Catching Crabs

Unless you're talking fresh seafood, catching crabs is never a good thing. It's embarassing, annoying and, in the world or rowing, a real hazard.
In rowing, 'catching a crab' means that your oar did not clear the water as you were bringing it back for the next stroke. So, the boat is moving, you've just made a long pull through the water and, oops! - the oar gets stuck under water. The boat, of course, is still moving, so your oar keeps moving too... If you're moving fast enough, it could cause you to hit the person in front of you with the oar, knock the whole boat out of its very delicate balance and possibly even send you and your crew into the very murky waters of Hamilton Bay. I even heard that you can knock your front teeth out! Yowch!
Not a good thing.
I managed to survive a few encounters with the dreaded crab tonight - and really, I'm celebrating the fact that we were actually moving fast enough to experience it! We managed to row with all eight oars for the first time (we've been practicing in fours) and as soon as I learn to follow the leader we should be in pretty good shape!
We made it out of the harbour tonight and out onto the bay. It was an absolutely beautiful evening! We worked hard and managed to keep our balance most of the way. Next week our goal is to get in synch, keep the balance and, as always, have fun, fun, fun while learning to row.

So, what's the cure for crabs?
Practice, practice, practice!

See you at Carnegie Hall!

ps... that "Make a Pledge" link on the right really works! You should give it a try and tell all your friends!