Rowing 100km non-stop through the Netherlands

Our team is quite tired but feeling accomplished after taking part in the 48th OC&C Ringvaart Regatta! This one-of-a-kind rowing race in the Netherlands requires teams to complete a 100km long non-stop rowing circuit starting in Leiden and finishing in Delft. Our team was split between two boats, with Marko, Mark and Amir in a quadruple scull and Paul in double scull. 

Preparation for this race had been a focus point of our physical training regime following our return from the Sea Survival courses. Paul was aiming for the record while Marko, Mark and Amir, being relative beginner rowers, trained 3-4 times a week with the help of Coach Linde from LAGA (the rowing association which organizes this event). Besides working on technique and synching our stroke, we trained other important elements such as logistics, nutrition and goal-setting which are crucial to rowing 100km non-stop. We are looking forward to seeing if any of these learning points can be carried over to ocean rowing. 

As for the results: we are thrilled to share that Paul broked the H2x double scull record in just 8 hours and 17 minutes! Meanwhile Mark, Marko, Amir, Mattie and Zé (cox) finished after rowing for 13 hours straight and a strong 12km sprint from the last checkpoint to the finish line. 

Upon arriving the whole team gathered around the Queen of Hearts who was displayed at the finish line and was the first time that many students in Delft had the chance to see an ocean rowing boat and learn about our challenge. Apart from a few blisters and some sore muscles this event has been a huge successful milestone for the team. In terms of team-building, a peek into the Dutch rowing community and genuine lessons-learned for the future it's a big milestone for our team for the preparations.