The first part of the competition was traditionally held on Midsummer’s Day. The course length was 500 meters and the start was at the Siljansnäs campsite where spectators gathered on the beach to cheer on their boats.
18-year-old Märta Matsson, who rowed with Siljansnäs rowing club’s men’s team, thinks that the mix of old and young is good.
– I think it’s wonderful that we are such different ages, says Märta Matsson.
Mats Niss, who leads Brudpigan from Leksand, has been doing it for almost 50 years and he believes that it is difficult to attract young people to the sport.
– Maybe it’s a little too heavy, you get blisters on your hands and sores on your butt. You must be a physical worker and a bit strong in the body. But these days there are almost none, says Mats Niss.