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Over the weekend of March 30, rain, low temperatures, and hard strokes bonded the Row New York and Newport Rowing clubs during their second 2013-2014 athlete exchange.  That Saturday, Row New York welcomed two coaches, a team manager, and seven rowers from Newport, Delaware, for a weekend of technical work, racing, and sleepovers!

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According to varsity coach Mike Eichler, the exchange began as an effort “to have the RNY girls experience another team outside of a regatta setting.  It was an attempt to expand their rowing world on new and different bodies of water.”

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This latest visit marked Row New York rowers’ chance to share Meadow Lake with their Newport peers.  Together they experienced two successful, soggy, and sweaty days that expanded horizons and built grit.

Let’s Hear from the Girls

[testimonial by=”Jhsynnique”]I learned how to talk openly to new people. [/testimonial]

Jhsynnique Moon – “I was surprised by how nice and open they were to talking and rowing with us. My favorite interaction with Newport was when Emily, our coxswain, didn’t understand what to do and we tried to help her as much as we could.  I also learned how to talk openly to new people.  It showed us the differences and similarities that some of us have.  I would like to stay in touch with them; I plan on Snapchatting them!”

Mariza Dannang – “It surprised me that the Newport boat beat our best 8+.  Their visit taught me that other rowing clubs are using all their time to practice to get stronger and faster. I plan to stay in touch with the Newport rowers!”

Kristal Rendon – “I realized I share a love of rowing, Justin Bieber, and dogs with another Newport rower and I loved roasting marshmallows together!”

[testimonial by=”Anthea”]The Newport rowers and I shared a love of the sport and we all aspire to be better at what we do. [/testimonial]

Kelly Arango – “My favorite moment was sharing a boat with two Newport rowers and telling our funny rowing memories when I hosted a rower.  We shared our love and hate for rowing and I learned that they train hard.  In fact, I learned that we should step it up because some programs work harder than us. It was sometimes difficult to communicate, but easy rowing in a 4+ with them. I don’t doubt I will stay in touch with Newport rowers.”

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Alana Roberto – “It surprised me that some of the Newport rowers remembered my name during the second visit.  My favorite moment was welcoming them at the boathouse and taking our group picture. I would say the rain made it difficult to practice, but it was easy to talk to them. I follow a Newport rower on Instagram!”

Amanda Ramdeholl – “I was most surprised by their friendliness and I most enjoyed having a Newport rower in my boat. I realized that good technique can make a boat fly and that other rowing teams do things differently  (coxing, coaching, rowing technique).”

Anthea Daley – “I was surprised by how tall the rowers were and how well they moved their boat together.  My favorite interaction was when one of the Newport coxswains was in my boat and I got to hear a new style.  The Newport rowers and I shared a love of the sport and we all aspire to be better at what we do. Overall, the visit showed me that every team/club has their own challenges to overcome to become better rowers. I do plan to stay in touch with them!”

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A big thank you to coaches Mike Eichler (Row New York) and John Cohn (Newport Rowing Club) for arranging this visit that clearly accomplished the goal of expanding the world of rowing for both teams! Congrats to the girls for being so tough in the rain!

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