#1 First row after a long indoor winter season

Erging can be fun, but let's be honest, it can also NOT be fun. We erg over the winter to get stronger, maintain our sport specific muscles, and so that on the glorious day of your first row...you don't die!

Getting out of bed at 5:30am on your first day back on the water isn't hard. You get down to the club, see all of the familiar faces, rig the boats you spent many hours in, and set out on your first row. Smiles are everywhere.

You take your first stroke, and it is unlike any other stroke on the erg. You move forward (or backwards, however you see it). After months of stationary training, this is exciting.  You feel the water on the back of the blade, the send of the boat (hopefully), and a few wobbles side to side as the feel of the boat starts to come back. You are now rowing, not erging.

Awesome!