The IARC (International Arctic Research Center) Summer School onboard has involved many more hours of mental activity than physical activity. Being confined to the ship has resulted in inventiveness when it comes to expending energy and getting limbs moving.
One of the common rooms occasionally serves as a makeshift gym – some portable speakers and an iPod, and lots of enthusiasm, get people moving. Ocean chemistry colleagues from the Hydro-Lab put on a brutal “High-Intensity” workout every day at 5pm (which is the start of their day, i.e. the night shift). A 6am yoga session has been organized, and the occasional afternoon ballet-based exercise routine has left some summer school participants unable to move after supper.
There are alternative methods of burning calories, such as the six levels (12 flights) of stairs to climb from sleeping quarters to the level of the ship’s Bridge for ice observations, and the Flight Operations room for cloud observations. One more flight of stairs outside puts you on the fly-bridge, which is the best place to watch wild weather or scope the horizon for polar bears.
However, for recreation, Ping-Pong is king! The post-supper tournament can turn mild-mannered scientists into paddle-wielding warriors. Some of our Russian colleagues even brought their own paddles in anticipation of stiff competition. Contenders line the bench and everyone gets a game. It’s a great way to get to know your fellow expedition members.
– Drew, Summer School Instructor
Hi,
I’m a student from LEOM High School my question is Lindsey do you go and get active with the ping pong just like the others as well?
Dear Ronesha, absolutely, I love ping pong! Although some people here are really good at it, and even have their own paddles!