More on the new 24 and boat levels from Boathouse Captain Wilson…

In the past you had to go through a series of skill tests to qualify to row a 24. We’re going to try a new approach and let you be the primary judge if you’re ready to give it a go.

First thing to remember is that the 24 is not an Aero - there is a reason for it being a “Level 2” boat. The running joke is that it’s not if you will roll it, but when. You need to be comfortable with being able to get back in the boat out in the middle of the lake. If you’re struggling with your oarsmanship in the Aero you are not ready for the 24 - the errors will simply become more pronounced leading to the aforementioned roll-over. I say this not to intimidate, simply reflecting on my own experiences. Some folks take right to it, others it takes a bit longer. The boat is longer, less stable, and a bit heavier than the Aero. It is not a racing scull, but when you get in it for the first time you’ll understand what I’m talking about.

Get comfortable with your skillsets/oarsmanship in the Aero. When you feel you’re ready to try something with a bit more speed capability let myself, Sam, or Ginger know and one of us will meet you at the House for your maiden voyage - if you’re not ready we will let you know. It’s kinda like the first time you took the training wheels off your bike (my apologies to the Aero lovers out there, but it is what it is). You’ll feel a bit ungainly for a few rows, but after a bit of time in the seat you’ll know why the vast majority of us rowing the 24’s don’t row the Aero save for gale force winds on the lake.

One thing that I ask is that if you feel you’re ready, or are on your way to learning to row it, that you stick to preferably the 24A or 24B until it becomes second nature to you. Having three 24s available should ease up on the difficulty of getting a boat when you can find the time. I’d just like to keep the 24C in as pristine shape as possible for those that have developed competence with handling it - both launching/landing and rowing. The main concern here is the wear and tear that comes from launching/landing. The two older boats have been there, done that and have the scars to prove it.

A litmus test for you is 1) being able to conduct a river turn in either direction at will; 2) being able to come to a stop from a dead on row; and 3) being able to row forward. The Aero is a wonderful boat to learn in, and perhaps some of us should have stayed in it a bit longer so our oarsmanship would now reflect the same. When you feel you’re ready to make the jump just give one of us a shout and we’ll get you going along.