Poughkeepsie used to hold a regatta every year. Schools from all over the US would come to compete. I rowed for Marist College in Poughkeepsie in the early 1980's. Last Sunday the railroad bridge was reopened as a pedestrian walkway. They did a fantastic job of refurbishing the bridge and the views are incredible.

This is the railroad bridge over the Hudson River in Poughkeepsie. I rowed for Vassar College and know that spot well.

W shirt guy is very attractive!

Can anyone confirm where this photo was taken? That bridge in the background looks very much like the old train bridge that spans the Hudson River here in Poughkeepsie, NY.

Was it easier to row while wearing underpants? I've seen a few of these pictures and they all appear to be wearing their underwear! Or were these the early version of gym shorts? Regardless, they leave nothing to the imagination, eh?

I was a rower in college, and it's very very difficult on the ribs, especially if your back isn't strong enough to handle the swing of the stroke properly. Strained rib muscles and fractured ribs were all too common -- I'm guessing that's why they would have the tape on, though it doesn't look like it would actually do much. Generally, the oar doesn't actually hit your abs as you finish the stroke, although maybe that was different back in 1913.

I love all the pics you post of rowers, by the way!