AUSTIN — It's the ultimate team sport, and it's been around since the 1800's.
Team Daybreak gave rowing a try. It's all part of KVUE's Exercise Adventure week.
From crew lingo to actual form, the fine folks at the Austin Rowing Club showed everyone the ropes.
Rowing is a full body workout. It involves positioning, posture and technique. But before we could hit the water, the practice was a must.
That's where the erg or stationary rowing machine came in.
Annie Gardner is the head girl's coach for the Austin Rowing Club and told Daybreak that when it comes to the correct form for rowing, this particular sequence is key.
"Legs, body, arms, arms, body legs," Daybreak chanted together following Gardner's instructions.
You've got to drive with your legs and keep your core tight, and after that's mastered, it's time to get the 62-foot boat in the water.
And that's when the real heavy lifting came in the team picked up the boat to set on top of the Lady Bird Lake waters.
"Is there anything we shouldn't do so we don't tip over?" asked Yvonne Nava. " Oh my lord, oh I'm a little nervous."
While Daybreak took commands from Coach Annie, the team couldn't help but notice the breathtaking backdrop.
"Guys we all need to feel the beauty of the water," exclaimed Anavid Reyes.
The team made some strides with the help of the coxswain, Holden. The team quickly learned that coordinating the power and rhythm of the rowers wasn't easy.
"Are you back there, what are you doing back there?," joked Bryan.
Even the ducks were moving at a faster pace.
But the team couldn't let that get them down and had to remember to keep their "heads in the boat."
"It's a rowing term where you are just watching that person in front of you and then swing with them," said Kevin Reinis, Executive Director with Austin Rowing Club.
While the goal was to sweep together, like a giant broom, the Daybreak oars weren't always in sync.
The boat was moving quickly and if you weren't careful, your oar could get stuck in the water, which is called "catching a crab".
"I swear that one knocked me back. Are you alright back there? Oh my. That's so embarrassing," said Nava.
Yes, Daybreak had a few hiccups, but they covered some ground and on top of that; it was fun.
"You went down to Congress and then all the way to First Street and came back around, " said Reinis. "And when you hit that point of synchronicity, it is just a beautiful experience."
The Austin Rowing Club is located at the Waller Creek Boathouse off Trinity Street in Downtown Austin.
They are a non-profit organization. So in addition to regularly run programs, they offer extensive community outreach programs for middle and high schools.
You can become a member at ARC for $65 a month. Click here for more information.