Pain? Yes, of course. Racing without pain is not racing. But the pleasure of being ahead outweighed the pain a million times over. To hell with the pain. What's six minutes of pain compared to the pain they're going to feel for the next six months or six decades. You never forget your wins and losses in this sport. YOU NEVER FORGET.

~ Brad Alan Lewis

Brad Alan Lewis Motivational Rowing Sports

Gough was a serious student but found time to gain a blue in rowing, he was later to say that the sport was an apt one for men in public life because you could face one way while going in the other.

~ Mungo Maccallum

Mungo Maccallum Politics Rowing Whitlam

Then the coxswain called out, 'Ready all!' Joe turned and faced the rear of the boat, slid his seat forward, sank the white blade of his oar into the oil-black water, tensed his muscles, and waited for the command that would propel him forward into the glimmering darkness.

~ Daniel James Brown

Daniel James Brown Boys In The Boat Future Hope Inspirational Possibility Rowing Teamwork Washington

And so in time the rowboat and I became one and the same-like the archer and his bow or the artist and his paint. What I learned wasn't mastery over the elements; it was mastery over myself, which is what conquest is ultimately all about.

~ Richard Bode

Richard Bode Inspirational Oceans Rowing Survival

A good shell has to have life and resiliency to get in harmony with the swing of the crew.

~ Daniel James Brown

Daniel James Brown Boating Inspirational Ocean Ocean Rowing Rowing Water

I have never heard anyone profess indifference to a boat race. Why should you row a boat race? Why endure long months of pain in preparation of a fierce half hour, or even six minutes, that will leave you all but dead? Does anyone ask the question? Is there anyone who would not go through all its costs, and more, for the moment when anguish breaks into triumph - or even for the glory of having nobly lost? Is life less than a boat race? If a man will give all the blood in his body to win the one, will he not spend all the might of his soul to prevail in the other?

~ Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr.

Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. Dedication Rowing Sports

I stopped rowing for a moment to glug down some water, but it was warm, tasted of plastic, and failed to refresh. I yearned for an ice-cold drink—preferably one with bubbles and alcohol in it.

~ Roz Savage

Roz Savage Alcohol Rowing