Spring Training
A few days of sculling on the Banana river near Indian Harbour Beach, Florida is a great way for young athletes to get back on the water after a long winter layoff, add extra miles to an annual training plan or experiment with their rowing technique. Indian Harbour Beach's pleasant spring weather, warm water temperatures and abundant wildlife make long rows safe and fun.
Great Water for Rowing
The Banana River is a broad lagoon on the Atlantic coast of central Florida that runs parallel to the Intracoastal Waterway between Merritt Island to the west and and the ocean side communities of Indian Harbour Beach, Satellite Beach and Cocoa Beach to the east. The Banana River is home to numerous dolphins, manatees, brown pelicans and migratory birds. Most training will be done on the straight, four mile stretch between Mather's Bridge at the south end of Merritt Island and the Pineda Causeway to the north. On the ocean side of the Banana River is the narrower, sheltered Grand Canal that runs parallel to the Banana river. It will be used on windy days.
A Community of Rowers and Sprint Paddlers
Access to the Banana River and Grand Canal is gained from the two floating docks at the Oars and Paddles Park in Indian Harbour Beach. The Park is the year round home to the Space Coast Crew juniors program and Row Brevard masters rowing program. The park is also the winter training site for many international sprint canoe and kayak teams.
Long, Easy, Playful Rows
Each session will last at least ninety minutes. Rowing will be done primarily in racing singles or doubles at a moderate pace. Drills, sculling challenges and sculling games will be introduced to improve technical proficiency and boat feel. Interval work will be introduced depending on water conditions and physical readiness.
Cross Training
Near the Oars and Paddles Park is South Tropical Trail, a quiet road on Merritt Island well suited to cycling and running. A community saltwater lap pool and public beach are less than a mile away. Athletes will also have the opportunity to try paddling an outrigger canoe, stand up paddle board and sprint racing kayak.
Schedule
Sessions will be available March 17-21st. Athletes are required to sign up for a minimum of six sessions. The daily plan is to have longer rows in the morning and more cross training in the afternoon. If the weather does not permit rowing or cross training outside, you will be able to work out at a local health club, schedule a land session (review video or practice rigging) at the Oars and Paddles boathouse or take the day off to enjoy other activities in and around Indian Harbour Beach.
Accommodations
There are many hotels along A1A near the Oars and Paddles park. A favorite among past participants has been the DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Hotel Melbourne.
Transportation
Indian Harbour Beach is located approximately seventy miles southeast of the Orlando International Airport and seven miles from the Melbourne International Airport. Both airports are served by car rental companies and shuttle services.
Athletes
Open to talented juniors who are able to swim and row a racing single. Their focus should be on competition and overall development. Juniors must be accompanied by a parent or coach.
Contact
Jamie Whalen
jamie.whalen@gmail.com
