Cambridge and Oxford meet this weekend. The two universities race on Saturday 30th March, 2024. It will be the 78th Women’s Boat Race and the 169th Men’s Boat Race.
The women are scheduled to race at 14:46, and the men race an hour later at 15:46.
BBC One has coverage from 14:00 BST, hosted by Clare Balding. The BBC Sport website and BBC iPlayer will be live streaming the races.
If not at home on TV, then spectators should head to the riverbanks between Putney and Mortlake. There are official fan parks at Fulham and Hammersmith.
As is typical of recent years, it is expected that Hammersmith Bridge will be closed due to ongoing safety concerns. In 2023 the bridge closed to all traffic, including bike and pedestrian, on race day from mid-morning to early evening.
London is the traditional home of The Boat Race. The Boat Race course, known as the Championship Course, from Putney to Mortlake has been home to the Men’s Boat Race since 1845 and the Women’s Boat Race since 2015. In 2021, the event was held behind closed doors due to safety concerns surrounding Hammersmith Bridge, and the race was moved to River Great Ouse in Ely, Cambridgeshire.
The Oxford men have won 81 times. The Oxford women have won 30 times, and are hoping to end their six-race losing streak.
Cambridge currently lead the women’s event 47 to 30, and the men’s 86 to 81 (with one dead heat recorded in 1877).
Cambridge crews delivered a historic clean sweep in last year’s 2023 Boat Race. The Light Blue men’s and women’s Blue Boats and reserve crews (Goldie and Blondie) all won their races against Oxford men won in 2023. Oxford are looking to turn the tide.
-From www.row-360.com
]]>“Stretched out along 30 kilometres of Ligurian Sea coastline, Genoa will provide the perfect stage and a fantastic atmosphere for our competition. We thank the Italian Rowing Federation and the Organising Committee for their efforts in developing Beach Sprints and Coastal Rowing in Italy l and look forward to working with them on producing an exciting event for athletes and fans alike“ said World Rowing President Jean-Christophe Rolland.
“It is with great satisfaction that we will be hosting the World Rowing Coastal Championships & Beach Sprint Finals in Genoa in 2024 – when the city will be entitled European Capital of Sport, added Giuseppe Abbagnale, president of the Italian Rowing Federation. Italy will host this important event for two consecutive years. Therefore, a sincere thank you goes to all the people who believed in our projects and to our territories and the hospitality they will offer to the National Federations and rowers attending the event. We look forward to welcoming you on our beaches.”
Coastal rowing is the extreme version of the sport, and perfect for adventure seekers who enjoy the thrill of the unknown rowing conditions and beautiful coastal scenery. It is one of the fastest growing communities of rowers, and is particularly accessible to rowers based in locations where flat water is not nearby.
The format of Beach Sprints has been formally proposed to the International Olympic Committee for inclusion in the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. A decision from the IOC is expected in the month of June. It is also included in the core programme for the 2023 ANOC World Beach Games in Bali, Indonesia, the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Victoria, Australia and the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal.
-From Rowing News
]]>The meeting of two ancient civilizations
More than just a character in Chinese folklore, Qu Yuan is an important part
of dragon boat culture and its festival traditions. The legend still lives in
today’s modern dragon boat racing.
Without the Nile, Egypt may never have become one of the most
extraordinary civilizations in history. This great river is a physical, political
and spiritual presence in ancient Egyptian culture. "Egypt is a gift of the Nile",
the ancient Egyptians thought that the Nile is a gift from the gods. The
Egyptian calendar was based on the three seasons of the Nile: the flood,
agriculture, and harvest.
According to current studies, its river systems are made up of the Blue Nile
and the White Nile and its drainage basin crosses Uganda, Tanzania,
Ethiopia, Rwanda, South Sudan, Eritrea, the Democratic Republic of the
Congo, Burundi, Kenya, Sudan, and, of course, Egypt. Its discharge is 2.8
kilometers wide and its basin area is 3.4 million square kilometers.
Bringing the sport of dragon boating to the River Nile is a merge of two
ancient civilizations together to form a strong bond – the power of the
dragon at the River Nile!
With our strong passion, we made it happen! The First Dragon Boat Festival
at the River Nile in Cairo, Egypt was held on October 1st, 2016 under the
patronage of the Cairo Governorate.
Development of dragon boating in Egypt
Dragon boat racing is the world’s fastest growing team water sport activity today. Over 6,000,000 people world-wide participate in dragon boat festivals. Participants can be as old as 85 or as young as 12 to participate in dragon boating.
