Starting to hear the song
Tonight I had my second proper go in an open boat. It was much better than the first attempt, mainly because I had previously just plonked myself down on the stern seat. This time, after reading Bill Mason, I tried sitting on the bow seat facing the stern and this was much better. I also got quite comfy kneeling on the thwart and my J-stroke (at least on my right hand side) is coming along nicely.
I still found it much harder work than paddling a kayak and after an hour an a half I had had enough. There were a few moments, however, as I was poised, kneeling on the thwart, when the boat felt like putty in my hands and as the sun went down I'd swear I heard the song.