Ready, Row! USA

S5E42: Live from HOCR 2024 - Gates & Collicott/TRC

Ready, Row! USA — Wed, 06 Nov 2024 10:40:15 -0500

MEET: Ken Gates & John Cullicott
CLUB: TexasRowingCenter.org
HOST: Napoleon Griffin

Ken Gates has won nine (9) CRASH-B hammers, set two world records on the RowErg and won a couple Masters Nationals singles titles, about racing, training and maintaining fitness while aging.

John has raced for over 40 years at the High School, College, Elite, and Masters levels. He spent seven years as a sweep lightweight before converting to a sculling heavyweight. As an elite, he won nationals in all four sculling categories and made the A final in two Olympic Trials.

S5E41: Live from HOCR 2024 - Ukrainian Champ 8 Women

Ready, Row! USA — Wed, 06 Nov 2024 10:16:58 -0500

From the Ukrainian women's crew Anastaia Kozhenkova, Katarina Maistrenko, and Yevghenia Dovhodko talk to host Napoleon Greiffin about their training in Kyiv and WSU, and their experience in the US. They rowed on Sunday, Nov. 20.

S5E40: HOCR 2024 - Coastal Rowing Champs Bak, Rogers & Choi

Ready, Row! USA Crew — Sun, 03 Nov 2024 16:59:12 -0500

Bak, Choi, Rogers - Transcript

2023 Won COPA America Mixed 4x
2022 Bronze at Beach Sprint Worlds for Mixed 4x
2021 Tokyo Paralympic PR3 Mixed 4+ Alternate

Chris Bak

2021 Portugal-1x 8th BS
2022 wales 1x gold 4x bronze BS
2023 Barletta- 1x 8th BS 1x silver ENDURO 2x gold ENDURO
2024 Genoa- 1x gold

Kory Rogers

4x coastal national team
2x world champion, youngest in 2023 senior level worlds
1x bronze medalist
Bali continental qualifier USOPC (Olympic committee event)

Host, Napoleon Griffin: Alright, welcome back! We're at the Head of the Charles Regatta, 2024, day three. I'm pleased to have my last guests with me. I'd like them to introduce themselves, going from left to right.

"Hey guys, my name is Kory Rogers."
"I'm Chris Bak, nice to meet you."
"And I'm Peter Choi, nice to meet you."

Alright, thank you all. So, we're here at a rowing event on the water, but you guys aren't doing what most people think of when they think of rowing. What do you do?

"We all do coastal rowing. Peter's our coxswain."

For those who don't know what coastal rowing is, can you explain it?

"Coastal rowing is a really dynamic side of the sport. In traditional flat water rowing, you see more 2k or 5k races, like here at the Head of the Charles. For coastal, we do have 4k and 6k racing, which is on the endurance side. But we also have a cool type of racing called beach sprints, which is now in the 2028 Olympics. It's a 500-meter format with some slalom. It's a much shorter, more dynamic race out on the open ocean."

Now, having lived in Puerto Rico, I know coastal rowing takes place in the ocean, and I'm not a fan of that! Flipping is not an option, considering you have things waiting for you in the water. You could become a snack if you don't do well! So, talk about how the race starts before you actually get in the boat. For those who are not aware of coastal rowing, they might think you have stake boats like you would in a regular flat water race, but that's not the case. So how is it set up?

Types of Coastal Rowing

"Good question. There are actually two different types of coastal rowing. The Olympic discipline for LA that Chris mentioned is called beach sprints. If you're in a smaller boat, a single or a double, one of the athletes starts at the archway at the starting line. There's a rope on the sand, and when the buzzer goes off, you sprint anywhere from 50 to 80 meters. In the case of a quad, it'd be the coxswain who sprints. Then you have to jump into the boat and slalom around three buoys and then make your way back. The bow person jumps out and then has to go back to the start line and hit a big red button. It's very action-packed. I like to say it's kind of like the BMX to mountain biking, or the velodrome to rough and tumble cycling.

