nothin Blind Vets Grab The Oars | New Haven Independent

Blind Vets Grab The Oars

Stephanie Addenbrooke Photo

Leonard and Koutroupas.

Korean War vet Vickia Koutrapas is making the move from the air to the sea. Even though she can barely see.

This past Friday, the Veterans’ Rowing and Kayaking organization welcomed Koutroupas (pictured) and four other vets to Long Wharf Pier. It was the launch of the organization’s newest initiative: a rowing club for visually impaired veterans.

Koutroupas was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa, an inherited eye disease, after she retired from the Air Force. After leaving Korea, she engaged in many water sports in Hawaii. But, after a move to Connecticut, primarily focused on rowing. But, it wasn’t always easy. Of the 8 women Koutroupas trained with, she was the only one with a disability. Not being able to see the oars made the experience difficult for her, and she was forced to rely on her other senses in a whole new way.

It was intimidating,” she said. I didn’t always feel safe.”

Then she heard about this program from her daughter, and reported for duty.

Steve Dunkle, the CEO of the new program, said previous programs by Veteran’s Rowing and Kayaking have enabled veterans to benefit from the therapeutic and physical benefits of rowing, while also encouraging a sense of wider community.

Blindness can be isolating, so we wanted to expand our existing program to serve them,” he said.

But the vets won’t be heading to the water just yet. They have to train on land first.

Led by coaches from Great River Rowing, the veterans participated in a series of exercises on specialized rowing machines. Unlike the rowing machines one might find in a fitness center, the machines have water at the base. Instead of rowing amid a clunky industrial sound, the veterans are able to hear the water moving as if they were on a boat themselves.

On Friday, the vets participated in introductory exercises to get them adjusted to the new machines. With three coaches and five vets, specialized attention enabled the vets to row at their own pace.

Most of the veterans had no experience on the water, though Koutroupas did. While her attention was focused on posture and technique, some of the other vets were just getting used to the rhythm of the sport.

John Leonard, the head coach at Great River Rowing, said that the location of the machines contributes to the sensation of being on the water. The program is run at an open studio on Long Wharf Pier, where users can hear, smell and experience the atmosphere.

We want them to feel like they’re on the water,” Dunkle said. There’s nothing quite like it.”

Dunkle said the program is looking for a barge, a larger rowing boat that would give the blind veterans the space needed for their safety and sense of security. Organizers are currently unsure when that will happen, but they said they definitely hope to see the veterans on the water soon. Paul Stephen Varszegi, who founded the organization Veterans’ Rowing and Kayaking, said he was proud of the expansion and development of the program to serve a group with particular needs.

Dunkle and Montini with one of the veterans.

Nick Montini, the vice president of Veterans’ Rowing and Kayaking, said the experience becomes therapeutic for the veterans, adding that the friendly atmosphere of the club builds trust and friendship. Montini, a veteran himself from the Persian Gulf War, said the idea is so unique and so beneficial” that the company has seen huge expansion in the past two years. Their first program had six members. Now, it has 80 veterans involved across all of their different programs. Montini said word of mouth” and the excitement of those present make him confident the New Haven program will continue to grow beyond the first five participants.

Though rowing can be perceived to be a rigorous and intensive sport, the machines allow the members to go at their own pace. Leonard said Koutroupas will be able to push herself and retain her previous experience, whereas some people may just want to take it easy” and enjoy the perceived sensation of being on the water.

At 85, Bob McCormick was the oldest member present. If he can do it, he said, anyone can.

The program is currently set to operate every other Friday, but Dunkle said increased interest might lead organizers to hold sessions every week. HoIn order to do that, Dunkle said, the organization desperately” needs donations.

Today has just been incredible,” Koutroupas said. I just feel so good.”

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