RR x 4: The First Four Years at RowingRelated

The original sketch for the RR logo design (Photo: B. Kitch)

Amidst the flurry of activity leading up to the 50th Head Of The Charles Regatta, RowingRelated turned four over the weekend. I wanted to take a second to acknowledge that, and say thanks. When I first began this site on October 11, 2010, I had no idea the places it would take me, or how much it would grow—not only has it kept me connected to the sport I love, but, more importantly, it has kept me connected to the people who love rowing.

Here are a few things that stood out to us, going back through four years of rowing journalism, banter, and just generally good times:

Our first 'picks and predictions' post—from the 2010 Head Of The Charles, no less. 

The first interview we ever produced—thanks again to Silas Stafford.

Our first-ever series, in six parts: "What Makes the Great Ones Great?"

A look back at the first two years at RowingRelated:



The time that the Boat Race stopped.  

Interviewing Harry Parker at Newell Boathouse at the beginning of his 50th season as head coach of Harvard Crew.

Our Henley-based 'On The Water' series, following Matt Miller (with Virginia) and John Forrest (with Potomac BC) during their trips to Henley Royal Regatta.

The day we crested the 1,000,000 pageview mark.

Our all-time most popular article, "Winter Workouts: Why do Rowers Fear the Erg?"

Day One, four years ago, when RowingRelated began with a Statement of Purpose:

I've been involved in the sport of rowing for about a decade at this point, and my interest continues to broaden as I get older—there is so much to explore, and so much to know about the physiological, psychological and technological aspects of rowing a boat, and seemingly so little time to acquire that knowledge. Four years of college rowing won't do it. When I finished my final erg test as a senior and put the handle down, I thought I had finished a long journey. Now, as I move further and further away from the intercollegiate experience, I feel more and more like I am still at the outset of a much longer Odyssey.

The goal of this blog is to develop yet another side of that interest in, or rather that fascination with, the sport. As Steve Gladstone famously says in All for One, "There has to be a passion; not a mild interest, but a passion." Perhaps that's the best explanation for the 95-99 year old category of racers at Crash-Bs. It's a sport that takes hold, and once it does, there is no letting go. The articles, posts and essays I will include here reflect my own opinions and observations, and I'll welcome any discussion (of a rational nature) that they produce. Attention. Go.

I like to think that the same guiding principles still govern what we do, and the choices we make at RowingRelated.

Thanks very much from all of us, whether you've submitted written work, photography, videos, done interviews, or just enjoyed what we do—regardless, you've helped us grow.

-Bryan

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