Inspired by the legions of ocean rowers making world record attempts despite having never rowed a boat in the ocean, as well as Rob Waddell's unofficial erg world records after a seven-year layoff, row2k editor Ed Hewitt is going to make a world record attempt on the erg tomorrow morning.
"I've been reading Peter Mallory's book about how crews racing overseas kept in shape on long ocean crossings aboard ship, so I think the giant breakfasts I've been eating will make a huge difference; I also started doing jumping jacks a couple weeks ago," Hewitt said. "On the day, well, tomorrow, I might get up early and drink some maple syrup, there's a lot of energy in that stuff. Then I'll be off at about a 1:22-1:23 pace, and see how far I can get. If I don't make it, well at least I tried for the world record."
Hewitt will be making the attempt on the Model B in his basement, and will use a one-inch thick seat pad as a cushion. "The cushion will be critical, as I haven't done a lot of erg work this year. But don't worry about me; I'm not sure the old metal machine will be able to face the lashing I'm going to hand out for at least the first few strokes," he said. "But I figure that one ocean rower guy's homemade boat didn't even make it out of the surf, so I'll get far enough to merit a few dozen newspaper stories, at least."