Spring Season Begins

By Marisa Long

During the first full week of spring semester classes, the California State University Long Beach Women’s Crew began their spring rowing season. It was a brisk, but clear morning as most of the women showed up for practice. They took out an eight, with only seven rowers and one coxswain, as they were missing one rower that day. It was a drill day and the team focused mostly on five strokes and glide drills.

Once the coxswain got a point on the water, Head Coach Katrin made an adjustment to the seat numbers. Having Bryn in four seat move back into two seat. This left the four-seat empty during this practice. Technically, it is safe to have at least six rowers in an eight boat.

Warm-up was the usual pick drill, by all seven, which goes through every step of a stroke, before finally rowing at full slide. The boat stayed in the Marine Stadium for the duration of practice. The crew started the five-and-glide drills at the end of the Marine Stadium. The drill starts at a three-quarter slide and the rowers take five strokes before gliding at the finish (end of the stroke). The glide at the finish helps with rhythm, slide control, and balance. Coach Katrin also added a push and pull start to the drills where the rowers push back their oars at the three-quarter slide and pull into the catch (start of the stroke). This helps them feel the hang in the water and get the maximum amount of reach at the catch. After some steady state rowing the crew took it into the dock. It is looking like a good start to the Women’s Crew spring season.

Coach Katrin instructs the crew through the five and glide drills.

The Women’s Crew in an eight with seven rowers and one coxswain.