There are plenty of ways to stay in shape on Long Island over the summer, and rowing on our beautiful bodies of water offers more than just a beautiful view. Rowing has a competitive option and is a great workout that keeps participants of all ages interested.
Whether you are a teenager looking to start rowing or an adult in search of a fun way to exercise, there are plenty of options across Long Island.
Oyster Bay
Sagamore Rowing Association
Located on Oyster Bay, Sagamore Rowing Association (SRA) offers programs for adults, those in college and youth programs. Launch is from Beekam Beach and SRA also offers its own state-of-the-art training facility nearby. SRA is mostly made up of high school and college students, but about 25 percent are involved in the adult programs. For the college program, participants must attend either Hofstra University or LIU Post to be apart of their teams.
“We are more than just a place to row,” head coach Jason Moskowitz said. “We become a really tight-knit family; we have a lot of social functions that really brings our members closer together.” The youth program, for children in grades 6-12, offers weekly training sessions throughout the summer. For the adult program, contact coach Moskowitz for more information.
To find out more, visit www.sagamorerowing.org.
Port Washington
Friends of Port Rowing
Friends of Port Rowing hopes to train the novice rower and and strengthen competitive rowers. Founded in 2010 by Port Washington resident Monika Dorman, Friends of Port Rowing offers junior programs for middle schoolers and high schoolers throughout the fall and an adult program during the summer. Director of rowing and head coach Michiel Bartman preaches “individual growth, teamwork and resilience.” Friends of Port Rowing features high school teams for both women and men at the junior varsity and varsity level. There is also specific team for novice rowers, mainly for ninth graders and older kids new to the sport. “
Our mission is to introduce as many people as possible to this great sport,” Bartman said. “You are never too old to start rowing.” In that vein, a program is offered for adults who are both experienced and new to rowing. For more information, visit www.portrowing.com.
Northport
Long Island Rowing Club
For students in middle and high school, the Long Island Rowing Club (LIRC) offers rowing related activities year-round. From spring through fall, LIRC features three separate age and skill ranges to train and compete in rowing events.
“What makes the Long Island Rowing Club different to most other clubs is our emphasis on smaller groups and smaller boats,” head coach Anika Selle-Giehl said. “We are there seven days a week for those who want to take it to the next level.”
For those aged 10-14, the LIRC has a dedicated rowing programs for those just getting into the sport. Anyone who is more advanced or over the age of 14 is eligible to join either the junior recreational or competitive programs. The recreational program is for those who are not yet sure if they want to pursue rowing in the future while the competitive program is geared towards those who are planning to take part on a college rowing team.
If interested, visit www.lirowing.org.
