Embracing Imbalance - What rowing Can Teach Us About Growth

Rowing has a way of revealing things we might not otherwise notice—small imbalances in strength, rhythm, or coordination. The boat becomes a mirror, reflecting every little discrepancy back to us.

Rather than seeing these as flaws, I see them as invitations—opportunities to explore movement, awareness, and growth at a deeper level.

Rowing as Real-Time Feedback

Whether you’re in a boat or on a rowing machine, rowing gives you instant feedback. If something feels off, you know it right away. That awareness is incredibly powerful. It doesn’t mean you need to fix everything immediately—some of those imbalances may always be there in one form or another.

A Conversation With Your Body

I love the idea that each stroke is a conversation with your body. It’s a moment to listen, adjust, and grow stronger. What might start as frustration can become realisation. What feels like a mistake can be a stepping stone.

The Coach’s Perspective

Over the past eight years of coaching, I’ve learnt that my job isn’t to iron out every quirk or difference in a rower’s stroke. I was lucky to learn this approach during my years as an athlete under the legendary Jürgen Gröbler. Even in the most high-pressure environments, he never overwhelmed us. His skill was in guiding without burdening—a rare and invaluable quality.

The Bigger Picture

So next time you notice something off, don’t rush to fix it. Get curious. Let your rowing become a guide. These imbalances are showing you where to grow, not just in your technique but in your mindset and life as well.

Balance isn’t about being perfect. It’s about learning to move forward, stroke by stroke, with awareness and adaptability.