Town rowing program in Lloyd Harbor

By Michael R. Ebert
michael.ebert@newsday.com

Until this summer, Patrick Tighe of Northport hadn’t rowed since high school. So, in mid July, when he headed to Huntington’s Coindre Hall Boathouse and grabbed a 12-foot oar capable of generating 2,000 pounds of force, he didn’t know what to expect.

“It’s exhausting,” admitted Tighe, 51, with a spark of enthusiasm in his voice. “I’m using muscles I haven’t used in ages. It’s actually a great cardiovascular workout.”

Tighe isn’t alone. For over 20 years, Huntington’s Rowing Program has introduced thousands of town residents to the unique sport on the scenic waters of Lloyd Harbor. Hosted by the Sagamore Rowing Association, the annual lessons teach newcomers of all ages the fundamentals of rowing—from sweeping to steering—on eight-person Olympic shells.

The two-week classes this summer have been selling out.

“It’s really become popular,” said SRA Founder Jim Long, who’s trained rowers up to age 70. “I think most people wanted to try it as a kid, but never had a chance until now. It’s also a great activity to share with another person, while putting you in touch with nature.”

The town’s program—which first started as a two-week experiment, Long says—has grown to 13 two-week classes at Coindre Hall Boathouse by Gold Star Batallion Beach. Basic instruction includes shell and oar handling, and sweeping and steering techniques, as well as safety procedures, according to Long. Lessons run from May until August.

With instruction geared to low-level rowers, the trainers strictly teach sweep rowing, which means the athletes use only one oar. Next, students may choose to learn sculling—in which rowers use two oars—although this SRA program is not offered through the town.

“We have more students than spots, because we’re limited by the boathouse’s size,” explained David Muntner, SRA vice president. “There are people literally waiting to join.”

In addition to rowing tips, instructors also warn of hazards like “catching a crab,” which is one of the worst, and most embarrassing, mistakes that can happen while rowing, Long said. Specifically, it refers to sticking an oar so deep that it gets stuck in the water, causing the shaft to jolt forward like a catapult due to the boat’s forward momentum.

“It feels like a locomotive,” joked Long, who advises lying flat so the oar passes over the rower. “Kids find it funny. It’s adults who moan when we watch the safety video.”

Tighe agreed, but still laughed heartily when recounting his wife’s recent “crab.”

“It was a major one,” he chuckled. “She was distracted, listening to her iPod.”

Fees for the town’s 2007 Rowing Program are $100 for adults and $90 for youth, with a $10 discount for those with a Recreation ID Card. Classes are divided into adults (ages 18 and over) and youth (ages 14-17). As of this morning there is room in an adult class that starts Aug. 20, and a youth class that starts Aug. 13. For more information or to make a reservation, call the Huntington Department of Parks and Recreation at 631-351-3089.

Caption: Rowing on the Island. Newsday file photo