Here is a Hack spotted at the local rowing club of one intrepid row2k correspondent up in New England that we thought we should add to our list of anti-fowl hacks: a spray that seems to do the trick on warding off those darn geese who love rowing docks as much as rowers do.

The "solution" in this solution? Just a bit of vinegar and water, sprayed on the dock (not the geese!) which seems to convince those winged rodents of rowing that the dock might not be such a great place to hang out and poop on after all.

Truth be told, we've seen this hack in action once before--and that boatman swore by a mixture of malt vinegar, water and, get this, chili flakes!--and so we can tell you that it does require some re-applying after both rain and just the simple splashiness of boats launching and landing. But, sprayed on a dry dock that is going to left empty for most of the day, it could be a trick worth trying--and it certainly beats having to start every row by having to take a broom to all the goose "residue" from the day before.

We still think the best anti-dock-poop system is some version of the goose-rope hack we've covered here (and here and here), but those so take some hacking, whereas we all have plenty of spray bottles laying around thanks to COVID erg and oar cleaning, so why not give this one a shot, or, rather, a spray?

Have you solved the goose conundrum on your dock? If so, share your tips--and hacks--in the comments below.

If you have a great rowing hack to suggest for future inclusion, then please send it to us and we will feature your idea in a future column.