Award-winning blogger and journalist, Patricia Carswell, shares her rowing bucket list on her latest British Rowing blog, Life on the river
One of the things I’ve missed most in the last, crazy six months, is the fun of rowing in other places. From the bunting-bedecked, village-fete atmosphere of Ross Regatta to the chain-ferry-dodging, nautical thrill of the Head of the Dart, the rowing year is all the richer for that goosebumpy sense of adventure when you load up the trailer and head out on the road.
And it’s not just about racing.
I’ve had the privilege of rowing just for the sheer joy of it in some amazing locations. Some have been relatively close to home – seeing the River Lagan from a new angle with my pals at Belfast Rowing Club, and embarking on the notorious Long Row at Tyne United Masters Sculling Camp that culminates in a triumphant gathering under the magnificent Millennium Bridge.
“In the depths of lockdown, I kept my spirits up by dreaming of all the gorgeous rowing destinations I’d visit when it was All Over”
I’ve been lucky enough to row in some fabulous places overseas, too, weaving between islands in the Finnish archipelago and celeb-spotting on glamorous, villa-lined Lake Como.
Each time I’ve returned home with a bank of glorious memories and a bunch of new mates (there’s no friend like a rowing friend).
In the depths of lockdown, I kept my spirits up by dreaming of all the gorgeous rowing destinations I’d visit when it was All Over. Mindful of the twin restrictions of the pandemic and the climate crisis, I’m aware that I may never make it to all of the places on my list.
“Racing through the heart of Venice. I mean, why wouldn’t you?”
But a girl can dream, so dream I shall. This, then, is my rowing bucket list.
Racing
1 – Monster the Loch – a 33km race on Loch Ness. Not for the faint-hearted (especially if the weather is poor), but an awesome and incredibly scenic challenge.
2 – The Great Tyne Row – 25km along the Tyne, ending in the sea at Tynemouth. Sure, I’ve already rowed a good section of this, but they had me at fancy dress: there are prizes for best dressed crew AND best dressed boat. I am so up for this.
3 – Vogalonga – racing through the heart of Venice. I mean, why wouldn’t you?
4 – Heineken Roeivierkamp – fours racing in Amsterdam. The best bit (I’m told) is the after-parties (plural).
“I’ve always dreamt of visiting St Petersburg, with its romantic architecture and bloodthirsty history”
Touring
1 – The Thames. I blame reading Three Men in a Boat at an impressionable age, but a civilised paddle in this most English of settings strikes me as a glorious way to spend a few days one summer. And let’s face it, it may be my only chance of rowing at Henley.
2 – Società Canottieri, Florence. In the shadow of the Uffizi Palace, just by the Ponte Vecchio, this has to be one of the most picturesque rowing clubs in the world. Just two hours away from Venice by train, you could arguably squeeze it in before or after the Vogalonga – win, win.
3 – Vancouver Island. My lovely friend Ruth at Rowing the World has an amazing wilderness rowing tour that looks like a piece of heaven. And since I have family in BC I can combine the two and justify the transatlantic travel.
4 – St Petersburg. I’ve always dreamt of visiting St Petersburg, with its breathtakingly romantic architecture and bloodthirsty history. And now I’ve discovered there are several rowing clubs in this dazzling city, it’s just leapfrogged its way to the top of my city break list.
What’s on your rowing bucket list? I’d love to hear about your dream destinations.
