Cool Rowings: a Dynamic Concoction

Feb 27

Cool Rowings Founder Weininger Irwin (back, fourth from right) says “the biggest thing with my coaching is the social aspect, the social medication, the banter.” Members of his Ageless Teenagers program agree, including Hazel Parkins (front, second from right).

From primary school kids to octogenarians, Cool Rowings is introducing diverse populations to rowing in and around London. Founder Weininger Irwin – competitive and confident from a young age – has a community first approach, prioritizing fun and social interaction. And we hear from one of his rowers, 86-year-old Hazel Parkins, who took up indoor rowing after the death of her husband and says she can't do with out it these days. This is an episode about building your own path and embracing lifelong functional fitness.

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This episode was made possible in part by Breakwater Realty, RowSource, and our Patrons.

QUICK LOOK

PART 1: Weininger Irwin

00:00 - Episode Intro
04:06 - The Huddle: A quick get to know you
05:20 - The Hot Seat Q&A
06:45 - Growing up a runner
07:58 - Rowing origin story: from Gladiator tryout, to Ford Motor Co. gym erg, and a Concept2 2k training plan
13:16 - Established Cool Rowings to introduce primary school kids and diverse populations to rowing
16:26 - Ageless Teenagers and Weininger's philosophy for coaching seniors
21:23 - Being a beacon for the community

PART 2: Hazel Parkins

24:03 - Meet Hazel Parkins, 80+ 2025 BRIC Gold Medalist
24:47 - On a scale of 1-10, Hazel's rowing week was a 9
26:15 - An introduction to the erg during COVID
29:46 - A "lovely" experience at BRIC and Hazel's approach to training and racing
33:12 - The importance of support from family and community

37:08 - Hosts Rachel and Tara post-interview banter
40:54 - Steady State Network news and notes

Steady State Podcast is written, produced, hosted, and edited by Rachel Freedman and Tara Morgan. Tara provides additional audio engineering and is our sponsor coordinator. Rachel manages the website, social media, and e-newsletter. Our theme music is by Jonas Hipper.