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Community Corner

RRA Sees Victory in Canada

Nyack-based rowers take home trophies

The River Rowing Association of Nyack proved once again that it can master any—and apparently all—opposition.

Tom Chyla of Nyack captained a four-man crew which turned in a triumphant performance in the Masters Quad division at the outset of the weeklong 129th Royal Canadian Henley Regatta on the Martindale waterway basin in St. Catharines.

The veteran RRA quartet, the defending Masters National champions, clocked a sparkling 3:11.62 over a 1,000-meter course to beat back a tough challenge from the runners-up from Saratoga Rowing Association, who meshed for 3:12.38.

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The Leander Club of Henley-on-Thames finished third in 3:23.38, followed by Pittsburgh-based Three Rivers Rowing Association in 3:36.32.

Chyla, at stroke, was joined in the championship boat by Peter Klose of Nyack at bow, Ivan Rudolph-Shabinsky of South Nyack in the No. 3 slot, and Nyack’s Joe Devoe at the No. 2 position.

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The RRA team has been steadily improving after a long year of training, and their times, offered Klose, are among the fastest in their age group on any continent.

In claiming another title at the largest event of its kind in North America (some 150 rowing clubs competed), the Nyack-based crew turned in the fastest run of the day despite a mishap nearing the finish line.

“We were even through 500 meters, took a ‘power 20’ and began pulling away,” Klose recounted. “As we approached the last 250, [we] brought the stroke rate to 36, and cruised toward the finish line, where one of our oars struck a buoy stopping the boat.”

But the RRA boat had enough finishing speed to cross the line ahead of its Saratoga counterpart, and bring home Gold.

“I still wish I could see the video to see exactly what happened, but we had enough to get across the finish first, and that’s what counts,” noted Devoe, who attributes his team’s steady success to a diligent off-season workout program.

“We work really, really hard in the winter, and the spring when we can’t row outside,” Devoe said. “We work with weights, the rowing machine, and it’s nice to see all your hard work pay off. We work out five days a week, about an hour-and-a-half each day. It’s really satisfying to be in shape on the water, because we have high expectations; we expect to win every time we go out.”

Klose acknowledged the team’s consistent improvement, and said everyone has enjoyed the training.

“As each year goes by we look for greater challenges, jell as teammates and friends, and improve our speed,” Klose said. “We look forward to greater challenges, harder work, and improved results.”

Devoe said the championship effort was well-earned.

“It was great to win,” he said. “It was a close, competitive race against one other boat. We gritted it out, and got it done.”

Waves and swells:

  • Klose and Devoe qualified for the finals in the Men’s C (age 45-plus) Doubles, but did not medal.
  • Klose, however, earned a bronze medal with Chyla in the Men’s B Doubles (40-plus).
  • The third annual 25k Hudson River Challenge is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 10.

For information, visit www.riverrowing.org.

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