For the Coastal World Championships, the long-distance event, there are variations, but the one I've seen the most is usually a cluster of people kind of waiting, and there's three balls that designate one-minute starting times. So three balls means three minutes. One drops, the second one drops, the last one drops, and then the buzzer goes, and then there really are no lanes. It's like head racing without the stagger. So 20 to 40 boats all kind of converge towards that first buoy. There's a lot of contact."

"When people say rowing's not a contact sport, they're not thinking about coastal rowing!"

That's interesting. So, I would presume, coming from the world of track and field, you're not going to put your slowest runner at the bow of your boat. If you have a tight race, and your bow person can outrun the other bow person, you can move from bronze to gold, out of medal contention to being a gold medalist, just based on the run. So do you ever actually have races to figure out who's the fastest?

So, what happened in 2023?

Bak: "Oh yeah, yeah. In the endurance side... I'll let Kory talk about what happened in 2023."

"Chris and I did the double for the endurance race. We surprised ourselves leading the race for the first 3k, maybe even 4k. It was a 6k race. The person who was bowing, which was me, got confused because there were two buoys that looked very similar, and I went the wrong way. Thank God we had a built-up lead of maybe about a hundred meters or so. Chris starts looking over at second place, third place, fourth place, and they all start going somewhere else. I'm like, 'Nah, don't even worry about it, they're going the wrong way, let me steer.' And in the end, I was wrong! So we had to cut over really fast. Thank God we were still in front at the turn, but I mean, I probably added like 20, 30 seconds of extra sprint that we did not need to do. All of our built-up cushion was gone. We get passed in the last 150 meters of the row coming into the beach. We're down maybe two, two and a half boat lengths. And I'm like, 'Man, screw this, I'm getting out of the boat.' I jump out early and I beat the Swedish guy running. So a 27-minute race came down to the last second."

"He was a big man, huge. Probably 6'6", 220."

"Esco, if you're watching, we love you man. You're a crazy guy, hats off to you."

I remember seeing that. So, talk about the 500-meter course because some people are not, including myself, as familiar with it. How does it work?

"Imagine you're on any pristine, nice beach. You take where the water is coming in from, subtract about 50 to 80 meters, and that's where your start line is going to be. Then you have two flags. Sometimes they have you run around the flag, sometimes they don't, it just depends on the race. You pretty much learn that race day. The reason for that is it can change based off of the tide and conditions. There are three buoys, each placed about 60 to 80 meters apart. You sprint to the boat from the beach, you hit the water, you have to figure out where the boat is, where the oars are. There is a unique position in coastal rowing, in the beach sprint format, of boat handlers. In the past, we've had teammates, coaches, even random people off the side of the street or on the beach come in and hold our boats for us so they don't flop all over the place.

After you enter the boat, you're racing towards the first buoy. The first buoy is going to be off your port side. You have to pass the second buoy on your starboard side. At the very end, which is about 250 meters out from the beach, there is a turn buoy. So you have to do a 180-degree turn and then you race straight back to the beach as fast as you can. You jump out of the boat, sprint back onto the beach, run around the flag, and then eventually hit the buzzer."

The cox's perspective

From a coxswain's perspective, is it different in beach sprints or coastal rowing than it would be on flat water, doing a 2k or even a 5k here at the Charles?

"Yeah, definitely. I would just say it's a different shell. It's so much heavier. It's like 400 pounds, maybe even heavier. That's not the same as what you would normally row on the river. Even though it's heavy, it's made to withstand those crazy waves and conditions. Mother Nature is not a battle you can win against, it's someone you have to adapt to. It's like, are there waves coming? Is there wind coming? You have to make quick adjustments. There's no time for, 'On two, let's do this,' because the race is a little bit over two minutes.

The other thing that's interesting is that because it's ...

S5E39: Why Does Youth Rowing Matter?

Ready, Row! USA — Fri, 08 Dec 2023 13:44:49 -0500

Alex Lynn, Youth Recreational Rowing Manager at Community Rowing
Ellis Evans-Brown, Head Coach at Arlington-Belmont high school crew

What is unique about rowing among all the available youth sports; when is it the right choice for young athletes? What does rowing do for kids as they grow into adulthood and prepare for college and vocations? In this episode, c oaches Alex & Ellis examine the characteristics of effective youth rowing programs. They cover topics ranging from safety and motivation, and how experienced coaches can foster a secure, enjoyable, and inclusive environment.

