Rowing

It is possible for individuals to take part in single sculling and to go onto the water at different time slots to ensure social distancing. There would be no access to club rooms or changing facilities and individuals would leave the boathouse after completing their activity.

Why the contribution is important

This would be good for the individuals health, fitness and general wellbeing.

by Somerside on May 05, 2020 at 03:22PM

Current Rating

Average rating: 4.7
Based on: 85 votes

Comments

  • Posted by stephenmccann May 07, 2020 at 11:47

    Completely agree, no difference from cycling, running, walking. All these activities require social distancing and the measures that a rowing club would put in place could allow athletes to start to train on the water again in a single scull.

  • Posted by Dmahamdi May 07, 2020 at 12:26

    Couldn’t agree more. Can’t see why should be different from other outdoor sports

  • Posted by mmassaro May 07, 2020 at 12:31

    Agree, Strict measures would be in place at rowing clubs to allow athletes to train on water in single sculls, in a safe environment for everyone.

  • Posted by erankin May 07, 2020 at 13:20

    Definitely agree - if you row in singles, you don't have close contact to anybody.

  • Posted by KarienButer May 07, 2020 at 13:22

    I so totally agree with this. There is no difference if anything it is safer to single scull on river for social distancing than it is to run walk or cycle

  • Posted by BarryH May 07, 2020 at 13:30

    Excellent proposal - completely agree. The very nature of the sport ensures social distancing.

  • Posted by AliL May 07, 2020 at 14:29

    I completely agree with this proposal. It can be done safely and will be of great benefit for the health and wellbeing of those taking part.

  • Posted by AngelaM May 07, 2020 at 15:11

    I agree, with the proposed one rower at a time this will ensure social distancing. It is also good for rowers fitness and overall wellbeing.

  • Posted by williamsoncolin May 07, 2020 at 15:57

    A sensible approach to returning to a sport which provides opportunities for safe exercise in the open air, and can be easily implemented whilst retaining social distancing.

  • Posted by Jamesdoran May 07, 2020 at 16:15

    Perfectly reasonably proposal. Looking forward to seeing it implemented ASAP!

  • Posted by LFlockhart May 07, 2020 at 16:30

    Perfectly sensible idea and easier to distance from others than if you were jogging or cycling and passing others.

  • Posted by kingman44xx230 May 07, 2020 at 17:20

    It is considerably betterfor mental and physical health to go outside on the water in single seat boats than to go jogging round a park where other users are currently failing to recognise any social distancing. On the water, social distancing is imposed due to the size of boat [single seat boats are longer than 2m] as well as available water space, often several hundreds of metres at least. The Rowing Community is well aware of the variety of safety issues imposed by a water based activity and the training of water users in safe conduct. Adding on water social distancing would not present any issues. As an exercise, rowing requires a wide range of muscles to be used and is an especially good activity for the cardiovascular system of the human body.

  • Posted by Jackburnss May 07, 2020 at 17:29

    Rowing in a single scull on a river or lake is a far easier way to exercise and keep healthy whilst maintaining social distancing.

  • Posted by Lellebelle May 07, 2020 at 17:41

    I fully support this proposal. It will benefit individuals both physically and mentally.

  • Posted by Alisonhodge May 07, 2020 at 19:14

    Agree - sensible, practical and easy to implement. Offers great opportunity to stay healthy, fit and mentally well.

  • Posted by TriniD May 07, 2020 at 19:16

    I agree with this proposal. Sculling in a single-seat boat can easily be undertaken in a socially-distant way, as there does not need to be interaction with others. It is an outdoor sport with both physical and mental benefits.

  • Posted by Oliviabell May 07, 2020 at 20:24

    Fully agree with this proposal. No contact is needed with anyone

  • Posted by HA22 May 07, 2020 at 21:57

    Super idea! Will allow daily exercise outdoors, with the length of the boat forcing social distancing. Also a great activity for developing physical well being and maintaining positive mental health.

  • Posted by ella_bryant May 07, 2020 at 22:15

    Fully agree , social distancing on the river is much more achievable than exercising in a park

  • Posted by isafarik May 08, 2020 at 01:40

    Agree. Great way to do exercise, perfect for social distancing, outdoor activity, minimal risks.

