The Inle Lake Fishermen a Rowing Style of the Past ?
Inle Lake is a fresh water lake and is the second largest lake in Myanmar (Burma). During the dry season, the average water depth is 7 feet, with the deepest point being 12 feet, but during the rainy season this can increase by 5 feet. The lake is located Nyaungshw Township of Taunggyi District of Shan State, part of Shan Hills. It’s people live in numerous small villages along the lake's shores, and on the lake itself. Most are devout Buddhists, and live in simple houses of wood and woven bamboo on stilts; they are largely self sufficiant floating garden farmers.
Local fishermen are known for practicing a rowing style which consists of standing at the stern on one leg and wrapping the other leg around the oar. This unique style evolved due to the shallow depth of the water and it’s many reeds and water plants in the lake. Sitting down in the boat you can’t see them. Standing provides the rower with a view beyond the reeds. Standing on the end of the boat also allows a great view and can lead the way better. Also, they have their hands free to maneuver the coned shaped 5 foot net whilst propelling the boat.
Sadly, the fish in Inle Lake are now too small to be caught in this type of net and the fisherman only pose for pictures for tourists. Although still a sight to see. I had the pleasure of spending a sunrise in one of these small narrow boats with one of the fisheman. I remember how tranquil it was on the lake in that early morning and the early morning mist before the sunrise. At sunrise the fisherman started pointing in the direction of the sun, nodding his head, and smiling. Later he showed me the way they used to catch the fish. His balance was impeccable. He was like an acerbate on this small surface at the end of the boat balancing both the net and myself. Although there was a moment, while in his boat, I did think both myself and my camera were going for a swim.
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