Sculling Camps: Opinions?

igoeja · Post by **igoeja** » July 6th, 2008, 9:03 am

I am considering heading off to a sculling camp for a week next year, with my wife as part of a vacation, and wanted some feedback on camps, particularly Craftsbury, as well as finding out what to consider, in terms of preparation. I do not intend on this becoming a regular, long-term activity, as we live in Manhattan, and it is hard to find accessible rowing communities.

I did not row in college. I rowed for 6 years as an adult in Princeton on the Carnegie, but only in 8's and 4's, and have been erging fairly regularly for the past 15 years. I'm not particularly talented - my 2008 best 2K was 7:12 - but my erg technique has been complimented by a coach at a local fitness center [I don''t expect to this to carry over into an actual shell]. Also, since Craftsbury includes Yoga, I was thinking of getting involved in my club's Yoga classes.

For starters:

- Has anyone gone to Craftsbury?
- What can I expect if I do?

Any comments or advice is welcome.

Nosmo · Post by **Nosmo** » July 6th, 2008, 9:44 am

I've been to Craftsbury and loved it. You roll out of bed, row for an hour and a half. Eat, rest, perhaps review video's or your mornings row, row for and hour and half, eat. Sleep, read a book, row, and eat dinner. When you are not in to boat, there is absolutely nothing to worry about. The food is really good.

It was the ultimate low stress vacation. Like a summer camp for adults. One of my best vacations ever.

At the end of the week we had a very low key regatta--I think a 2.8K head race which almost everyone did.

If you have an option, go when Norm Graf is head coach. The guy has trained five generation of coaches and is still learning and refining what he does. He will not be doing it much longer so you should take the opportunity if you can.

Also Don't expect to have good technique in a boat because you have it on the erg

However if you are moderately talented, you will get into a real racing shell by mid week.

Nosmo · Post by **Nosmo** » July 6th, 2008, 4:58 pm

One more thing, go to Craftsbury for the rowing not for the Yoga. I have no idea who is teaching it now, but there are a huge number of Yoga teachers who don't know very much about movement or function. There is no point and a fair amount of danger if the goal of the yoga teacher is just to get the students into some ideal position. All the flexibility in the world won't do you any good if it is not functional.

When I was at Craftsbury several years ago, they did do one Yoga session which I was not at all impressed with. I doubt they still have the same teacher, but even so, it is a sculling camp so go for the rowing not the yoga.

If the teacher for your club yoga classes is really good then go for it, otherwise you will be far better of, finding an Awareness Through Movement Class aka a Feldenkrais Class. It will help your rowing far more.

And, again, if you have a choice go when Norm Graf is teaching.

c2jonw · Post by **c2jonw** » July 9th, 2008, 8:22 am

Concept2 has had a long standing relationship with Craftsbury- they're within 1/2 hour drive and the week-long campers come to C2 for a tour. We provide Craftsbury with all the oars they need and C2 employees get to use the boats after regular hours. It's a pretty special corner of Vermont and everyone really seems to enjoy themselves. They have top-notch coaches and great food. I'd highly recommend it. C2JonW

coggs · Post by **coggs** » July 9th, 2008, 12:49 pm

I'm just back from a 5 day session at Craftsbury Sculling Center and highly recommend it. There are also shorter weekend sessions but go for the 5 days if you can. You will regret anything shorter. Our session had a mix of abilities (around 35 working with 6 or 7 coaches) from those who had never rowed (much less sculled) all the way up to a teen who nearly broke the course record in the week ending "Head of the Hosmer" race. The most common were rereational scullers working on improving their technique. The coaches were excellent and food/accomodation great. The 2 mile long lake is perfect for sculling. Worst part was trying to avoid hitting the loons (birds, not crazy rowers!) Build up those callouses so you are ready for a full day (three 90+ minute on the water sessions each day). Folks gather for coffe at 6:15PM and the day runs through 9:00PM. You do have the option to go at your own pace. Nobody is going to drive you down the dock with an oar hadle in your back - but most people take advantage of all there is to offer. Visit their website. It gives a very good idea what you can expect in addition to the on the water sessions. FYI our yoga instructor was pretty good but we only had one session. They do have a couple of special wweks each year where there is more emphasis on yoga.