“It’s not a west-against-east thing,” Buckland said. “Everyone tries to make that distinction. It’s really between the way they’re coached at Harvard and at UW. There’s just a difference between the way the two schools row.”

The weather conditions are also different and, at times, far from perfect.

The Charles River can be brutally cold and unpredictable, often producing strong headwinds on the race course.

The Cambridge winters are harsher and last longer, leaving the oarsmen locked inside for a lengthy dry land season.

The trip to his home in Olympia, Wash., once possible by car, now requires a cross-country flight.

But in perhaps the biggest difference resulting from the move, Buckland has found himself the willing pupil of one of the sport’s most legendary coaches, Harvard’s Harry Parker.

“I read books about [Parker] after I started rowing,” Buckland said. “But I didn’t know much about him.”

But like his geographical location, Buckland’s perception about Parker has changed drastically.

“I’m very honored to have him as my coach,” Buckland said.

Parker will also benefit from Buckland’s transfer, much like the other seven rowers in this years first varsity boat.

The season is just weeks old, but Buckland has fit almost seamlessly into the first varsity lineup.

Though he switched from the stroke position he held at Washington to the six-seat, he’s had little trouble falling into the Crimson’s rhythm.

“Brodie is a great oarsmen and a great guy,” captain Aaron Holzapfel said. “He’s fitting in quite well. He’s open and receptive, and we like him.”

Buckland’s transition has worked out well for Holzapfel, one of two remaining oarsmen from last year’s varsity eight. Holzapfel sits in five seat, directly behind Buckland, and serves as his pair.

“Brodie has experience in a very competitive program,” captain AaronHolzapfel said. “And in a year where we lost 13 seniors, that’s important.”