Cleveland, OH is the bonus location for the fourth location of the 9th Seat Coxswain Clinic Series.  The Cleveland Rowing Foundation is hosting the clinic and I can’t wait to see their boathouse and all eight of their rowing clubs and boats under one roof.

I’m really passionate about creating a unique coxswain clinic experience that will make coxswains confident leaders, better teammates, and stronger decision makers.  This year I’m adding a special second session for coxswains who want to take their leadership skills to the next level.  The full day experience is designed to give coxswains a glimpse of what topics and skills are covered during my week long Coxswain Leadership Camp.

Session #1: Lecture

• When: Sunday, April 19th
• Registration: 9am-9:30am. Click here to register.
• Session #1 will run from 9:30am-1pm
• Location: Cleveland Rowing Foundation
• Cost: $95

This is the lecture based portion of the day focusing on maximizing practice time, race strategy and audio review/round table discussion.  This is open to all abilities and ages. Coxswains will receive 9th Seat handouts and materials.  Option to purchase  a 9th Seat T-shirt will be available before and after the session while supplies last.

Session #2: Athlete Experience

• Where: Cleveland Rowing Foundation Boathouse Erg Room
• Must be registered for the Session #1 Lecture
• Session #2: Athlete Experience will run from 2pm-4pm
• Cost: $95. Click here to register.

This is an add on to the lecture session open to only 20 coxswains. This session is designed to focus on developing your technical eye, learning technique and drills to problem solve common boat problems, and working on core strength. Coxswains who choose the Athlete Experience must also be registered for the lecture session.  The Athlete Experience includes 9th Seat handouts and a 9th Seat T-shirt. Coxswains are asked to bring water, a snack and workout clothes.

Steer Straight!

Mwhip+

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I’m really passionate about creating a unique coxswain clinic experience that will make coxswains confident leaders, better teammates, and stronger decision makers.  This year I’m adding a special second session for coxswains who want to take their leadership skills to the next level.  The full day experience is designed to give coxswains a glimpse of what topics and skills are covered during my week long Coxswain Leadership Camp.

Session #1: Lecture

• When: Saturday, February 7th
• Registration: 12:30pm-1pm. Click here to register.
• Session #1 will run from 1pm-5pm
• Location: West Springfield High School
• Cost: $95

This is the lecture based portion of the day focusing on maximizing practice time, race strategy and audio review/round table discussion.  This is open to all abilities and ages. Coxswains will receive 9th Seat handouts and materials.  Option to purchase notebooks and a 9th Seat T-shirt will be available before and after the session while supplies last.

Session #2: Athlete Experience

• When: Right after the Session #1 Lecture
• Must be registered for the Session #1 Lecture
• Session #2: Athlete Experience will run from 5:30pm-7:30pm
• Cost: $95. Click here to register.

This is an add on to the lecture session open to only 20 coxswains. This session is designed to focus on developing your technical eye, learning technique and drills to problem solve common boat problems, and working on core strength. Coxswains who choose the Athlete Experience must also be registered for the lecture session.  The Athlete Experience includes 9th Seat handouts and a 9th Seat T-shirt. Coxswains are asked to bring water, a snack and workout clothes.

Can’t wait to unleash the 9th Seat goodness to the DC area!  If you have any questions please email me: mary (at) 9thseat (dot) com.

Steer Straight,

Mwhip+

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Last year’s Boston clinic was a blast so it was a no brainer to come back. This year I’m adding a special second session for coxswains who want to take their leadership skills to the next level.  The full day experience is designed to give coxswains a glimpse of what topics and skills are covered during my week long Coxswain Leadership Camp. 

Option #1: AM session only

• When: Sunday, March 1st
• Registration: 8:30-9am, Click here to register.
• Clinic starts at 9am-1pm
• Location: Community Rowing Inc.
• Cost: $95

This is the lecture based portion of the day focusing on maximizing practice time, race strategy and audio review/round table discussion.  This is open to all abilities and ages. Coxswains will receive 9th Seat handouts and materials.  Option to purchase notebooks and a 9th Seat T-shirt will be available before and after the session while supplies last.

Option #2: Athlete Experience

• When: Sunday, March 1st at 2-4pm
• Must be registered for the AM session to register
• Cost: $95. Click here to register. Registration begins February 13th.

This is an add on to the morning session open to only a limited number of coxswains. This session is designed to focus on developing your technical eye, learning technique and drills to problem solve common boat problems.  Coxswains who choose the Athlete Experience must also be registered for the AM Session.  The Athlete Experience includes 9th Seat handouts and a 9th Seat T-shirt.  Coxswains are asked to bring lunch/snack and workout clothes for this session as we will be rowing on Concept II’s for part of the session.

