The Port Rowing middle school program encompasses multiple school districts on Long Island.
“We currently have middle school rowers from several different middle schools, including Manhasset, St Peter’s, St. Mary’s, North Shore Middle School, Friends Academy, Weber Middle School and the Long Island School for the Gifted,” said Holly Byrne, executive director of Port Rowing. “It is a fun, non-competitive, educational-based system in the sport of rowing. All the kids are taught the basic fundamentals of rowing, while encouraging them to fall in love with a great lifelong sport.”
A large focus of the program is incorporating basic life and comportment skills. “Students are encouraged to practice confident posture, good eye contact, and a firm handshake,” said Byrne. The program also incorporates life-skills such as teamwork, accountability, work ethic, and problem solving. All of these skills and many more can be utilized not only in rowing, but in their every day life.
“The program has a relaxed atmosphere that is fun and encouraging to all kids of different demographic and athletic backgrounds,” said Byrne. “In the end the kids will walk out of the program with basic life skills and fundamentals of rowing, and hopefully a love for the sport and a more confident approach to life.”
The Spring informational meeting for middle school is Thursday, Feb. 11, at 6 p.m. at the Port Washington Public Library, Latham meeting room. The meeting is from 6 to 7:15 p.m. Parents and middle school-aged new and experienced rowers should attend. The High School Spring Season informational meeting is from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Parents and high school aged new and experienced rowers should attend.
The High School Varsity and Novice Team Spring Season begins, Monday, Feb. 29. The Middle School Team Spring Season begins, Monday, March 21. For schedules, locations, and registrations, visit www.portrowing.com/juniors.
Other programs and events are offered this Spring:
* Port Rowing PREP is on Thursdays from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. PREP is a 10-week conditioning and rowing readiness program for the adaptive athlete. Port Rowing partners with Be the Best Sport to provide a one of kind skill building and strengthening class. Call 516-453-0990 for a FREE trial class.
* Port Rowing REC is offered for new and experienced rowers. Rowers will be paired with a mentor and learn the basic skills to row on the water in modified boats. Class size is limited. Email info@portrowing.com to schedule a trial and learn more.
* The Row for Autism returns for it’s fifth year on April 16.
* The new boathouse construction is beginning. “We are breaking ground on our long awaited boathouse at North Hempstead Beach Park and the ToNH and Supervisor Bosworth have been instrumental in bringing this to fruition,” said Byrne. “With the boathouse, our community program is primed to expand. We already have seven middle schools represented in our middle school winter program.”
