UNLIKE many other sporting bodies whose fixtures are being badly

affected right now by adverse weather, the Scottish Amateur Rowing

Association can plan its next event with confidence.

On the last Sunday of this month, the second Scottish indoor rowing

championships take place within Glasgow Caledonian University, and a

record entry is expected.

This form of the sport -- performed on calibrated rowing machines

called ergometers -- is growing in popularity and there is now a fully

developed European circuit of competitions.

As a result, all performances in the Scottish championships will be

included in the official world ranking tables.

Last year's event also was supported by Glasgow Caledonian University,

who have repeated their sponsorship this year by providing the venue and

other technical back-up.

For this year's event, the FARA are circulating all Scottish leisure

clubs that have a Concept II ergo among their equipment, as well as all

private owners in an attempt to bring more non-rowers into the

competition.

For those experienced oarsmen taking part the format is now familiar.

A bank of eight machines will be in place and competitors will be asked

to cover the computer equivalent of two-and-a-half kilometers on the

instruments of torture.

Altogether, more than 30 separate events will be on offer, for men and

women, ranging from juniors to veterans and from elite performers to

beginners with no rowing experience.

Further details of entries are available from all Scottish rowing

clubs, the Scottish Amateur Rowing Association, and Glasgow Caledonian

University.