Ruth Marr

Why Travel to Row Now?

Right now we seem to be inundated by even more than usual negative, terrifying or mind-numbing headlines.  The world appears a scary place, and one reaction is to retreat to safe havens.  For rowers this may mean heading to the familiar dock, launching our favourite boat onto known waters and immersing ourselves in the comforting…

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Rowing Travel as Club Development

I was fortunate to be at the Rowing Canada Aviron Conference 2016, and part of a panel titled “Rowing for All – The Growth of Touring and Coastal Rowing in Canada and Abroad. How to Expand and Diversify your Programming “.  Rowing travel is a way to increase and sustain lifelong participation in rowing, but…

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12 Months, 12 Countries: Highlights of 2015

‘Travel is the only thing you can buy that makes you richer.’ author unknown.  By that basis, I am ending the year much richer.  Here are a few other rowing travel highlights from 2015: Attending the FISA World Rowing Championship in Aiguebelette, France Participating in a small way to promoting rowing in less developed countries…

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Bellagio Short Break in Rowing & Regatta

We are absolutely delighted to have an article about our Bellagio Short Break published in British Rowing’s magazine Rowing & Regatta Nov-Dec 2015.  Patricia Carswell was a delight to have along on the trip, along with the other rowers.  You may want to check out two of her blogs Girl on the River  and Sporty Over Forty .…

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Rowing through London!

For most it is a rare opportunity to row through the centre of London, past such historic sites as the Houses of Parliament at Westminster, the Tower of London, London Bridge, etc.   The tides have to be right, permission is needed from the port authority, and braving the river traffic and currents requires good…

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Memories of 2014

This past year was wonderful.  I had the most amazing opportunities to row with new and old friends in beautiful destinations. Thank you very much to everyone.   I’ve created a brief memory slide show.  It was very hard to select just one photo per trip!  As for the music, well, it came with the…

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What Do Alumni Rowers Want?

Many North American and some other rowers get their start in the sport rowing at high school, university or college.  “Crew” defines their existence as much as the degree or diploma that they earn.  There seems to be a culture of challenges, dedication, survival, team spirit and hopefully success.  For some, this institution-based rowing is…

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Water for Rowing: Quantity

Good water quality is an asset for rowing and is the focus of a commendable campaign by World Rowing and World Wildlife Fund.  Quantity of water is discussed less frequently, but is equally important.  It is top of my mind because I row in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada where we are having serious floods again this…

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Four Rivers in Ireland – River Blackwater

The final river as part of the the Four Rivers in Ireland tour is the River Blackwater in Co. Waterford.  This river was the most obviously tidal, and we launch from a beach covered with seaweed. It is a stately river, with perhaps the most dramatic backdrop.  Several castles and  manor houses grace the shores.  Although…

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Four Rivers in Ireland – River Slaney cots

In June 2014, we ran our first ever  Four Rivers in Ireland trip. That year we rowed River Slaney in County Wexford. There was the wonderful scenery and fabulous wildlife (seals and hundreds of swans) but the special feature was that we rowed traditional river cots. Edermine Ferry Rowing Club was our gracious host.  Cots…

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