Rowing on a sliding seat rowing shell is perhaps one of the world's most perfect forms of exercise. Allow me to introduce to you the sport of recreational rowing in a high performance shell that is safe, stable, and versatile. My students learn how to row in such a way that frustration is minimized and they can appreciate the rhythm and gracefulness of this sport their first time in an Echo Rowing shell.

I offer 1 1/2 hour sculling lessons rowing an Echo.

I am also excited to offer rowing tours along the beautiful coastline of southern Maine and the scenic seacoast of New Hampshire. Yoga stretches are incorporated for those interested in addressing the major muscle groups used when rowing.

Rowing on a sliding seat is perhaps one of the world’s most perfect forms of exercise because  it offers a whole body, aerobic workout without the joint impact common to most forms of physical exercise. There is a gracefulness, rhythm and power with this sport that translates into a physical experience that is soothing yet invigorating to the spirit.

Rowing an Echo is FUN! The shell's design is extremely stable so you can enjoy rowing without being concerned with falling out and getting wet. The Echo is stable (see video clip # 1) and durable enough to be rowed in the open ocean or in rough water. The Echo Rowing shell can be rowed into the winter months on days when the sun is shining and the winds are still!  You can relax and enjoy your experience on the water. Our boat is self-rescuing (see video clip # 3); this safety feature offers added security to the rower. The folding riggers (see video clip # 2) make carrying and car-topping a breeze. (see photo of Nancy carrying an Echo single-handedly!) The Echo is the perfect rowing shell for me and complements my yoga practice beautifully.

Health and fitness has been a top priority in my life for as long as I can remember. And now as a woman in my mid 40’s, I feel fortunate to have incorporated recreational rowing and yoga into my life for overall wellness.

Jogging was always the mainstay of my fitness routine up until the last few years when I had to accept the fact that I must stop because of chronic pain in my knees. I also had this intuitive feeling that jogging was no longer a healthy activity for my body; the pounding and tightening of muscles and soft tissues felt counter-intuitive to my yoga practice. As a yoga teacher and student I have learned to listen to and respect my body and encourage my students to do the same.

I never “enjoyed” exercising at a fitness club but I forced myself despite the fact that I was not having fun and so much missed the outdoor experience. I took up cycling yet felt that my upper body was being neglected and often felt at risk for a serious accident. With walking I missed the “high” that I gained from pounding the pavement. Kayaking did not offer enough of a full body cardiovascular experience. The sport of recreational rowing came into my life when I was at a crossroads and it was the result of an unexpected and fortuitous encounter with Lorna Martin Perry, co-owner of Echo Rowing, pictured below. Before I new it, I was having my first sculling lesson in November!

If you are interested in learning how to scull, demo an Echo, or rowing and yoga adventures, please contact me.

Hope to see you out on the water and remember any time of year is possible in an Echo!

 Nancy A. Friedman, Rowing Instructor     Wells - Ogunquit, ME   (207) 251-3113