In the last couple weeks of fall, new rowers and their families gather at racing venues everywhere, and we hear stuff. Some of the utterings and mutterings are inspiring and go to the heart of our sport; in particular, we have heard more than one parent remarking on the dramatic and positive changes they see in their kids when they get involved in rowing - setting their own alarms, establishing study schedules, reducing screen time, and more.

And some of them are as entertaining as they are endearing; here are a few things we heard in the parents' scrums, start lines, and racecourse banks the past couple weeks.

Overheard at the gazebo during the Novice races at the Frostbite and Braxton

"That adrenaline thing is real."

"Guys what are you mad at? Are we mad at ourselves or are we mad at losing?"

"I hate this s#*t... Actually, I've never been so happy in my life."

"Are they novices?" (then when the crews get closer) "Oh yeah they're novices..."

After a rower's seat came off: "Look, she just stopped rowing for no reason."

"Are they racing???"

"When are we launching?"

"Are you with row2k? Can I get my photo for free?"

"That referee was so nice, he gave us a rubber band to try to fix our rigger."

To a barking dog: "Bark for Whitemarsh!" (as if the Whitemarsh cheering section needs help!)

"He's so strong, I'd rather have him in our boat and catch three crabs in a race then not have him in and have perfect rowing. But he has to work on his tech."

Coxswain turning toward the return docks: "We are coming to the boathouse, now we can go stuff our faces; you ladies deserve it, because you work so damn hard."

About a crew winning by about four lengths: "Oh they're so cute."

Overheard at the start

"No cursing, no cursing."

"Guys just so you know the steering is broken."

From a Bridge in the South

Parent 1: They aren't getting out of their way.
Parent 2: They should just run them over... I shouldn’t say that.

Before the Men's Single at Speed Orders

In the warmup area as the wind came up:

Rower 1: "Have a good row, but it doesn't matter; we're all gonna die here."
Rower 2: "I agree; this is purgatory."

Chatting with the stakeboat holder at the line: "My coach wants me to go on Worlds pace for as long as I can; no idea what happens after that."

Goals for all levels of rowing