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Christmas Whitehall Newsletter 2008

By Harold Aune and Marie Hutchinson

All of us at Whitehall Rowing and Sail send you our best of the season’s thoughts and wishes for the coming year.

This year has not been easy for most of us and we face uncertain times ahead, though we know that in some ways the changes have been for the better. We’ve heard from many boat owners who’ve spent more time rowing and sailing this year and lots who have been so busy they couldn’t get out as often as they liked. The one thing they have in common is they can count  on their boat being there when the time is right. Some say they just visit with their boats for while to lift their spirits!

Next year, for those of you who have boats, why not inspire yourself by setting the goal of having a regular rowing routine. And for those who don’t have the boat yet, join a rowing club in your area instead, or if you don’t have one in your area, start one!

You’ll be one of the growing community of members in the ‘Quiet Revolution’ who feel best when they’re being active in nature, while creating no noise or air pollution and leaving no oily footprint in their wake. Your body and mother nature will love you for it!

Whitehall’s Elves in Victoria Christmas Santa Parade










With Santa’s Pirate Elves rowing along for the ride and a surprise appearance by the Pink Panther, the Whitehall Spirit parade floats were quite a sight as they took part in this years Santa’s Christmas Lights Parade both in Victoria and Sidney. The weather was great and thousands of people lined the streets for these events. Our floats got the loudest cheers as the Whitehall Pirate Elves rolled past.

Nimble’s Cove: I like Winter Rowing

By Andrea Guyon

As winter sets in my enthusiasm for being out on the water has not diminished, in fact whenever possible I take advantage of those fleeting breaks in the weather, hop into ‘Nimble’ and head out on the Gorge for a row. With the coolness and rain, (last week there was ice but it’s gone now), dressing in layers is the way to go.  Staying warm is not an issue as once I get going, after only a few minutes, my body is warm enough to shed a layer or two. I like to wear snug fitting clothing so my movement isn’t hindered. On the bottom, tights, fleece leggings or slim fitting sweats all work well.  Try to avoid pants with the nylon shell type fabric, as it's hard to keep the sit bones in the seat cutouts without sliding off.  Goretex works. I am still on the hunt for the perfect pair of rowing gloves so if anyone out there has a recommendation I'd love to try them.  If we can find some good ones, we‘ll bring them in as part of our accessories line.

I like winter rowing.  It’s different than during the warmer seasons.  I love the quiet. And, when I can get off the beach without a passenger (or 2), the solitude.  In the winter there are no dragon boat cox’s barking out the time to their crewmembers or power boaters zooming back and forth yelling above the sound of the engine.  It's just the seals and me with our steamy breath and the sound of the water passing by.  Ahhhh…..

Here is what rowing brought into my life during 2008:

I lost over 10 pounds, 2 sizes, and gained muscle and strength. I'm fit and slim and feeling fine (husband likes this part).

My stamina and energy level is soaring; my ability to both focus and relax has greatly improved.

Met new friends.  I love my new rowing friends.

My 13 year old son and 6 year old daughter are having terrific fun while getting exercise outside on the water rowing, crabbing, fishing and are more in tune with their natural surroundings.  They've watched eaglets and signets learn how to fly and are developing responsibility and boat handling skills… as we know, nothing builds character like seamanship and boating skills.

I look forward to more of the same in the New Year.  You can too, give me a call or send an email. Winter rowing stories anyone?  Season’s best!

Andrea@whitehallrow.com