Can’t wait to unleash the 9th Seat goodness back to Boston!  If you have any questions please email me: mary (at) 9thseat (dot) com.

Steer Straight,

Mwhip+

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Winter is here which means for coxswains it is time to dust off their clipboards, get new running shoes, and brush up on your stereo management skills.  Or it means to take the time to reevaluate your spring time goals, your leadership style, and your technical eye.

This winter season I’m here to help!  The first of my Coxswain Clinic Series is coming to Madison, Wisconsin at the University of Wisconsin’s boathouse on January 25th.

There will be two clinic sessions to choose from. Coxswains who want to participate in the afternoon session must also register and attend the morning session. The two sessions are designed to be taken back to back for coxswains who want to take their leadership skills to the next level.  The full day experience is designed to give coxswains a glimpse of what topics and skills are covered during my week long Coxswain Leadership Camp. 

Option #1: AM Session Only:

When:

• Sunday, January 25th
  • Registration: 9-9:30am, click here. 
  • Clinic starts at 9:30am-1pm
  • Location: Porter Boathouse on the University of Wisconsin’s campus.
  • Cost: $95

This is the lecture based portion of the day focusing on maximizing practice time, race strategy and audio review/round table discussion.  This is open to all abilities and ages. Coxswains will receive 9th Seat handouts and materials.  Option to purchase notebooks and a 9th Seat T-shirt will be available before and after the session.

Option #2: Pm Experience:

When:

• Sunday, January 25th
• Clinic starts after the AM Session break: 2-4pm
• Cost of PM Experience: $95, must be registered for the AM session. Total: $190 for the whole day
• Click here to register for both sessions. 

This is an add on to the morning session open to only 24 coxswains. This session is designed to focus on developing your technical eye, learning technique and drills to problem solve common boat problems.  Coxswains who choose the PM Experience must also be registered for the AM Session.  The PM Experience includes 9th Seat handouts and a 9th Seat T-shirt.  Coxswains are asked to bring lunch/snack and workout clothes for this session.

Can’t wait to unleash the 9th Seat goodness to the Midwest!  If you have any questions please email me: mary (at) 9thseat (dot) com.

Steer Straight,

Mwhip+

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Row in the moment

I came across this article that has nothing to do with rowing but everything to do with the mind set of being present and loving what you do.  For us that is rowing. This article is titled, “Shutting off the Excuse Machine.” I know we’ve all had excuses on why a practice or workout didn’t go how we planned or had hoped it would feel.

http://www.adventure-journal.com/2014/04/shutting-off-the-excuse-machine/

As we are in the smack-dab middle of racing season and reality has set in of how fast your team is currently I challenge you to stop comparing your team to others.  Stop trying to beat other teams but rather enjoy the rows and races you have left of spring.  You only get to experience this season once and each race once.  Stop trying to compare it to what you think or how you think it should go and be present every stroke, every practice, and every 3rd 500!

I challenge you the next time you are about to line up for a race piece or the next time you are at the starting line of a race, look left, then right, then directly forward.  Row to what you can become as a team and see how fast you can make your own boat in your own lane.

Enjoy the journey and send it!

Steer Straight,

mwhip+

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Another question asked and answered…

This one is a tricky one because we have so much to do in our seat. We work on spatial awareness and situational awareness a ton at my Coxswain Leadership Camp because I think it is a very important skill that doesn’t get taught enough during practice.

Q: Next year I’m going to be a coxswain and I was wondering when you first start out what is the most important thing to remember?

A: Having the ability to maneuver your boat well will separate you from other coxswains regardless if you are a novice or not. Knowing where you physically are on your body of water verses where you need to be, then choosing the safest and most efficient way to get there is a great goal to master during your first year of coxing.

I know many coxswains who are great motivators but don’t get boated because they can’t maneuver their boat well enough. Coaches value this skill over being a motivator because it is that important.

Summer camp is a great way to take the time to study and learn the skills that coxswains never have enough time to practice during practice. For more info on my Coxswain Leadership Camp or Mwhip+ Rowing Leadership Camp click here!

Steer Straight!

mwhip+

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FAQ (in progress)

Travel/Transportation

Q: Will I be able to arrive a day early/stay an extra night? 

