The first marvelous experience in HOCR

Alice and I in the river bank near Eliot Bridge, 2023 HOCR

Head of Charles River (HOCR), one of the world-famous regatta, the largest multiday rowing contest on the planet, drew 11,000 athletes form Oct 20 to 22, 2023.

Emily had the chance to race in inclusion doubles and partnered with a parawoer, Duncan, who was from Iwoa. They met each other in the afternoon to have some practice before the racing. Back then, we did not know Emily and Duncan would have more challenge on next day, October 21, 2023.

Saturday, Oct 21 2023 was a heavy rainy day. It was even colder on the river. Alice and I walked 1.5 miles to watch Emily and Duncan's race on the Eliot Bridge. Although it was pouring, many people were standing on the bridge watching the race. 

Emily & Duncan, Inclusion Double, 2023 HOCR

When Emily and Duncan were passing the Eliot Bridge, we cheered them up. We did not know that Ducan had some problems at his hip and hot hypothermia in a such bad weather. After finish line, Emily found Duncan was shaking and unable to response her well. Therefore, she steered the boat to Northern Easter University boat house and got the help for Duncan. We were happy that Duncan only had hypothermia and recovered well. Hopefully, they can work together in future.

I believed this is absolutely an unforgettable HOCR, especially as the first time. She is also the youngest athlete in this event. The HOCR organization was very warm to give Emily a "special recognition" as an outstanding inclusion partner in the Para-Mixed Inclusion Doubles. This may be an incredible metaphor to start her rowing journey! 

Received special recognition from Beth Noll, 2023 HOCR

Reference: Head of the Charles 2023: Medals and mettle

Squash and Rowing

October 1st 2023 at Worcester, MA: Woman Jr 4+ B in Textile River Regatta

Emily's sophomore is much busier than her freshman in high school. Additionally, the training of Varsity rowing becomes much stronger than Novice back in the spring season. In this case, Emily finally needs to decide if she wants to devote herself to Squash or Rowing. 

Squash and rowing are both great sports. One is an individual sport, and the other is a team sport. As parents, Joie and I found the differences between suqash and rowing are even bigger. 

Basically, squash is completely a 1 player sport. It can be social and also be very competitive. I found that many junior athletes started the squash journey at a very young age. In the meantime, you definitely need private clinics to enhance skills and tactics for tournaments. In order to have a higher national ranking, junior players and family also need to travel at the weekends, including in-state and out-of-state. Higher-level tournaments (e.g. Gold, JCT) even need 3-days. Frankly speaking, aiming to be very competitive in squash definitely needs lots of "resources".

Compared to suqash, rowing also needs resources, but in different ways. In terms of a team sport, you will need your teammates for almost every practice. I do not think any athlete will buy "a boat". Practicing occurs in a pond or river. It also means the "venue" is not your private space, and the coach would not have you a "private" lesson. For a rowing club or team, the performance would depend on the achievements of the number of boats, not individual rowers. In the meantime, the formal rowing experience started in 9th grade. You can have earlier exposure, though. 

After moving to Boston in 2021 summer, Jolie and I have made two girls try the sports as many as possible. Alice plays squash and is also on a soccer travel team. Emily has decided to devote herself to rowing, but squash is still one of her favorite sports. Seeking the balance between individual and team sports is a very interesting journey. Every kid will find the best solution on his/her own. 

We will continue to accompany Emily to achieve her goal: rowing in college.