The blades of the oars catch the water with the subtle, simultaneous movement of wrists. Mere milliseconds pass before they drive through the water, powered by straightening legs, lengthening backs and pulling arms.
A flick of the wrists starts the measured recovery back to square one. Legs bend. Backs curl. Boat seats slide. Arms straighten. The blades are ready to catch the water again.
It’s 50 degrees on an early Monday evening at the Jordan River surplus canal in West Valley City, where about a dozen members of Utah Crew maniacally practice their rowing technique in boats with up to four teenage boys or girls.