We believe that this sport can make an impact in the African region. Ehab Gouda is the first Egyptian who learned dragon boating in Hong Kong and Foshan, China. Much credit went to the support and advice from the International Dragon Boat Federation, Mr. Mike Thomas and Mr. Alan Van Caubergh. Both of them contributed their time and experiences for guiding the establishment of Dragon Boat Egypt. Alan attended our 1st Dragon Boat Festival at the River Nile in October 2016. In 2018, Mike came to Egypt and conducted a national coach and race officials training.
Our dear friends from Hong Kong, Mr. Alson Wong and Mr. Edwin Hou from Stanley Dragon Boat Association also came to Egypt in April 2016 to help us to prepare our first event at the River Nile. They gave us their time and contributed towards the development of Dragon Boat Egypt with their experience and
advice.
In August 2016, we went to Hong Kong so Ehab could get more dragon boat training and experience in Stanley. We also travelled to China and met with different dragon boat teams to learn more about the sport and further our knowledge for the strategic development of dragon boating in Egypt.
Awakening of the dragon
October 2016 – our first Dragon Boat Festival was held with a team from Foshan and Hong Kong who came to support us
December 2016 – the Dragon Boat Egypt academy was established
2017 - 2019 – around 3 events were organized each year
February 2019 – Egypt’s first International Dragon Boat Festival was held with over 250 paddlers from all over the world
No races in 2020 due to Covid-19
With all these high profile activities, it drew the attention and envy from the Canoe and Kayak Federation in Egypt. In 2018, they started to make much troubles and obstacles in stopping our events, claiming that they are the governing body for dragon boat! They were trying in many ways to stop us from establishing the Egyptian Dragon Boat Federation. In February of 2021, finally the Minister of Youth and Sports approved the establishment of the Egyptian Dragon Boat Federation through us. Although it is still an ongoing battle with the Canoe and Kayak Federation, we kept moving forward against the strong tide! We will never give up! With our clear vision, we made it happen! The First Press Conference for the Egyptian Dragon Boat Federation was successfully held on March 13, 2021.
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Difference #1: Open vs. Closed Design
The biggest difference is in the boats themselves. Canoes are bigger and heavier, with a wide frame and open top — similar to a rowboat — designed to carry multiple passengers and more gear. Kayaks are smaller, sleeker boats designed for speed or recreational purposes, such as whitewater rapids, open-water sea paddling or river tours.
There are a few different types of canoes, but what you’ll typically see trolling around the lakes near you is what’s known as a “recreational“ or “Canadian“ style canoe. Generally 13 to 17 feet long, canoes have tall sides and sit higher on the water than kayaks, and the paddler sits on benches or kneels on slats running the width of the beam.
While some kayaks can also be open-top — traditionally known as a “sit-on-top” kayak — the majority are built with a closed cockpit, meaning kayakers “sit inside” the craft with the kayak covering their legs. In essence, while you ride a canoe, you “wear” a kayak.
Kayaks tend to be more versatile — with different types of kayaks designed to suit different needs. However, both canoes and kayaks today are stable and water-worthy, made from quality, durable plastic, fiberglass or even wood or Kevlar.
Difference #2: Seating and Comfort
Because of its open-top design, climbing aboard a canoe is generally easier than getting in and out of a kayak — it’s as simple as stepping on board. Paddlers can use the canoe’s sides or a nearby dock to steady themselves, and stand up once inside.
Getting into a kayak is generally a little trickier, requiring the paddler to slide their legs inside the cockpit, maintaining balance so as not to tip the boat.
Once inside, however, kayakers might argue for the snug, one-piece feel of a kayak that offers a bit more control and ease of paddling than a canoe.
Kayak cockpits can be configured with back support — a feature that might appeal to paddlers looking to do extended day trips — but in general, a canoe will offer a more comfortable ride simply because of the greater freedom of movement allowed by the open-top format. While a kayaker is essentially “confined”to a cockpit, a canoe paddler can move about at will.
Difference #3: How to Paddle
While a canoe might be a bit more comfortable than a kayak, the great tradeoff is in paddling.
Because canoes are bulkier and heavier, they take more effort to paddle, often requiring two people. In general, the learning curve for paddling a canoe is steeper at first than for a kayak.