  • Posted by MichaelHughes May 08, 2020 at 07:02

    Absolutely agree. The dimensions of a single scull means you are automatically kept at well over 2m from others. Scotland has a proud and successful tradition in rowing and sculling, with the best water in the whole of the UK. Rowing is superb for physical and mental health. Scottish Rowing, the NGB is highly capable and will be able to help lead clubs with a sensible and effective return to training policy.

  • Posted by FionaK May 08, 2020 at 07:53

    I fully support this proposal, for training, health and well being and skills maintenance. The role of rowing clubs in the lives of its members and staff as community is a very important mental health factor this proposal would allow a safe and sensible bridge back into training in a socially distanced way in that community.

  • Posted by stewartmilne May 08, 2020 at 12:13

    This is a good idea. Single sculling can be done while social distancing and will allow maintenance of skills and fitness.

  • Posted by MatthewJH May 08, 2020 at 12:30

    Yes, completely agree, excellent idea!

  • Posted by AndrewGeorge May 08, 2020 at 12:31

    This is a great idea, I couldn’t agree more!

  • Posted by MaryRouse May 08, 2020 at 12:41

    I support this idea. Single sculling is a great way to re-start club sport whilst maintaining social distancing. This is important for physical and mental health, skills and wellbeing of rowing club members.

  • Posted by SarahJMW May 08, 2020 at 13:09

    The very nature of a single scull on the water necessitates social distancing , so no logical reason for not including it in any new allowed activities.

  • Posted by sf May 09, 2020 at 12:33

    Tremendous idea, this would be a low-impact solution and allow athletes to resume a significant element with limited exposure.

  • Posted by kaybryant May 09, 2020 at 13:07

    An excellent idea - as others have pointed out, the length of a single scull / blades requires rowers to be more than two metres away from each other. Easier to maintain social distancing on the water than in a busy park.

  • Posted by dat May 09, 2020 at 17:10

    Good idea. On the water in a single scull must count as one of the best sports for social distancing as it is almost impossible to get within 2 metres of someone else. It should be pointed out that the nature of single sculling means that it will only be suitable for experienced rowers as there is a higher risk of capsize for beginners. The process and timing of getting boats in and out of the water can easily be managed by clubs to avoid contact with other rowers.

  • Posted by Weir May 09, 2020 at 22:30

    It wouldn’t be possible to safely provide safety cover for any scullers without endangering Scottish fire and rescue, the humane society etc. This style of rowing would only benefit those who own their own boat and oats and are competent who are the minority since equipment cannot be shared.

  • Posted by NoraP May 10, 2020 at 15:54

    Excellent idea! Completely agree.

  • Posted by Ollie_Hartford May 10, 2020 at 15:58

    I don’t see why it should be a problem for athletes to row in single sculls as it’s isolated and easier to avoid people than jogging through a busy park

  • Posted by JonathanB May 10, 2020 at 16:01

    A fully supportable proposal. An early win in the incremental route to a new normal.

  • Posted by Dhunter May 10, 2020 at 16:02

    Agree with original proposal submitted. This is one sport where athletes can continue to train whilst keeping their social distance from others .

  • Posted by ScottH May 10, 2020 at 16:05

    I believe rowing should be allowed once restrictions are lifted. The ability to socially distance during single scull rowing puts this sport at the top of the list for when restrictions are lifted.

  • Posted by AJW May 10, 2020 at 16:05

    For those with skills already to single-scull there should be no risk to them or others. Many of those in rowing clubs are teenagers who have been particularly affected by the lockdown. Critically as time goes by there can be permanent deficits to refining large motor skills, coordination, bone mass and cardiovascular fitness.

  • Posted by MG2020 May 10, 2020 at 16:22

    Agree -allow those who can row to do so safely and still respect social distancing. Benefits are significant in terms of physical, mental and emotional health and well-being.

  • Posted by Orlajohnson May 10, 2020 at 16:25

    Completely agree social distancing can be very easily implemented on a river or lake

  • Posted by oliviamilliken May 10, 2020 at 16:41

    Agree - great idea social distancing can be well respected!

