Confessions down at the Boathouse
Zeki Celebi
Zeki Celebi gains exclusive access to a member of the RSSBC, finding out how things really are: Me: Great to see you, I feel honoured to be interviewing such a distinguished rower. How have you used your new position in the Boat Club? Anonymous Rower: Well we’ve always said it’s important to take a ‘hands on approach’. Naturally I enjoy stroking my crew, and when we finally come together it’s very exciting. There is nothing as satisfying as a crew moving in time. Me: So can you give me some info on the kind of techniques you think are important? R: Well obviously it depends which position you’re in. Generally though you’ve got to have a tight grip on the shaft otherwise you can’t move your oar back and forth quickly enough, and you won’t be able to unleash any power. As expected slide control is essential. Me: So I guess there’s a lot more to it than I’d have guessed? R: Well yeah, I mean ideally you’ve got to be on top of what you’re doing to make sure you can get the most out of the stroke and give you that extra spurt of speed. Me: Cool, sounds........fun. So what sort of attire do you need to get the most pleasing results? R: Well I’ve always felt that lycra is best, it really lubricates team bonding. You mustn’t be afraid to get a little sweaty with the boys. Me: Clearly. So how do you feel about girls doing it? R: Well to be honest I don’t think girls should do it, I prefer boys. Girls just don’t have the physique. Fascinating words. What an insight into the life of the RSSBC, personally I feel greatly reassured to know that the school’s rowing club is in very capable hands.
Michael Palin Lecture “Darwin’s Theory on the De-evolution of Shrewsbury School” Science Lecture Theatre 10th November 2009
7