We aren't looking to ram solid metal boats with our fragile, expensive carbon fiber shells. I bet the crew who almost hit you had many squats, burpees or pushups to do when they got back to the dock. Contrary to popular belief it is a very serious matter to us. We look over our shoulders usually every ten strokes but when rowing 30 beats per minute, only a quick look is possible and there are blind spots. Installing mirrors is easier said than done, as they would break easily, and where would you attach one so you could see everything? I will be honest, there are head mounted mirrors available but they are awkward and small and few people use them as I understand picking out small boat sized objects is difficult. I totally agree, the lake is a public one, and therefore should be shared. What I can't agree on unfortunately is that we change our practice course. We use every inch we can reasonably get in a straight line, which is just under 3km. When a race is 2km and that 3km stretch is also the only 2km stretch it makes things tricky. Today though for example we had a maximum of ten boats on the water and none came anywhere close to the prime fishing spots. In fact the closest a fishing boat came to us what when we were stationary at one end of the lake, and HE approached US. Not the other way around.
I am sorry you took the previous post in a negative way, but I wouldn't waste my time digging up an old post if not for good reason. Now every fisherman on the forum who takes the time to read this can make plans when they see the shells out and act accordingly, as they will know what parts of the lake we are using and when. I hope this makes things clearer.
Side note: I don't row for uvic. I row for Vic City. There are several programs that row out of that boathouse, including the Olympic team. Not one of those groups has enough money to simply pack up and move. And where to? Because if we did, there would be a whole new group of people complaining.
