Toprow is expanding. This week we will start with the first lessons in New York City. American Mel Abler is responsible for the course and has recently visited our location in Amsterdam. What did she learn and what is she planning on doing in New York?
Mel (25) was born and raised in Wisconsin and got into rowing during her time in college. “Due to my small stature it was pretty clear I was only ever going to be a coxswain, until I found out about the lightweight category. That was when I started training to be able to achieve that new goal. When I moved to New York I never stopped”, she tells us enthusiastically over coffee in Amsterdam.
Part time job
Abler started as a part time rowing instructor with Row New York, a center not only for learn to row courses, but which also offers Junior and master rowing courses. Meanwhile she is completing her PHD in physics at Columbia university, which she skillfully juggles along side her coaching tasks. When Toprow took over the learn to row courses, they immediately found the perfect instructor in Abler.
Opportunities
“Toprow’s idea is that of teaching anyone and everyone how to row. That is something I agree with. The opportunities to start rowing in New York are very limited. There are very little good rowing stretches and the real estate is very expensive. Aside from college rowing, you can hardly ever get your start in rowing. There are no regular clubs like those on the banks of the Amstel.”
Crossfit
Abler points out that there are more ways to expand. “A lot of people have come in contact with rowing at college, so they will know about the sport. It has also become a popular exercise in the gym, mainly in sports like Crossfit. Crossfit uses the ergometers quite a lot and people doing this would very well like to try to do this in an actual boat.”
Sculling
Over the past week Abler has shadowed some of the instructors in Amsterdam during
different classes. “I have joined an experienced crew in a trip down the Amstel, which was amazing. I also joined some novices in a row into the city, there are so much opportunities in Amsterdam. In America we mainly row sweep, but I’d love for more people to learn how to scull.”
Lite boat
Not only is the water way better for rowing, but also the materials they use. “Over in New York we do not have any boat types in between the big beginner boats and the racing style boats. Thankfully TopRow shipped two of their Lite Boats over, which is definitely going to help. But the amount of boats over here allows you to accommodate many more rowers. That is something we are not yet ready to do.”
Coaching
She also noticed some differences in teaching. “In New York we are used to being on top of the technique. The instructors in Amsterdam let the rowers row more, really covering a distance. Maybe that has something to do with the approach. I understand that people come here to row and just move and socialize. I am used to be expected to teach constantly.”
Level
In the novice crew Abler paid attention to their level combined with how long they had been rowing “I was actually afraid the level of the rowers here would be quite different than in New York, but thankfully that is not the case. The level was about the same. That does not mean it is not good to learn from each other and see where our differences lie.”
Continuation
Abler will be starting with the first lessons this week. How this will take shape is something she does not know exactly yet. “The first entries for the novice course have been noted. But besides that, nothing is set in stone. In the winter rowing will not be able to continue due to the temperatures here. Otherwise we might rent a hall in Manhattan to erg together.”