Campers will have an option to arrive Sunday evening due to flight schedules.  There will be a fee associated with reserving any additional nights stay that is set by the University of Washington’s housing services.  The cost of a double occupancy room is $41.50 and for a single occupancy $75. Shoot me an email to reserve any extra days or discuss travel plans and payment options for the early and late departure fee.  Most likely, paying by check will be preferred for the extra fees but a special arrangement to pay by credit card could happen as well.

Q: What time should I fly in on Monday? I don’t want to miss any minute of camp.

Camp starts at 1pm on Monday.  Campers flying from the east coast should book the first flights out in order to make it.  The first hour or so is orientation and team building activities.

Q: What time can I book my departure flight? 

Camp ends with a BBQ at Conibear Shellhouse from 1pm-3pm.  We are using a shuttle service for airport departure.  Campers can book their flights anytime around 5pm or later.  We just want to make sure there is enough time for campers to leave with a full stomach so use your best judgement of what flights make sense and are most economical.

Q: Is there transportation to/from the airport? 

This year we will be using Shuttle Express for our airport transportation needs.  Campers will be responsible to book their transportation.  Once your flights are booked more information will  be given to help assist making shuttle reservations as to where to make the drop off location.  The two drop off options will be the dorm or the boathouse depending on time of arrival.

Q: My child will be traveling alone, will there be someone at the airport waiting? 

Absolutely.  A staff member will be present at the airport hanging around baggage claim to make sure campers navigate the airport and will know where to go to catch their shared van from Shuttle Express.

Rowing Camp 

Q: Is this a University of Washington summer camp or Mary Whipple’s rowing camp?  

My rowing camp will take place at the University of Washington where campers will have the same access to equipment and facility that Washington’s Division I student-athletes have.  Rising seniors will also have the opportunity to meet with the University of Washington coaches during camp.  This rowing camp is acting as the unofficial official University of Washington’s junior women’s rowing camp.  It’s a great way to get the feel of what it would be like to row for the University of Washington.

Q: Who will be coaching my daughter?

I have recruited some of the biggest names in the women’s rowing world.  My 2008 Olympic teammates in the women’s eight will help coach.  Lindsay Shoop (2-seat), Anna Goodale (3-seat), and Erin Cafaro (bow seat) will all be present during the first rowing week, July 14th-18th.  Anna Cummins (5 seat) will make occasional appearance both weeks.  For the second week Goodale, Cummins and I will be the coaches.  I along with these Olympic Champions want to inspire the next generation of women rowers.

Q: How much does the camp cost? 

The Coxswain Leadership camp costs $1950.

The Rowing Camp at the University of Washington costs $1250

Q: Why the cost difference between the two camps? 

The Coxswain leadership camp is limited to only 20 coxswains to ensure a 5 to 1 coach to student ratio for quality coxswain instruction.  Each camper will have the opportunity to work directly with me within the group setting when we listen and constructively critique campers audio examples.

The Rowing Camp at the University of Washington will have a slightly higher maximum of 26 rowers and 5 coxswains for a 7 to 1 coach to student ratio.

Olympic Champions are leading these two camps and coaching the next generation of women rowers to a new level.

Q: Can I pay in installments?

Absolutely.  You can have the option of sending in check payments or I can set up a payment plan through Regatta Central.  Just message me and we’ll make a plan together.

Q: Will the topic of getting recruited or how to get recruited be addressed at either camp?

Absolutely.  I’ve formed a relationship with The Rower’s Edge who have provided high school rowers and coxswains advice on how to get recruited.  They pride themselves on confidentiality and love it when college coaches don’t realize one of their clients are on their team.  These women will Skype in to give a short informative, “How To” on the basics of recruiting.

The post Mary Whipple’s Rowing and Coxing Summer Camp FAQ appeared first on 9th Seat.

Rowers can expect the best coaching from some of my Olympic teammates from Beijing and London.

During camp, rowers can expect:

• Exposure to new rowing techniques
• Mental toughness tricks
• Strength and conditioning
• Nutrition
• Leadership skills

Coxswains can expect the best coaching from me while in the coxswain seat as well as gain insight from rowers in what they need from coxswains.

During camp, coxswains can expect:

• Exposure to new rowing techniques
• Mental toughness tricks
• Strength and conditioning
• Nutrition
• Leadership skills
• …basically everything the rowers are getting plus more!

For more information visit this page.

To register for this camp click here.

