First trip down south approaches

The crew will get it's first big test tomorrow.  We'll be going out in a Cornish gig for the first time.  This is the type of boat we'll be using to row across the Channel.  I'm sure some crew members will be a little anxious about tomorrow's outcome, whilst others, including me, will be looking forward to getting out in the boat for the first time.

We'll have something like a 3.5 hour drive to get from Cambridge to Hayling Island, if all goes to plan.  We're allowing plenty of time and aim to leave Cambridge by 9am in two cars.  Richard will be flying in from Guernsey, where he's been away on business, and meeting the rest of us at Northney Marina, where we'll be doing our wet training.

We're due at the Marina at 2pm, and we should have a 4 hour training session to look forward to.  The aims for tomorrow, as far as I can deduce from the information we have had so far, is as follows:

• Team introduction and getting to know the trainers and a review of team goals (row to France!).
• Safety and risk assessment.  The weather, tides in the Channel and crew fitness levels.
• Introduction to rowing.
• The role of coxswain, rowers and bow.
• Timing and rhythm (Jason's quite musical, so that should help).
• Technique improvement: rating, pace and power.

We should have two separate outings in the boat tomorrow.  One to get a feel for things, followed by a chat of how we think we did.  The second outing will be a chance for us to improve on our technique.

I'm especially interested to hear from the trainers what advice they will give us to help improve fitness.  I intend to mention our kettlebell workouts, as I believe this will form a key part of our training.

I also look forward to seeing how everyone gets on in the boat.  There should be a lot to report next time.  Hopefully, with the addition of some photos.