Making the Most of Spring Forward’s Extra Hour
This week’s one hour leap forward on the clock gifts us all one precious extra hour of daylight at the finish of our day. How will you spend it? “I believe that water is the only drink for a wise man,” once declared Henry David Thoreau. Perhaps now is the time to put Mr. Thoreau’s wisdom to the test? Trade in the walking or running shoes for some paddles or a sail and head for a local boathouse after punching out? In the coming weeks, many popular sailing and other aquatic organizations launch their 2016 seasons. Whether you work in the Financial District, the Back Bay or Cambridge, here is a look at three aquatic neighbors offering fabulous options for the beginner and beyond…
On Saturday, April 30th The Boston Sailing Center, docked at the end of Lewis Wharf, will offer a free Sailing Open House from 1 – 3 PM. As part of the afternoon, the crew there will be offering free Boston Harbor sails on one of their boats ranging from 24 to 40 feet. Each boat will be captained by an experienced sailor, so you can sit back and enjoy the ride or take a turn on the helm. Their staff will also be on hand to answer questions about the Center’s award-winning, 26-hour Learn to Sail program, year-round sailing memberships, corporate charters and more.
Community Boating, Inc. is the nation’s oldest, continuously running public sailing center, incorporated in 1946. The mission of Community Boating is to enable “Sailing for All”. They offer sailing and other water sports to people of all ages, abilities, and means in the greater Boston area. Just over the Charles Street footbridge on Storrow Drive, Community Boating’s sailing season will kick off on April 1, 2016 amidst sailboats, kayaks, windsurfs, paddle boarders and breathtaking views of Boston and Cambridge. Many of their adult programs ar conveniently offered after work.
Community Rowing (CRI) was founded in 1985 as a “nonprofit organization dedicated to the belief that the sport of rowing provides unique opportunities to promote personal and community growth through teamwork, discipline, and physical fitness.” Located on the Charles River in Newton, CRI was the first public rowing club in Boston and with more than 5,000 people rowing with there annually remains one of the largest in the United States.
CRI’s indoor and outdoor adult programs are for rowers of all athletic backgrounds and ages. “Have you never done anything athletic? We welcome you!”, so declares their website. All of their programs take place in one of the most beautiful locations on Boston’s Charles River and in a brand new boathouse that’s won international recognition. Many of their adult programs meet in the early evening. And, CRI is also available for corporate outings.
There is an undeniable meditative quality to the ebb and flow of water. Couple that with the summer sun setting over the city, and you’ve got just the ticket for the perfect finish to your busy day.
Author Susan Currie is an Associate Editor at LA YOGA magazine. Her words and images have been featured in the Boston Globe, Elephant Journal, Yogi Times, the Tishman Review, the Huffington Post, Spirit of St. Bart’s and on the cover of the book Moving into Meditation (Shambala) by Anne Cushman.
Susan is also the creator of the Daily Inhale and an RYT 200 registered yoga instructor. She unpacks her various professional experiences through the creative and yoga workshops she leads throughout the country. Her new book, GRACENOTES (Shanti Arts 2017), a blend of words and images, is now available in wide release.