Kayak paddles have a blade on each end designed for use by a single paddler, while canoe paddles are shorter, with a single blade designed to dip straight into the water and a knob or “T” at the other end. Users grip the canoe paddle with one hand in the middle for power and the other at the knob end of the paddle for control. Two people alternate strokes to keep the canoe tracking straight — which often is easier said than done.
On a kayak, the paddler grips both hands in the middle of the paddle, dipping each end alternately into the water. Kayak paddles often come with blades offset at a 90 degree angle from each other, cutting down on wind resistance and allowing the kayaker to easily get the blade into the correct position while switching sides.
Difference #4: How Wet Will You Get?
Well, that depends.
In general, a canoe will keep you dryer than a kayak by virtue of the fact that you are sitting higher above the water. But out in open water or high waves, a kayak might fare better.
That’s because a kayak’s closed cockpit keeps water out, meaning even the roughest waves simply wash over the boat. A kayak can also be outfitted with what’s known as a spray skirt, a piece of fabric or rubber fitted over the top of the cockpit to prevent water from seeping in.
While a canoe is undoubtedly harder to capsize than a kayak — though they’re both pretty stable, honestly — a kayak has the advantage of being able to be righted in the event of a rollover. Safety techniques such as the “Eskimo roll” are recommended learning for kayakers looking to do extended touring or sea kayaking. If executed properly, it can mean the difference between a ruined weekend and a bump in the road.
With a canoe, if you do manage to flip it, let’s just say you’re up a creek.
So, will you get wet on calm waters in a kayak? If you’re a careful paddler, probably not. In the event of a little water splashing into the boat, however, it’s advisable to carry a bilge pump.
Difference #5: Stability and Maneuverability
In general, a canoe will be more stable than a kayak, but a kayak will be faster and easier to maneuver.
This is because a kayak generally is narrower and built with the bow and stern slightly curved upwards — known as “rocker” — meaning less of the hull is actually in the water.
Less hull in the water (and thus, less water to be displaced) means less resistance when paddling. Many kayaks also come with built-in rudders and skegs to aid in steering, and because of the lower center of gravity, less effort is needed with each paddle stroke.
Tracking — moving in a straight line — is also arguably easier in a kayak vs. canoe. Because kayak paddles are double-sided, it doesn’t require the kayaker to shift body position to keep the kayak straight. In essence, a single kayaker has complete control of the boat, meaning kayaks will generally get you where you want to go with little hassle.
Canoes, on the other hand, have the advantage when it comes to stability, for the opposite reasons. A canoe’s wider hull generally allows for greater stability on calm waters, allowing the paddler to move about the boat without fear of tipping. Honestly, though, both modern kayaks and canoes are quite stable and difficult to capsize.
Difference #6: How You Use It
Both kayaks and canoes can be used for a wide range of activities — fishing, long-distance trips, river paddling and camping — but each does carry certain benefits.
Because canoes offer greater storage space — for both people and gear — they might be a better option for those looking to spend a relaxing day out on a calm lake with a cooler and some friends.
A kayak, on the other hand, is probably better suited to those looking for adventure-type expeditions, such as whitewater rafting, ocean paddling or deep-water fishing.
Both options can be ideal for touring — or multi-day excursions — depending on what type of trip you’re doing. While a canoe can offer a more relaxing adventure along inland rivers and lakes, you’ll definitely want a sea kayak if you plan to head for open waters, such as the Great Lakes or the ocean.
While canoes are the traditional choice for those looking to do some napping … err, angling … fishing from a kayak is also an increasingly popular choice. With rod holders, deep wells for gear and even foot pedals in lieu of paddles, modern fishing kayaks are built for those serious about the sport.
In considering whether to buy a kayak vs. canoe, also keep in mind how you plan to transport it. While kayaks can be carried on almost any type of vehicle — with inflatable kayaks and folding kayaks offering even easier transport options — a canoe’s bulkier size requires a bit more planning. Most SUVs can be outfitted to carry a canoe, but you almost certainly won’t fit two on one vehicle.
Difference #7: Storing Your Gear
Carrying gear is a bit different for a kayak vs. canoe. Canoes, of course, offer greater flexibility, with a wide deck capable of storing larger coolers or camping equipment easily within reach.
While kayaks — especially larger sea kayaks — offer more than adequate storage space, that storage is generally below deck in waterproof cargo holds. Most kayaks come equipped with a smaller dry storage well directly behind the cockpit, but accessing gear while out on the water can be a challenge if you don’t plan ahead.
