clr "rower's challenge"

[kickingbug1]

   well bob, i think I'm ready for our "race". the oars are ready, the outriggers made and the seat and footrests installed. I've been practicing and have eclipsed the 4 knot mark. now all we have to figure out is the race course. hey, i have blisters----damn.

[Bob23]

Oh as Sherlock Holmes might say: "The game's afoot, Watson!"
  4 knots, you say? That's moving. Can you maintain that or is it a sprint. Outriggers and foot rests, you say? That sounds serious. Blisters are a way of life in the world of rowing and the further I row into the season, I get some nice callouses on my palms. I use no gloves.
  This could be fun, mates! Any other takers or will the rest of you bet on one of us to win??

[kickingbug1]

   this is an aluminum square stern canoe and pretty light. it is a bit difficult to keep straight and I'm thinking i should add a short skeg to help it track------thoughts?

[Bob23]

   Yes, I think that would help. My guideboat has no skeg to speak of but due to the hull design, she tracks very straight.
Another thing you might consider is the addition of 10 to 12 cement blocks placed strategically in the hull. Keep most of them to one side and distribute 60% aft, 40% fore. Also just before the race, add at least 4 more blocks, placed wherever you please. The extra weight will give you momentum and you'll be surprised at the distance covered with each oar stroke!
   I shouldn't be giving my race secrets away but I really want you to have a competitive edge!
  Another idea is if the boat tends to track to one side, eliminate the oar on the opposite side to counteract the apparent defect in hull design.
  Why am I telling you all my hard earned secrets?? Hey, what are friends for!!

[Tim Gardner]

Well said, and SAGE advice, Bob!

SAGE = Suckered Another Gullible Easy mark.

[Mas]

....I might add a final piece of advice, truly final if taken! Many times there is wave action and that along with the splashing of oars in frenzied competition, the boat can begin to take on a little water. Such water sloshing about will interfere with not only the concentration of the rower but the stability of the craft itself. My brilliant solution, learned from the Three Stooges as a child, is to drill a couple holes in the boat so as to give the water a way out again.

That along with Bob's advice otta readily sink the competition! 

[Bob23]

Thanks Rick...I didn't want to overload Kick with too much information at one time. Geez...I don't stand a chance in this race now! Thanks!!!

[kickingbug1]

how far do you want to race?

[Bob23]

Dunno. 10 miles, more, less. Silo and back? I don't know how far that is. What are your thoughts?

[kickingbug1]

gotta be pretty short so people can yell at us and maybe throw pbr cans

[Mas]

If everyone follows the advice tenured, especially mine, the race will be over before ya know it! Set up what ever length ya want. 

[Bob23]

Why not more than one race? Can someone video it so Kick doesn't cheat?? Oh- now you're tempting me with PBR cans, hopefully full!!

[kickingbug1]

 lets see, I'm 65 and 6'5" and bob is ? and not 6'5". what does that tell us? who has the edge? and should paramedics be on standby

[Salty19]

Kicknbug, you know Bob is gonna slay you on that race.  I mean, he's like, a professional and stuff.  Blackburn Challenge contender?  You gotta be kidding me! Fugetaboutit! 

I suggest a VERY short course with one beer consumed at each short leg.  He'll out row you but you'll catch right up on the drinking challenge and take the win.  Imagine rubbing that in his face foreeverhereto. It'll be legendary!

[Bob23]

I'm  65 and 5'7". 3 Blackburn Challenges. Slightly overweight. Torn left rotator cuff. Snapped tendon in right shoulder, both 2017. I don't stand a chance in this race....bet accordingly!!