of every rower. The coaching sessions continued, and it was great to see rowers use the “buddy system” to get boats to the dock and back. The season finale was the “1stAnnual Head of the Chester Regatta” which turned out to be a great success!
Let’s bring on 2021! Ready all… ROW!
Greg Doyle: I have worked to incorporate the concept of ‘little victories’ into my coaching for many years, and that proved to be exceptionally valuable during the virus shutdowns and restrictions. As rowers, and as people, we cannot fixate on a final outcome with no flexibility to adjust as circumstances may require. We cannot lament the ‘perfection’ or ideal that was lost or forsaken so much as we can enjoy our ingenuity at solving the little problems along the way, and embracing the random challenges. Every stroke is our attempt to bring order to the chaos of variables. Each will be unique. No single stroke or effort stands alone, but as part of an evolving narrative. I like where we as a team moved forward in an adaptive way, instead of disengaging because of the limitations. That will serve us well long after the pandemic has passed.
Thanks to CRRC members for navigating the complicated year of COVID, showing up, suggestions, flexibility, contributions – keeping the club alive and well.