  • Posted by Irisevans May 10, 2020 at 16:47

    I agree that social distancing could be respected.

  • Posted by MGR May 10, 2020 at 17:24

    I would be concerned about the safety aspects. Also to avoid passing on the virus it would not be possible to share boats. I think it would therefore be unfair as it is likely only to benefit the elite.

  • Posted by StephanieFoss May 10, 2020 at 17:59

    I agree with this suggestion, an excellent opportunity for outdoor exercise whilst following social distancing.

  • Posted by iainfoss May 10, 2020 at 18:04

    Food all round exercise and also allows utilisation of extra space on the water. as parks and other areas will become further under pressure

  • Posted by MTbox May 10, 2020 at 18:09

    Don't think you can get more isolated than in a boat on your own in the middle of a river. Pretty good idea!

  • Posted by Riceiain May 10, 2020 at 18:53

    1)How do you stay socially distant when dealing with a capsize? 2)Presumably running or cycling activities depart and return to an individual's household. The equipment used belongs to and is used by that individual only. Boathouses are shared facilities. Contact can easily happen through equipment, eg tools from shared tool box, oars, and boats even. 3) Coaches often help athletes get on/off the water or fix boats. Can we trust they won't get too close to athletes? 4)do juniors get to do this or just responsible people? How is this decided? Ngb? Its a slippery slope and is it worth it for the sake of an already cancelled regatta season? Probably not.

  • Posted by DL7 May 10, 2020 at 19:43

    Initially this may sound like a good idea. Once you are on the water in a scull, you are inherently further than 2 metres away from anyone else. However, it is apparent that the author, as well as many other posters, seem to fail to realise that the use of facilities poses a significant risk to spreading the disease. Even if you do socially distance, the idea that people wouldn't come into contact with equipment or facilities that may have came into contact with people from other households is simply incorrect. Even the most basic actions necessary to partake in this activity fail this criterion. Opening doors? Opening gates? Going near other's boats while taking out your own? Picking up oars from racks? All those are at a risk of being potentially contaminated by someone else who may have had the virus (even without showing symptoms) and used the facilities. Let's be honest, realistically it's not possible to clean and disinfect every single object within every user's vicinity when they use the facility, so let's be sensible and wait it out. You can still do lots of other activities where the above points are not breached if you plan them sensibly - running, cycling, circuits.

  • Posted by Jb9872 May 10, 2020 at 23:05

    Absolutely essential to my child’s development!

  • Posted by Somerside May 10, 2020 at 23:32

    I would like to thank everybody for adding their thoughts and comments to this thread. Hopefully, with careful planning and consideration to safety this activity can be practiced with appropriate social distancing for the well-being and protection of all involved

  • Posted by cswanso1 May 11, 2020 at 08:43

    For experienced rowers, and with the expected approach to social distancing that I know would be on hand, I would be keen to see rowing included in the new approach.

  • Posted by sallysnowdon May 11, 2020 at 09:16

    A good idea, would allow those that wish to or those with private boats to have start returning to the sport. Clubs only allow competent athletes out in the single so capsize risk is minimal. Measures to reduce risk of contamination via equipment would have to be put in place, such as washing oar handles or the use of gloves for all gates/doors.

  • Posted by vdoddaka May 11, 2020 at 09:47

    Essential for aspiring athletes.

  • Posted by FionnualaJohnson May 11, 2020 at 09:53

    I agree rowing could be organised to comply with social isolation while benefiting the atheletes.

  • Posted by Stargazer1960 May 11, 2020 at 15:03

    Have all rowing clubs got adequate facilities to sanitize blades, gates, seats, shoe fastenings and any other part of the boat or boat club that a rower would touch or potentially sneeze or cough on? Daily cleaners to clean and sanitize toilets, basins, taps, changing rooms, lockers? Do they have hand sanitizer dispensers at the entrance to the club and to the boat house? The difference between rowing and cycling is that most cyclists use their own equipment, the majority of rowers share. If rowing clubs are to reopen they should undertake a full risk assessment and put in place a comprehensive management plan. Whether this is for on or off water training, the sharing of equipment gives this sport a different risk profile to cycling, walking and running
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