Iron County register. [volume] (Ironton, Iron County, Mo.) 1867-1965, 1891-08-13
DANGER ON The WAFER.
How the Perils of Boating May Easily Be


Overcome.
Notwithstanding the ease with which
rowing may be learned, and the COM
paratively little care required to make
boating safe, surprisingly large num-
Der of ladies deny themselves and 9TH
ers this delightful pastime merely on
account of the danger presumably in
volved
Many women, however, are quite eX-
pert in handling an oar and in maneu-
vering a boat, while others can at least
manage the latter with security. But
they are in the minority, and the great
er number must depend upon others in
order to crafty their desires in this di-
rection.
1t Is hardly necessary to say that this
dependence is often misplaced. and were
less confidence reposed in the belief
that all men are natural boatn;en fewer
accidents would be the result. AS it is,
however, almost every man that puts
in an appearance at a watering place is
pressed into the service, and some of
them thus find themselves stepping into
a boat for the first time in their lives.
Has gentleman ever been found who
acknowledged that he could not row?
Few, if any; yet they will unblushing-
ly accept the rowers seat and attempt
to manage in safety whole boatload
of ladies or children. On the other
hand, it would be difficult to find
one of the opposite sex willing
to undertake such charge I'M
less she felt herself fully competent
to do so. But why, may | ask, should
ladies be dependent in such degree
upon gentlemen in this pleasurable
recreation? To be sure they can not
all become experts in the art of rowing,
but they may at least acquire the rudi-
ments of it, and thus add an apprecia-
BILE amount of true and healthful EN- joy
ment to their summer vacations.
But how learn without teacher?
some may ask. Easy enough. Very
few learn with one. A little persever-
ance, coupled with sufficient amount
of confidence, will work wonders in the
way of ultimate success.
Certain general rules or precautions
may be given which seldom vary, all of
them being of Importance, and, if re-
mem bered, aiding the beginner great
~. They are not, however, confined to
the beginner, but answer for all who
go rowing for pleasure.
J. When getting into a boat never
step on the seats or thwarts. as they
are nautically termed; always step on
the bottom.
2. Never stand up in boat.
3. Never change places with others in
boat when under way.
4. Do not lean over the side nor rock
boat for fun
). Sit in the center of a thwart and
endeavor to maintain the boats equi-
librium.
6. With hardly an exception the rover
enters boat last seeing that those
who accompany him are first seated.
The beginner will need few definite
suggestions that apply to him or her
alone: a. For your first trial obtain
if possible, fiat-bottomed skiff, as it
will answer your purpose much better
than one with a round bottom, and it
is not so easily capsized. See that it
does not leak and is provided with two
oars, a baler and painter, the latter
being a rope or light chain made fast to
the bow. e. Sit upon the center
thwart for rowing 81 Do not ship
the oars until the boat is showed off
when, after your are seated, lift one at
a time and lower easily to the
rowlock. If the latter be fitted
to the oars the conditions are
much simplified. and, though little
old-fashioned, the learner will prOba bly,
make quicker progress than with the
more modern oar, the latter to be used
after the first few trials. a Now
brace both feet against a strip of wood
which is usually provided in the bot
tom of every boat for such purpose,
grasp each oar firmly, see that all is
clear ahead, and you are ready for your
first stroke. Ia Lean forward, NOV
ing the body from the hips; dip the
blades of both oars in the water so that
they are just covered, and pull steadi-
ly and evenly backward, or toward
you, allowing the blades to leave the
water when it is apparent that the
stroke is ended and the effect
passed. o. There is a momentary
pause after each stroke, and the
tips of the oars in passing forward
again should not be raised over three
or four inches from the water (c.) The
fault of raising the blades high in air
for every stroke, if once acquired is hard
to overcome. 81 Keep close in-shore
and away from other boats until you
are no longer novice. If careful and
not easily discouraged, you will be most
agreeably surprised at your progress,
and the satisfaction and delight after
ward afforded will prove great re-
ward for the time and labor expended
upon your early effOrts.-Chicago News.