Rowing week 1: July 14th-18th

Rowing week 2: July 28-Aug 1st

Steer Straight and Row Harder

–mwhip+

**A FAQ about his camp is coming soon as well as an announcement regarding the coaches for this camp.

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“Tis the season for all things fall.  The first thing that comes my mind in the fall is Head Racing.  This weekend the Head of the Charles is going off and I wanted to wish you all luck and give you a few words of advice if you find yourself in the middle of a bad situation.

Here is a brief video I made as I took a little break from a day of fishing.  I hope this starts the conversation off of how to become better self aware during chaotic situation.  Does anyone have a great story of how they avoided a collision during a race? Please feel free to share in the comment box below.

Fall Update: How to Avoid or Recover from Head Race Collisions

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=pI1n66x5kdk

Also, I compiled a short playlist of collisions which I feel could have been avoided had the coxswain looked around sooner and either slow/stopped their boat or chose to go around a crazy situation.  We all want to be as fast as possible out on the race course but a wide turn is better than a collision.  For anyone in these videos below, I bet you’ve got some great stories to share! Please click on the link below for the playlist.

How Not To Collide Playlist

Lastly, check out my old blog post about how to race the Head of the Charles, here, and if you want a cram session of how to take the perfect line, check out the video that the Head of the Charles Regatta produced for coxswains below.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=5yEnO2kU6Hw

Have fun and use the rudder for good this fall season!

mwhip+

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Third times a charm!  For the  last two years The 9th Seat has given clinics to get coxswains ready for racing season at the Crew Classic and this year will be the best yet!  Last year’s participants came away ready to race and lead their crews throughout the season.  I especially enjoyed my One-on-One sessions because it’s really fun and rewarding to follow their progress during their season and getting to work with them again during their complimentary skype review session.

The San Diego Crew Classic holds a special place in my heart.  Over my rowing career I have been lucky enough to race at the crew classic 7 times and coach a crew of masters women to race and win their E category. The Crew Classic is a tough but rewarding course to navigate which has inspired me to hold coxswain clinics at the race course.

Challenges you’ll find at the Crew Classic

• beach launching
• organizing the sometime long trek down to the beach launching
• tide
• choppy water
• salt water
• sail boats as stake boats
• distraction of Sea World
• losing focus of the buoy line and getting on a diagonal
• getting caught off guard from the cross wind
• dealing with probably your first 6-boats across race of the season

In addition to addressing the craziness of the course we will get into the nitty gritty of spring sprint racing.  I’m giving two different kinds of clinics during the racing weekend. So kick off the new racing season right and get dialed.

Option #1: Small Group Racing Clinic

When:

• Friday, March 27th
  • 2-3:30pm
  • 5-6:30pm (right after the coach/cox meeting)

Max: 10 coxswains each session

Open to all age groups and levels

Registration: Click on the times above or click on this link, Regatta Central, and scroll down to the 9th Seat logo.

This small group clinic will allow for a round table discussion atmosphere.  I want to make sure that all coxswains attending will receive personal attention while having the opportunity to learn from other coxswain’s style and questions.  We’ll listen to all audio examples brought to the session as well as some of my race tapes.  The goal for this session is to leave feeling ready to race and confident that your words will make your teammates better and your boat faster.

At the clinic you’ll get a 9th Seat t-shirt with the new and improved 9th Seat logo!

Please bring:

• an audio example of either a practice race piece or a full blown race (head cam footage is good too)
• notebook
• three goals you want to achieve this race season
• questions!

What We’ll Cover:

• handling Crew Classic Challenges
• race strategy
• filtering information
• motivation
• steering
• situational awareness

Option #2: One-on-One Session

When:

• Friday, April 4th
  • 8am
  • 9am
• Other times may be available upon request. Feel free to email me! (scroll down and fill in the text boxes)

Open to all age groups

Registration: Click on the times above  or click on this link, Regatta Central, and scroll down to the 9th Seat logo.

One-on-one sessions are great because it gives you the power to steer the conversation to meet your needs.   Bring as many audio examples you have or want to share with me and your race plans and we’ll talk some major shop.  I’ll provide you with a questionnaire before hand and you’ll submit me your first choice of audio or head cam footage you want to make sure we cover during the session. I want to be prepped and ready to utilize our full hour session to help make you a better leader, decision maker, and racer.

The best part about this One-on-One session is that we’ll have a complimentary follow up session via Skype to review your race at the Crew Classic to see the changes you made and to create new goals to help you continue to expand your skills in the 9th seat!

In addition to learning all my tips and tricks you’ll get a 9th Seat t-shirt. You’ll also get a 10% discount to my summer camp this July!

Steer Straight and I’ll see you in San Diego!

Mwhip+

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