While most of the rowing community is focusing on the upcoming World Championships in Poland, the elder members of USRowing are slugging it out in Camden, NJ. There were over 1800 entries, and by 10am the eight port-a-potties were feeling the strain. When you run out of toilet paper on the first morning of a four day regatta, people tend to get a little anxious.

By the afternoon, rolls of toilet paper appeared and it started to rain. What's a regatta without rain? Racing seemed to go on without a hitch, despite some folks realizing that rowing in heats, semi's, and finals all in the same day can be a bit taxing. Starting races four minutes apart was challenging, and resulted in some very hot and grumpy officials. With the exception of the occasional bullhorn there was no public address system, no regatta program, and registration consisted of someone putting a hospital bracelet on my wrist with my name and events written on it (ankles were forbidden).

Masters rowers are a pretty resilient group. Most people are used to juggling family, work, and children, with their rowing. This was never more evident at the beginning of day two, when I noticed several people walking around with their own rolls of toilet paper. Racing continued at it's breakneck pace, despite the return of the sun and humidity. Sport specific shopping is always good at large regattas, and this was no different. Where else can you buy a single, an erg, a rack, slings, an oar earring, sunglasses made from bicycle parts, and bargain bin clothing! The best thing that happened to me all day was when a boat builder guessed my weight was 150 pounds! I almost bought his single on sight!