By Kevin Shannahan
Natchitoches has long been a preferred destination for rowing crews across the nation. Northwestern State University has hosted a rowing team for over 30 years. Cane River offers 35 miles of glass smooth water, largely protected from wind, as well as year-round rowing weather. This makes it the preferred destination for rowing crews to train and compete. Natchitoches has hosted rowing crews from Vanderbilt, Tulane, Wichita State University, LSU, and St Louis’ Washington University among others, who come to the city to train and compete over school breaks.
One such Rowing Crew is from Nashville’s Vanderbilt University. This is the Commodore’s seventh trip to Natchitoches’ Cane River. Thirty-five members of the Vanderbilt Rowing team are spending their spring break training on the Cane River.
These young people work hard, with multiple rowing sessions held each day regardless of the weather.
Rowing is more than just strength. Form and technique are also critical in getting the last bit of performance out of your boat-and yourself. Rowing is a delicate balance of aerobic and anaerobic exercise as muscles work at a high rate over a long course of time. Coaches are constantly mentoring the rowers as they go among them in a motorboat. Rowers can compete in boats that hold from one to eight rowers. Rowers in multiperson boats also must learn how to synchronize their movements so the boat moves as one.
Rowing Crews racing on the Cane River are a beautiful sight and are one of the many things that make life in our city special. Rowers are a sure sign of springtime’s arrival!
