I might be because it was a lovely day, but it's been really a wonderful experience for me. The shot is from Emma's boathaouse, where Hughes Hall boats are stored. The Cam river is on the right.. yes, it's that "big". Consider every college has at least 2-3 boats, larger colleges probably lots more. And there are 31 colleges in Cambridge. I can assure you: on a sunny day the Cam has more traffic than the Rome ring!
Cox Ariel Yip is portrayed right there, waiting for us lazy guys to take our boat off. On the back another boat is coming out. The loudspeaker in her hands is what allows all of the crew to hear her loud and clear while pushing hard!
The experience of rowing is probably the most intense team building experience I ever had. The boats are 8 + 1, so 9 people packed together. Everyone has to row together for the boat to run smoothly. One guy out of synch already causes havoc: one guy doing stupid things and you'll find yourself swimming in the Cam in no time! Moreover, none except the cox sees where the boat is actually headed: you just push hard and trust each other. And if the cox shouts "Easy there!" you'd better stop quickly.. or ram into a tree in the water!
