The spontaneous warm welcome couldn’t have been nicer as a result of me writing to the rowing club at short notice. They think it’s really great “that a boat (simply) comes to their club for a demonstration” and that anyone who wants to can try it out. Liteboat’s generous gesture is very much appreciated.
The Jena rowing and sailing club (approx. 100 members) is located in a recreational oasis on the idyllic little river Saale, which is also enjoyed by numerous canoeists and occasional stand-up paddlers and swimmers. The club members enjoy a spacious, bright new boathouse, which also houses a huge historic rowing and sailing boat alongside the typical boat park.
Their rowing area is only 3.5km between 2 locks and the longest straight stretch is 300m. Your rowing club is also characterized by the peculiarity of not having a motorboat, as it is prohibited on the Saale.
4 people quickly expressed an interest after receiving a message from the club chairman, who was unfortunately unable to be in Jena that weekend. There are 2 young women and 2 young men, who will later be joined by 2 others, creating a joyful mix of competitive and recreational athletes, coaches and board members.
I present the boat briefly and factually and invite you to test it directly.
A former competitive athlete from Latvia is the first (n°1). He comes back after 20 minutes, “just really cool”, and is impressed by the responsiveness of the boat. The next (n°2) attempt of roughly the same duration is the only recreational athlete who has been dreaming of being able to row alone for some time but still doesn’t dare to get into a “normal” single scull. So Liteboat becomes his baptism as a solo rower with great success, as he quickly rows flawlessly with wonderful sensations. The young competitive rower (n°3) also immediately likes the boat, as it maneuvers perfectly and easily in this limited rowing area and at the same time preserves the gliding sensations. Now it’s up to the young trainer (n°4), who immediately takes a liking to the boat with its stern wave, which is greeted by the canoeists, and the funny sound of the rushing through the glide. The two boys are enthusiastic about a 2nd outing (n°5 & °6) and we find 2 other interested members (n°7 & °8) after they had followed up their previous commitment in the gig boat.
Personally, I enjoy the privilege of teaching my two Jena companions, my sister and her husband, how to row on the rowing machine. They also invite me to the baptism on the Saale, where I can enjoy the natural idyll with a powerful stroke thanks to the pleasant resistance of the boat.
Their faces are magically transformed between casting off from the jetty and docking with an exuberant smile and they would love to start a second attempt immediately. It is as if they are discovering a new rowing pleasure in their meandering waters with LiteSport. Turning with 2 strokes is great fun for everyone. The increased safety of Liteboat is a great advantage for beginners (without a motorboat), whether young or old. Everyone who already has the typical German rowing experience, whether in a racing or gig boat, seems to fall in love with Liteboat immediately.
I have the impression that such a boat would be a great addition to the practice of the rowing club, especially since they will soon open their 2nd boathouse at the Bleiloch dam, the largest in Germany with a length of 28 km, where the easy transportation of Liteboat is advantageous.
I feel very fortunate on this occasion to perceive a deep union within the rowing family composed of different intentions. I would also like to thank you for inviting to Grenoble. Now I am curious to see what impressions and opinions will be expressed in the club afterwards?
It doesn’t take long and the LiteSport 5.0 happily moves into the club in August 2024.
