Rowers Experience learning how to ski!
After fall speed order, the new rowers traded oars for snow as we learned how to ski. I grew up in Charlotte, North Carolina and moved to Craftsbury after graduating from The University of Texas this past spring. Neither place gets much snow, and I had only gone downhill skiing once before coming here. Being surrounded by so much snow now, and living in what feels like a real winter wonderland, has been incredibly exciting.
Our first day on skis was definitely a challenge, but Joe Lynch, John Schwinghamer, and Jack Young (GRP skiers) came out with us to teach the basics. Natalie, Quin, Grace, and I all learned together that day, and about 15 minutes after putting skis on for the first time, we somehow ended up at the top of Murphy’s Hill. It looked huge to us, but the instructions were simple: bend your knees and go for it. Unsure how to stop, I bent my knees and sent it. Miraculously, I made it down, but when I turned around, I heard a scream from a friend behind me as he flew straight into the brush. Those first few days came with plenty of falls, but everyone kept such high spirits. With a willingness to learn and our great coaches, we’ve already improved so much and now can go down Murphy’s Hill much more comfortably.
GRP rowers after the masters ski class on Thursday mornings.
The Craftsbury community, the ski coaches, my rowing teammates, and the GRP skiers have all been incredibly supportive, always offering tips, cheering us on, and making the whole learning process fun. The Craftsbury ski coaches and masters even let us join their Thursday morning masters’ class. Plus, Jackie Garso (GRP biathlete) has been working with us to teach us to use poles, agility, and proper technique.
Winter rowing can be tough without getting to row on the water every day. The mornings consist of ergs indoors and afternoon lifting, cross-training, and core. Having an outdoor option for cross-training has been huge in keeping winter training fresh and enjoyable. It’s been a long time since I learned something completely new, and being on skis felt like relearning how to walk again. It has tested my coordination, athleticism, and patience. Even when it’s frustrating, it’s been really cool to challenge my body in a new way and embrace the learning curve.
Back in September, I competed in the novice biathlon race (running and shooting) with a handful of other rowers. There’s another novice biathlon race in early January, this time on skis, that I’m really excited to try. I’m also feeling motivated to keep improving so I can ski the marathon toward the end of the season.
Overall, learning to ski has been an amazing new experience, and I’m looking forward to continuing to improve and to watching the skiing events in the Olympics with a new appreciation.
