Rowing is a non-contact and non-weight bearing sport that is easy on the body, and hence people of almost any age can engage in it. As per Peter A Derow, there are many people who learn to row in their youth, train hard, win races, master the sport and choose to continue to practice almost throughout their lives. While young rowers may focus on endurance and power, as one gets older, rowing becomes more about mental strength, technique and the joy of being on the water. Many rowing clubs have masters rowing programs meant for rowers aged 27 and up. These programs significantly help older athletes to stay competitive, active and engaged in a sport they love.
Peter A Derow highlights rowing as a lifelong sport
While many people learn rowing at a young age, the enthusiasm of many adults for rowing has substantially increased over the years. Today there are many rowing clubs that provide beginner programs for adults and older people who may not want to race, but desire to improve their health and physical fitness by participating in rowing. Regardless of the motivation to pick up an oar, adult rowing is quite a transformative experience.
For many rowers, the sport is more than a simple physical activity. Rather, they consider rowing to be a form of expression and a meditative practice. Rowing introduces participants to a culture that often becomes their way of life. Many older rowers, both seasoned veterans and late-life beginners, especially emphasize on the power of rowing to develop and hone a number of important qualities. These qualities include endurance, strength, coordination, perseverance, team spirit, mindfulness, concentration, balance and purposefulness. The combination of high demands for coordination and physicality in rowing, along with the social aspects of crew and team performance, makes rowing comparatively unique within the sporting spectrum.
When it comes to rowing, adult athletes are known as “seniors” or “masters rowers”. Regionally, there generally are races offered under the name of “masters” for rowers even below the age of 27 years. This is generally done to provide younger adults who enter the sport a chance to accompany club comrades to regattas and be competitive.
Sports for middle aged and older adults are becoming increasingly popular today, mirroring broader societal changes. These changes are caused by shifting population dynamics, as well as the evolving landscape of both work and leisure. Discerning lifelong sports, particularly rowing, can have a positive impact on the health and well-being of a person. Engaging in sport a sport can improve one’s quality of life, even as they age.
In the opinion of Peter A Derow, the appeal of rowing largely lies in its ability to open up disparate physical, psychological and social experiences at almost every age, as well as for every level of ability. While some may engage in rowing for peak physical performance and competition, many just consider it to be a recreational activity. No matter which stage in life a rower takes up the sport and the primary motivation for it, rowing is an ideal sport for all.
