Rowing on land

It is possible to train the rowing movement even before entering the boat on an ergometer or a rowing machine. But practicing on the water is also possible! At Njord, we have so-called “bakken”. These are literally tubs that lay in the water, complete with sliding and a seat, just like a real boat. The oar looks odd because there are holes in the blade that reduce resistance so the tub stays still in the water while rowing. This way, it is possible to practice what it’s like to row without other people in the boat who also influence the balance and rhythm: ideal to teach individuals how to row.

Explaining the movement to blind or visually impaired people is a little bit different from explaining it to seeing people, to whom you would just show how to do it. Besides explaining very vividly what to do, you can also put their hand on your knee and shoulder to let them feel the movement. This way, their feeling is their sight. And of course, it’s very satisfying when you see that somebody picks it up quickly and can apply tour tips immediately in the boat. In 2021, there was also a moment during which the rowers had to show what they had learnt and had to apply all gathered knowledge to rowing in a boat.