AUR Sea Wolves

AUR takes to the river…

Once again AUR students will be able conquer a very special part of Rome with their own efforts. The Tiber is almost as much a symbol of the city as St. Peter’s and its association much older so to be able to enjoy the river while sitting on it is a great privilege.

Both study abroad students and residents will be able to learn to row at the Railwaymen’s Club (the DLF) by Ponte Margherita. Three barges moored close to the bridge serve as boathouse, clubhouse and gym. Beginners start off in bank tubs, rowing with a shaved oar and safely tied to the barge. They soon move up  to a real boat on the river.  First a broad and safe vessel for beginners called a jole and then a racing eight or four. We go down to the Tiber island and up to the Milvian bridge, a nice outing, when we get used to it, with wonderful views of the city. Apart from the views and keeping one fit, rowing means balance and coordination.

Anyone can take part – you don’t have to be male, 6′ 6” and weigh 220 lbs and for those who stick it out till the Spring semester will be able race in the novice regatta in April on Lake Piediluco in Umbria and for some there is the possibility of taking part in the fabulous Vogalonga, Venice’s 32 km. fun row at the end of May around the lagoon and up the Grand Canal.

The progam is coordinated by Dr. James Walston, International Relation Professor but more importantly a sometime world youth champion oarsman and more recently someone who discovered the delights of rowing on the Tiber and the Venice lagoon and wants to share them.

For more info please contact Marielle Lunde Bernsten at Marielle.Lunde.Berntsen@gmail.com