Yesterday was a beautiful day to cheer on the rowers of the DC Strokes Rowing Club as they competed at the 3.1 mile Occoquan Chase. The weather was pleasant and the leaves were starting to change colors, adding to the natural beauty of the Occoquan River, a tributary of the Potomac River just south of the District of Columbia.
The river was pretty wide and unfamiliar to me, so I hadn’t figured out a good vantage point for capturing the action. Eventually I ended up perching on a rock outcropping near the water’s edge. I was probably about six feet above the level of the river and I had to be careful not to lean too far forward, given that it was a straight drop down into the water.
One of my main goals was to capture some action shots in which each of DC Strokes rowers was recognizable. I am happy that I was able to accomplish that goal and got some shots of the four 8+ boats in action (eight rowers and a coxswain in each boat), although I was not able to capture the action of the boats with four rowers.
DC Strokes Mens Novice 8+
DC Strokes Womens 8+
DC Strokes Mens 8+, Boat #349 (Pride)
DC Strokes Mens 8+, Boat #350 (Oscar)
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
It looks like at least one boat had a mixed crew of men and women. Neat shots with the colorful leaves in the background.
I think the women with short hair may have fooled you, Sue. (assuming you are referring to the second shot) I was happy I could get a little of the foliage in the photos, given that the color was pretty spotty.
Gorgeous photos. I live near Lake Washington and the University of Washington. I love watching the sculls cross the lake as the rowing teams practice.
I wish I hadn’t been so busy and missed this. Thanks for the pics!
It was a real challenge with parking in a muddy field (for $20) and a long walk to the river, but it was a lot of fun on a beautiful fall day.
Great shots on a beautiful fall day! I once saw the Head of the Charles Regatta in Boston – what an amazing sport and wonderful event.
Thanks. It was a really fun experience. There were hundreds of rowers at the starting area and I hung around with some of the members of the team as they prepared the boats and eventually carried them down to the water. It was particularly fascinating to watch, because there were teams from some of the local high schools and colleges as well as some club teams.
I’d like to try that someday. Nice shots!