Rowers get new safety equipment
Stornoway Rowing Club has received a generous donation of new Spinlock lifejackets from Point and Sandwick Trust (PST).
Representatives from the community wind farm charity presented the lifejackets to the club on Boxing Day then joined members for their traditional post-Christmas row.
The safety equipment was in a variety of sizes to make the sport accessible to everyone, something club chairwoman Rose Bugler said is what they want to do in future.
She commented: ‘It’s fantastic because it means whatever the club decides to do in the future, in terms of challenges, the equipment is up to it. It’s good quality gear.’
It means people of all ages, shapes and sizes can try out rowing in the Hebrides, something that is becoming more popular.
The sport is growing on the islands with five clubs rowing out of Stornoway. Those who do it frequently describe it as being a ‘close community’ and because the skiffs are portable, it’s a good way to see parts of the island you wouldn’t otherwise.
Donald John MacSween, general manager of Point and Sandwick Trust, was happy to support the club.
He said: ‘Making an outdoor activity, such as rowing, accessible and safe for all age groups is something PST wishes to encourage and support. Outdoor activities need not be limited to summer months and there is plenty of opportunity, even in the winter, to enjoy rowing.
‘Stornoway Rowing Club is active throughout the year as long as it is safe and enjoyable and you don’t have to be a super fit athlete to take part.’
Stornoway Rowing Club hopes to organise a regatta in Lewis on May 30 2020.