Rowing for Fun

Rowing means either stodgy rowboats or racing shells for college athletes to many people. Fortunately there's a whole class of "recreational shells" which put rowing within reach of almost anyone who loves fun and fresh air while they exercise.

My son Justin and I recently drove up to the Maine coast to get a taste. The nice folks at Echo Rowing in Eliot will take anyone -- accomplished rower (Justin) or rank newcomer (me) -- out and let them try their boats.

A rising tide found Justin and me in the channel between Kittery Point and Gerrish Island along with Doug Martin, the designer of the Echo shell and his sister Lorna Martin Perry. Doug and Lorna have rowing in their blood. Their father designed the original Alden Ocean Shell from which the Echo evolved.

Unlike all other rowing shells, the Echoes have folding "riggers" (the contraption that hold the oars). This makes it easy to get in and out of the boat and to transport it on a car rack. Though they are very stable, they are also sleek and fast. The Echo is quite comfortable. You can move around a bit and stretch and relax without fear of tipping over. I think it might even be possible to fish from one -- something I intend to try soon.

An experienced rower, Justin jumped in the Echo and immediately glided away effortlessly at waterskiing speeds. He and Lorna then took off to test the rough-water performance in the waves at the mouth of Portsmouth Harbor. They came back two hours later, both all grins and covered with salt spray.

I, who had never tried a sliding seat rower, spent my time in the calm tidal creek, just getting used to working arms, legs and hands in something approaching coordinated fashion. I was amazed at how far I traveled even while just learning. These boats are fast and effortless. You even get used to facing backwards -- the shell is stable enough that you can look around occasionally to get your bearings.

I won't say I became an accomplished rower in one session. But there were times when I would get everything right for five or even ten consecutive strokes. The oars would glide back over the water, then "catch" the water cleanly. This allowed me to drive the boat powerfully with my legs, torso and, finally, arms before lifting the oars clear and rolling forward for another stroke. I could feel the flow leading to that endorphin high that bike riders and long-distance runners long to achieve.

It was hypnotic, even addictive. Sigh, just what I need, another bad case of boat lust.

Other rowing opportunities

Test-rows: A number of other companies also offer test-rows and clinics. Just be sure to call ahead for an appointment.

• Alden Rowing Shells is the granddaddy of the business with dealers and demos in every New England state.
• Little River Marine makes shells and rowing skiffs (wider and even more stable) and has a representative in Duxbury, Massachusetts.
• Virus (pronounced Vee-rus) has a New England representative in Pittsfield, Massachusetts.

Rowing lessons are the way to get started if you want to row a racing shell. In New England, lessons are offered by:

Craftsbury Sculling Center in Craftsbury, Vermont, has demo boats from Peinert Boatworks in Mattapoisett, Massachusetts.

Durham Boat Company in Durham, New Hampshire.

If you already own a canoe or rowboat and want to turn it into a sliding-seat rower:

(Note: I haven't tried these to see how well they work .)

Piantedosi Oars in West Acton, Massachusetts makes rowing rigs and oars that will fit in almost any canoe or small boat. They will give demos.