I can’t say that I don’t like something if I’ve never tried it, so, I try to give everything at least a chance. Recently, Annette Jiménez, staff writer for our Spanish-language paper El Mensajero, asked me if I would be interested in trying rowing with her. A local crew team, Cross Currents Minority Rowing, had a regatta coming up that we were going to cover for the paper, and they invited us to attend a "Learn-to Row" session. I reluctantly agreed.
I don’t like boats. I get sick in boats. All those waves and rocking — back and forth, back and forth. I feel like I have no control over anything when I’m in a boat. And to top it all off, I can hardly swim.
The learn-to-row session was indoors at the Pittsford Rowing Center, so I was feeling comfortable about that at least. The team members and instructors there were more than welcoming and supportive.
The experience became particularly enjoyable for me as Annette was called out several times for not following directions, while I was continually praised on how quickly I was picking up the rowing basics. One woman even told me she wanted to be me when she grew up!
At the inaugural US Rowing Diversity Invitational regatta July 29, I got to see my new rowing friends in action. Cross Currents founder Lydia Boddie-Rice introduced me as "the natural" to Richard Butler from US Rowing. I think she may be trying to recruit me – or she is just too kind!
No matter how positive my first rowing experience was, there weren’t any boats involved. Part two of the learn-to-row lesson will be later this month on the Genesee River – in a boat. We will see how it goes. Wish me luck!
EDITOR’S NOTE: Check back next month for part two of Tirado’s rowing adventure with Staff Writer Annette Jiménez.
