JERSEY’S rowers are ready to fly the flag high in Loch Ness, as four Caesarean crews, as well as a solo competitor, have ventured up north to participate in today’s Monster the Loch.
Loch Ness will be thriving, as competitors from all over will take to the water, where all human powered boat types, from rowing boats to pedalos, are welcome to race the Loch’s 21 mile length. The race is set to start from Fort Augustus, going all the way to Dores.
After speaking with Susan Huelin, cox for one of Jersey’s ladies quads which is aptly named ‘Girls That Row’, it’s clear that the quartet are ready to tackle the challenge: “Everyone’s very excited to take part in this race, as this is the first trip we’re making as a crew.
“We have been training as usual, getting out on the water whenever we can. However, recently the weather has been against us, making for some challenging rows. The longest one we’ve completed is 20km, which isn’t the full distance, but we feel ready.
“After seeing the conditions, it’s looks as if it will be a lot warmer, but overcast which doesn’t really bother us. It won’t be too windy either, so should be nice and flat for us on the day.”
As Jersey’s primary focus is coastal rowing, Monster the Loch marks new territory for the Girls That Row, as this is their first foray into flat-water rowing.
Considering the weight of the challenge, it’s clear that this quad crew have thought a lot about their approach, an Huelin detailed their mindset entering the event: “Above everything, we want to complete the race, as this is the longest row we’ve ever attempted. As this is more so an endurance event, it’s all about efficiency, not all-out power.
“This is a long row, and we always want to keep moving, so each rower will take individual breaks every 45 minutes, instead of the whole crew stopping.
“As cox, my job is to steer the most efficient course, and give a lot of motivation along the way, while giving out cues and reminders. But even though you want to do well, at the end of the day it’s all about having fun, we’re in a beautiful location and it’s important that everyone enjoys the occasion.
Representing Jersey is an important responsibility in the international spotlight, which Huelin doesn’t take lightly: “In these sorts of events, we’re absolutely representing the Island. As Jersey’s rowers travel a lot to compete, we’ve got to a stage now that people are recognising our crews. We do feel that we’re putting Jersey on the map, and we’re always keen to expand the Island’s profile.”
Girls That Row is about more than just competing, as the team was brought together with a clear mission in mind.
“Girls That Row was formed to try inspire and encourage more women and girls to give the sport a go. Rowing is such a great sport, and we want to encourage everyone to get involved,” said Huelin.
“Jersey Rowing Club are in a good place, with a healthy number coming through the juniors and a strong base of members, with as much, if not more, women than men.
“However, we’re always encouraging more members to join, with some great initiatives opening up access for newcomers, such as Emma Syvret’s ‘Have a Go Row’ this October, which is advertised on our Facebook page.
“Jersey is such a great place to row, with an amazing coastline, so I would recommend anyone and everyone to give rowing a try.”
Jersey’s competing rowers at Monster the Loch:
Ladies Quads:
Girls That Row – Susan Huelin, Ailie Dewar, Emma Syvret, Elise Medder and Abbi Syvret
Tina Tidy, Virginia Mclnerney, Cathy Hullah-Brown, Jayne Chadwick and Debbie Rowland
Mixed Quads:
Carl Clinton, Bob Salkeld, Steph Ashford, Anna Tredant and Adrian Tredant
Daryl Byrne, Paul Batho, Tim Pitt, Dave De Gruchy and Danielle Gray
Ladies’ Solo:
Sue Clinton
