Moving to a new country is like jumping into a canal without knowing how to swim—exciting, slightly terrifying, and full of surprises. When I moved to the Netherlands, I was ready for the adventure: the canals, the bikes, the stroopwafels, and the famed Dutch directness. But I quickly realized there was one small issue: I had no idea how to find my place in this gezellig society.
My Dutch Language Adventures
First, I decided to tackle the language. I signed up for every Dutch course imaginable. I learned how to order bitterballen, how to conjugate “zijn,” and how to pronounce “Scheveningen” without pulling a muscle. But when it came to actually speaking Dutch, I hit a wall. Every time I started a conversation, people switched to English—not out of rudeness, but because they genuinely wanted to help. Unfortunately, this left me stuck, waving my Dutch phrasebook in frustration.
I realized I needed more than just lessons; I needed real-life practice. And what better way to immerse myself than through a sport? After some brainstorming (and ruling out cycling because, well, everyone already cycles), I landed on rowing. Why not, right? It’s quintessentially Dutch, and it looked like a great way to meet people.
Row, Row, Row Your Boat
Joining a Rowing Club in Amsterdam turned out to be the best decision I ever made. From the moment I stepped into the boathouse, I felt a mix of excitement and mild panic. I’d never rowed before, but everyone was welcoming and eager to show me the ropes—or rather, the oars.
I joined a beginner group led by a volunteer coach who was as patient as a saint. We were all equally clueless, which made for plenty of laughs. The first time I tried to balance the boat, I nearly ended up in the canal. But with each practice, I got better. Rowing is a surprisingly technical sport, and the teamwork aspect is incredible. In boats of two, four, or even eight people, everyone’s movements have to sync perfectly. If one person messes up, the whole boat feels it. Trust me, I know.
Making Waves and Friends
One of the best parts of rowing is the people. Rowing enthusiasts are passionate, and they genuinely want to see you succeed. My teammates were always ready with tips and encouragement, and they didn’t mind when I practiced my less-than-perfect Dutch. In fact, they appreciated the effort and cheered me on. Slowly but surely, I started having full conversations in Dutch—even if it sometimes involved a lot of hand gestures.
Beyond the water, the club became a social hub. I was even invited to the Christmas dinner, where we laughed, shared stories, and ate way too much. It was one of those cozy moments where I realized I wasn’t just part of a rowing team; I was part of a community.
From Oars to Gadgets
Rowing quickly became more than just a hobby; it turned into a full-blown passion. I went all in, buying gear like a pro. My favorite purchase? A pair of rowing-specific three-eye glasses, which my girlfriend finds absolutely hilarious. She says I look like I’m auditioning for a sci-fi movie, but hey, they do the job.
Rowing isn’t just great exercise; it’s meditative. There’s something magical about gliding over the water in perfect rhythm with your team. It clears your mind, strengthens your body, and gives you a sense of accomplishment that’s hard to beat.
Lessons Learned
Looking back, joining the rowing club wasn’t just about picking up a new sport. It was about finding my place in a new country. Through rowing, I discovered that integration doesn’t have to be a formal process. Sometimes, it’s as simple as sharing a boat, a laugh, and a goal with others.
So, if you’re ever feeling out of place, consider stepping out of your comfort zone and trying something new. You might just find, like I did, that the path to belonging is a lot smoother when you’re rowing in sync with others.