That said, the key word in kayak storage is “waterproof.” In the event of high waves or even a capsize, your electronics, medicine, cellphone or camping gear stands a much better chance of surviving aboard a kayak.
However, portage — carrying the boat over dry land — of gear is often made easier in a canoe, since you don’t need to empty the cargo holds first.
]]>The same goes for canoeing. There are so many different types and particularities within the sport, that it is hard to know where to start. You may be asking yourself questions like, “Do I buy all of the equipment, or do I rent?” and, “Do I take lessons, or try to figure it out on my own?” If you are just starting out, you may find some relevant information to help get you started.
To start, there are two distinct types of canoeing: flatwater and whitewater. Flatwater is paddling on with calm waters, like a lake or slow moving river that has little or no current. Whitewater has rapids and fast moving current. Most people start with flatwater canoeing because whitewater paddling requires a higher skill level that builds off of flatwater skills.
This could be a friend who has experience canoeing and can show you the ropes or you may decide to take a course. You want to feel comfortable in a canoe, so find someone who can introduce you to the necessary skills and knowledge to be safe on the water. Many paddling organizations offer half day courses that emphasize canoeing basics like safety, strokes and manoeuvres.
Most communities near lakes and rivers have paddling clubs that welcome new members. Club memberships are usually quite affordable and allow you to participate in both social gatherings and paddling outings.To find local paddlers, trying searching on social media or look for information boards at your local outdoor store. If all else fails, go to the river with some cookies on a Saturday morning, and you will be sure to make at least one new friend.
According to the Lifesaving Society, approximately 265 people drown in Canada each year. The numbers are scarier in the US, with nearly 4000 drownings per year (CDC). Yes, paddle sports only account for a portion of these stats, but drowning does happen and you increase your risk of drowning if you choose not to wear it. If you find a PFD uncomfortable to wear, there are many different types, including inflatable PFD belts. Be sure to check that you are using the correct PFD type rated for the type of paddling you are doing.
Going with an experienced paddler is a great way to get out as a new paddler. You can learn from them, but what you can’t do is help them when something goes wrong. Consider taking a recreation level whitewater course, and a wilderness first aid course so that you feel confident being able to respond to an emergency when there is delayed access to care.
The shape of a canoe, how it is constructed and what materials it is made of changes how you paddle. A flatwater canoe, that has a keel, is meant to track in straight lines, compared to a whitewater canoe that is meant to spin so that it is responsive in rapids. Renting is a great way to test different boats and see what you like. But the reality is that you are more likely to go if you own the gear. If you are hooked on the sport, don’t hesitate to buy a boat. Boats are expensive, so decide on 2-3 models that interest you, and shop the used market.
If you are still looking for inspiration, check out the canoeing greats like Bill Mason. His passion for the wilderness and canoeing is undeniable, and watching one of his films will surely draw you to the water.
A teacher, whitewater canoe guide, and volunteer firefighter, Allyson Saunders lives in the Madawaska Valley in Ontario with her exceptionally perfect dog, Honey. Nature inspired, Allyson can be found on a river, in her garden, on a ski trail or with a paintbrush or a cup of coffee in hand.
Excerpt from "Paddling.com".
]]>Meaning:
In rowing, the primary meaning of the word “scull” is moving the boat with two oars per rower. A rower who uses two oars in this way can be called a “sculler”, and the act of propelling the boat through symmetrical movement of the sculls is called “sculling”. “scull” can also mean a rowing boat in general but in its sense of a symmetrical motion, it is more often used to mean a boat just for sculling.
History:
“Scull” in its rowing sense may have come into English from an old word linked to washing, an activity whose back and forth scrubbing motion is similar to the symmetrical movements of sculling oars through the water. Besides the familiar form of sculling with two oars, “scull” can also mean a single oar mounted at the back of a small boat. Sculling in this way pushed the boat forward through side-to-side movements of the scull.
Scull vs. Skull
New rowers learn quickly that the word “scull” should not be confused with “skull”, another English word that sounds the same but refers to the bones of the head. Ironically, the word “skull” comes from the same root as “shell”, but “scull” seems unrelated.
Connections:
Whatever the activity, a symmetrical movement seems central to the meaning of “scull”. This is clear in forms of “sculling” in a range of other sports. Examples include swimming (an in and out symmetrical movement of the hands and forearms) and ice skating (an in and out symmetrical movement of the skates).
