Hi group -

Just another random short-time appearance of mine. I had a chat with a
friend recently, who has seen a report about the materials of 'nordic
walking' (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nordic_walking) poles, especially
the grips.

The result was that out of 20 testes poles, the grips of 18 were made
out of some rubber/chemicals which emit substances that have a very high
risk of causing cancer, in particular in a warm & sweaty environment.

Since oar grips are used in almost the same environment, we asked
ourselves whether there might be any risk in the grips we use on our
oars? Anyone who can give advice?

Christopher Anton wrote:

Lwts are 2nd rate athletes so get less money and can't afford Empachers?
Or: other makes are more serious about providing well-fitting equipment?

In an idle moment at breakfast this morning I glanced at the back page of
Rowing and Regatta magazine carrying one of Empacher's World and U23
comparison charts and was struck by the obvious disparity between
heavywieghts and lightweights.

Combining the two regattas we get

HW men 44/90 (49%%) of finallists in Empachers
HW women 43/72 (60%%)
LW men 23/66 (35%%)
LW women 3/30 (10%%)

Is there a reason for this?

Hi,

I am moving from Cambridge (UK) to Geneva to start a new job in early
July (straight after Henley hopefully), and need to work out a way of
getting my single scull from here to there.

I believe I am correct in saying that it is not possible to take the
boat on my car roof rack through France, but would be grateful if
anyone could confirm that, and also if car topping is allowed in
Switzerland?*

On the basis that that isn't possible, does anyone have any good ideas
or contacts please?! I guess I would need someone who was going with a
trailer to Switzerland!

Many thanks in advance for your help,

Nick M

* For info, Wikipedia informs me that my car is 4.32m long, and my
Filippi single is 8.33m long, so the overhang at each end is something
like 2m. I could add a bike rack to the back to make it a bit longer,
if that makes any difference... ;-)

Did anybody else get that surreal feeling when the BBC's coverage of
the Munich World Cup was presented from the Blue Peter Garden?
What next? Soccer Euro Champs coverage from Monty Don's potting shed?
I could offer my greenhouse for the Olympic coverage. Better air
quality & very good rates. SSR would have even less distance to
travel.
And as for those graphics......Don't get me started!!!