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The Head of the Yarra is Australia's big head race. It will be held this year on November 26th, so the time to start training is upon you. In this article, Olympic Bronze Medalist, Michael Toon, explains the importance of maintaining your crew’s enthusiasm and concentration over approximately half an hour of relentless rowing at the Head of the Yarra. Watch this space for monthly articles from Michael leading up to the event.
The Yarra is unique in its distance and opens new challenges in the fact that the distraction to the crew’s focus are multiple and greater than usually experienced. Excess fatigue and risk of collisions are two examples that are dramatically increased compared with the usual racing format. The obvious strategy in keeping any crew on-task for a defined period is to maximize the focuses and minimize the distractions. The greater challenge for the cox in a well-prepared crew is often the latter, to allow the crew to execute their plan most effectively.
Three Simple Stragies
I find three simple strategies to be very useful in keeping my crew focused when a lot is happening around them.
Firstly, before they actually start, it is a good idea to take an opportunity when the crew has some downtime on the water and get them to look around, soak up the atmosphere and get all the curiosity of the surroundings out of their system. This includes looking at other crews that will start alongside them, particularly those in colourful or unfamiliar uniform. Also instruct your crew to look at the crowd, especially any family and friends or noisy groups that are following which they are otherwise bound to be looking for when you want them to concentrate. If you are lucky enough to row upstream from the start at any stage before the race, such as the day before, and you have crewmembers new to Melbourne, stop look around at big interesting landmarks like the Scotch landing and Rod Laver Arena so they are not tempted to sightsee when racing.
Secondly, when a lot is happening and your rower’s minds may be lured out of the boat at a passing crew or a disconcertingly close bridge abutment it helps to describe exactly what is going on around them so they are comfortable and confident. Details like the colour of the uniforms of the passing crew (or the exact club/school if you know) or the side and approximate distance to the obstacle (eg. ‘starboard oars will be one foot clear of Chruch St Bridge in 2 strokes time’) will help the crew know that you are aware and in control of the situation and ease their interest in peeking for themselves.
Finally, when hell is breaking loose on the water, potentially at the big bend, I like to acknowledge the excitement of the surroundings and frame it as a challenge for the crew to focus in and let the other crews fall into the trap of getting off-task. I tell my crews to enjoy the presence of other crews, the sound of the blades and the spectators and for them to heighten their senses, prick up their ears and focus on the oarsman in front… after all, it is exactly that challenge and atmosphere that brings crews to events like the Yarra. ‘This is what we came for!’ I often preempt to crews and serves to reinforce the opportunity that presents itself when our focus and resolve is tested in difficult situations.
Please let me know of any This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it you have, and if this works for you!
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