The second annual Island Madness Indoor Rowing Fest is scheduled for Feb. 8 at the Orcas Island Rowing Club clubhouse. The event is a series of rowing races where participants row on machines firmly mounted on dry land called “ergs,” which simulate the motion and physical stress of crew rowing.

Organizers say the event is a “typical Orcas affair that feels more like a family party where everybody who happens by is welcome.”

Consistent with the “Madness” theme, there will be “Totally Mad 2k” (2,000 meter) events for varsity and alumni members of the high school team and adult rowers. There will be “Half-Mad 1k” (1,000 meter) events for novice rowers of all ages; and a “Furious 500s” (500 meter sprints) for coxswains, siblings of rowers and everybody else.

Spectators are encouraged to watch all the erging action and to participate in the madness if they are enthusiastic and in good physical shape. Coach Tina Brown will be encouraging all of the junior rowers who are coming out for the spring season to go Totally Mad (or Half Mad for novices). The junior and adult crew will establish baseline performance for their 2k erg times for the spring season.

The event is held at the Rowing Club boathouse at the south end of Cascade Lake from 2 to 4 p.m.

For more information the contact is Craig Canine at 376-3240 or

craig@ccanine.com.