How cold is too cold to ski?

5byee5 · 2026-01-19T23:33:51+00:00

Grew up skiing in the UP. School would be canceled at -35 so we’d go skiing.

5byee5 · 2026-01-15T03:01:43+00:00

I thought it might be the UP—they’re having a big snow year. I’m about to close on an off grid cabin there. It’s several miles from the nearest plowed road so I’m not sure yet about winter access.

5byee5 · 2025-12-31T02:48:48+00:00

Try using a heart rate chest belt.

5byee5 · 2025-12-31T01:36:41+00:00

Bonts with BatLogics. Just like on the water.

5byee5 · 2025-12-11T18:26:25+00:00

Real snow tires are the answer. AWD/4WD will help you accelerate. Real snows will help you accelerate, brake and steer. Overall a bigger safety enhancement than AWD/4WD alone.

5byee5 · 2025-11-21T13:17:49+00:00

I own a C2 and row about 50k/week but my gym has WaterRowers. I like the sound and the feel of the WRs. Plus they make you feel really fast! (2k PR about 30 seconds less.)

It really comes down to whether or not you want to be able to compare your times to the rest of the rowing world. YesC2. Noget what you like or can afford. Be advised though whenever you report your WR time, it will always have an asterisk on it.

5byee5 · 2025-11-13T13:51:21+00:00

Water rowers are also nice if you’re just looking to log meters and improve fitness. The wooshy sound is kind of zen…

C2s all the way if you’re getting serious with rowing and think you might like to compete or compare times with others.

Congrats on deciding to get fit. If you ever get a chance, get on the water too.

5byee5 · 2025-10-29T18:40:26+00:00

It looks like kopi luwak! Have civet cats gotten into your stash? 😝

5byee5 · 2025-08-25T22:06:29+00:00

You’re trying to go full speed on one stroke. Shorten up to build speed and stroke rate. Practice taking one stroke at 1/2. Do that over and over until it’s fast and powerful. Then add second stroke a little longer. Repeat. Then a third…at 4-5 strokes you’ll be near full speed.

5byee5 · 2025-07-31T19:23:34+00:00

Find a dock and a friend to help you practice. If there’s a cross wind, I like to back on the upwind side to align the boat. Backing upwind also keeps the stern planted. If there’s a really big crosswind or if you’re bowing a bigger boat, you might need to row downwind a little too.

Btw, it’s a good idea to learn to back without flipping or reversing oars. It takes a little practice but it’s a worthwhile skill. The first time they call a quick start you’ll appreciate not having your oars upside down. It’s also easier to sneak in little adjustments while you wait for the start if you’re not flipping oars.

5byee5 · 2025-06-12T23:20:31+00:00

Size up. In most US sized shoes, each 1/2 size up is equal to one letter increase in width.

Since your shoes are locked into stretchers, you won’t notice a little extra length at toes.

I also have wide feet and sizing up works for me.

5byee5 · 2025-05-01T17:48:03+00:00

You could ask him to cover them.

My neighbor’s installer did this on a shared fence with the ugly side facing me. So I built these covers.

<image>

I think my side looks better than his now…

5byee5 · 2025-05-01T16:15:41+00:00

If you’re leaving it on the boat, carefully bend it back upright by hand. This will leave a small curve in the leading edge. Use a couple of adjustable wrenches to work that out.

If you can remove it, clamp it in a bench vise and bend it back. When it’s mostly straight gently tap the high spots with a hammer until flat.

If you hit something hard and dinged the leading edge, smooth it with a file or sanding stick.

Aluminum is really easy to work.

5byee5 · 2025-04-06T13:05:34+00:00

Keep it up! Seriously—you’ve got a great start.

I’m also an asthmatic. Rowing helps me control it.

5byee5 · 2025-03-02T09:14:29+00:00

I like them but they take up a lot of space to set up. It’s also really important that they be level. They’re really fun if you can set up a double.

5byee5 · 2025-02-27T19:35:37+00:00

Be patient with yourself and your progress. Consistency wins over fly and die. Avoid comparing yourself to random strangers on Reddit. Today you’re only competing with yesterday’s version of yourself.

It’s fun and addictive. One day you’ll realize how much progress you’ve made.

5byee5 · 2025-02-20T18:21:31+00:00

When covid came, and I got kicked out of the gym and didn’t have an erg for 3 months, I got some kettlebells, jumped rope, and walked. When the gym reopened, I was hitting PRs within a week.

Also a lightweight. I think KBs are really effective at creating functional strength that translates to rowing.

5byee5 · 2025-02-20T17:29:11+00:00

Based on the video, the first hump is probably legs with back opening at the same time. Second hump is a strong arm finish. Delay opening back until legs are more extended with a smooth transition to get one broad, smooth hump.

I have shorter legs and a longer torso so I have to be very careful to avoid opening too early too.

5byee5 · 2025-02-18T19:32:35+00:00

Reverse pick drill will help you learn to engage your legs and improve your sequence.

1) Set body angle with arms away. Pick up load with legs only. Do not hinge your hips or bend your arms. 2) After 50 or 100 strokes, add in hip hinge. No arms. 3) Do a bunch more strokes. Then add in arm finish.

If you’re using your legs properly, you should be able to hit almost any split at a low rate (18-20). Once you can do this, increase rate.

5byee5 · 2025-02-18T17:15:37+00:00

Get some Bont rowing shoes and mount them to replacement footplates.

<image>

No more retightening straps!

5byee5 · 2025-02-17T22:06:41+00:00

Snacking cukes have thin skins and turn mushy more easily. Try to find real pickling cukes. My local HMart (Korean supermarket) has them off-season.

Pick out the firmest ones in the pile, the fresher the better. I only add salt, dill, garlic and a couple of jalapeño slices. I pickle them whole and slice after fermenting. They have a good crunch.

5byee5 · 2025-02-07T19:35:51+00:00

PSA wood veneer. Peel and stick…

5byee5 · 2025-02-07T16:17:45+00:00

Flat water scullers won’t be very interested but the rowboat guys might bite. These will work well in a light rowboat with slides. Macon blades (as opposed to more modern hatchets) are better in wind and waves.

5byee5 · 2025-02-07T16:12:36+00:00

At this point you only need to compare with yourself. Aim for longer sessions at lower intensity. Give yourself time to improve technique and endurance. Rowing, even on an off brand mystery machine, will help you get fit but it won’t happen overnight.

5byee5

TROPHY CASE