SWEEP
Meaning:
In rowing, the word “sweep” is used for the method of moving the boat with one oar per rower. Although it is usual to use the term “rowers” for those who sweep, the term “sweeper” is sometimes used. The act of propelling a boat by this means is called “sweeping” or “sweep rowing”.
History:
For those outside of the sport of rowing, the English word “sweep” is most often connected to the long arcing movement of a broom cleaning a floor. Like the arcing sweep of hands on a clock, the movement of an oar through the water is clearly a sweep in this sense. There is also a linked meaning of making something clean (through sweeping).
Connections:
Other sports that use the term sweep include cricket’s “sweep shot” (swinging the bat in a low horizontal arc) and the similarly executed “sweep pass” in field hocky (low-to-the ground swinging hit of the ball with the stick).
Excerpt from "World Rowing".
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I campioni del mondo Xu e Sun, che venerdì hanno stabilito il miglior tempo olimpico, hanno aggiornato il loro punteggio a un minuto e 55,495 secondi per il loro primo titolo olimpico.
Liudmyla Luzan/Anastasiia Chetverikova dell'Ucraina, le campionesse europee in carica, sono arrivate seconde in 1:57.499.
La due volte campionessa del mondo Laurence Vincent-Lapointe/Katie Vincent del Canada ha conquistato il bronzo in 1:59.041. Enditem
Xu Shixiao (R)/Sun Mengya della Cina festeggiano la vittoria della finale di canoa sprint femminile dei doppi 500 m ai Giochi Olimpici di Tokyo 2020 a Tokyo,
Giappone, 7 agosto 2021. (Xinhua/Zhang Xiaoyu)
Xu Shixiao (davanti, L)/Sun Mengya (davanti, R) della Cina competono durante la semifinale di canoa doppia femminile di 500 m di canoa sprint ai Giochi Olimpici di Tokyo 2020 a Tokyo, Giappone, 7 agosto 2021 (Xinhua/Fei Maohua)
]]>L'equipaggio formato da CHEN Yunxia, ZHANG Ling, LYU Yang e CUI Xiaotong ha terminato in 6:05.13, riducendo di oltre un secondo il miglior tempo precedente, stabilito dalla Germania nel 2014.
La Repubblica Popolare Cinese è l'unico paese non europeo a vincere l'oro in questo evento: ha vinto l'evento nel 2008 a Pechino.
La gara non è mai stata vicina. La squadra cinese ha guidato fin dall'inizio e non ha mai rischiato di essere messa in discussione.
Il resto del campo è stato lasciato a lottare per l'argento e il bronzo.
I vogatori trionfanti, che sono i campioni del mondo 2019, hanno affermato che, sebbene vincere il titolo sembrava facile, era tutt'altro. Hanno aggiunto: "Con questa medaglia d'oro oggi, sembra che tutto ciò che non è facile sia diventato facile".
La Polonia ha vinto quella battaglia, anche se è arrivata a più di sei secondi dalla Repubblica popolare cinese per l'argento.
"È stato un sogno diventato realtà. È stato un anno molto difficile, ma non potremmo essere più felici in questo momento", ha detto Katarzyna Zillmann sul secondo posto della Polonia.
"Siamo preparati per questo giorno, non per gli altri giorni di quest'anno, ma per questo giorno.
"Il mio inchino, Agnieszka (Kobus-Zawojska), ha detto 'bronzo, bronzo!' e poi, 'argento, argento!' e non potremmo essere più felici in questo momento."
Riflettendo sul fatto che metà della sua squadra ha vinto il bronzo ai Giochi di Rio nel 2016, Zillmann ha aggiunto: "È davvero incredibile che altre ragazze abbiano già il bronzo dal Rio.
"Siamo stati i più giovani, io e Marta (Wieliczko). Siamo mischiati insieme - esperti, giovani e affamati.
"Siamo personaggi molto, molto diversi, ma alla fine possiamo creare qualcosa di speciale."
L'Australia ha vinto il bronzo in 6:12.08 per la quarta medaglia della giornata del paese.
"È semplicemente fantastico, non credo che affonderà mai", ha detto Thompson sulla medaglia di bronzo del suo equipaggio per l'Australia. "Siamo appena usciti cercando di fare del nostro meglio ed è stato esattamente quello che abbiamo fatto.
"Siamo arrivati fino alla fine facendo contare i colpi. Siamo solo increduli."
La Germania, che era la detentrice del titolo, ha concluso con un deludente quinto posto.
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