Peter Kermond, Burnham Boat: Head of the Charles 2023

Ready, Row! USA — Thu, 02 Nov 2023 17:27:37 -0400

It was 50 years ago today - Peter Kermond started rowing at Belmont Hill prep school, directly across from the site of our interview near Eliot Bridge on the Charles River in Boston. Peter is a beloved legend in rowing - making the US National Team and eventually acquiring Burnham Boat Slings, maker of the slings that rowers rack their boats on at regattas. Now, Burnham's flagship products are their custom made boat covers, and they've added on many other types of rowing accessories, from oar bags to water bottle holders. And Peter has not stopped rowing, competing at most regattas in between shifts at his vendor tent, which attracts a steady stream of colleagues, friends, and customers, ready to chat about all things rowing.

#rowingpodcast

Head of the Charles 2023 Recap with Linda Muri, Andrii Ivanchuk, Maurice Scott

Ready, Row! USA — Thu, 02 Nov 2023 15:06:41 -0400

We came back a week after the Head of the Charles for a recap – because we couldn’t get enough of this magical world-renowned rowing regatta. We love mingling with the crowd, the thrill of the racing, checking out new gadgets & gear, connecting with old friends, and making new ones.

On today’s Head of the Charles panel: Linda Muri of Burnham Boat Slings; Maurice Scott of Unity & Potomac BC & USRowing announcer; Andrii Ivanchuk, coach at Simmons University Crew & Riverside Boat Club and organizer of the Ukrainian rowing team’s visit to the Head of the Charles.

Message us if you’d like to tell your own Rowing Story
Click here for all 15+ Head of the Charles video replays

S5E27: Catching Up with Arshay Cooper

Ready, Row! USA — Wed, 20 Sep 2023 12:36:19 -0400

We're catching up with the whirlwind that is Arshay Cooper! You're invited to join the livestream to ask questions and share your experiences with Arshay - just comment on the discussion thread at any of the replay destinations.

Besides being a rower, Arshay is a Benjamin Franklin award-winning author, the protagonist of the critically acclaimed film “A Most Beautiful Thing,” nominated for an NAACP Image Award in 2020. He's also a Golden Oar recipient for his contributions to the sport of rowing, motivational speaker, and activist, particularly around issues of accessibility to rowing and other sports for under-resourced communities.

Arshay grew up on the West Side of Chicago and in 1997 joined and later captained the country’s first all-Black high school rowing team at Manley High School. He dedicated two years of his life to AmeriCorps, focusing on diversity and inclusion, and continues to speak and represent across the country and around the world; most recently bringing his message of empowerment through sports to youth in South Africa and leading a youth rowing camp at Craftsbury Outdoor Center in Vermont.

Updated show notes & links at https://readyrowusa.com/arshay-cooper-2023

S5E26: Fall Regatta Preview with Dietz & Wilson

Ready, Row! USA — Tue, 22 Aug 2023 17:00:00 -0400

Full show notes on the website

Heading to any of the Great American Head Race Regattas this fall? Tune in to get inspired with legendary Olympic rower & coach Jim Dietz and coach Mark Wilson, co-founders at All American Rowing Camp based in DeLand, Florida.

We’re revisiting our annual fall regatta (aka head race) preview a little earlier this year to give you a “heads” up! Every year, longtime coaches Jim Dietz and Mark Wilson return to Ready, Row! USA to reveal secret strategies, tell fun stories, and inspire you to participate in the great Fall Head races across the US. This year, Dietz & Wilson will focus on these and other popular regattas:

Sep 3 Petaluma Half and Full Marathon, CA
Sep 9 Rock the Occ – Half Marathon
Sep 10 Chicago River Half and Full Marathon
Sep 16 CRI Fall Classic Boston, Cuyahoga, Milwaukee, Saskatoon, Albany, Seattle
Oct 1 Head of the Riverfront, Hartford; WISCO Chase outside of Madison, WI
OCT 7 Music City, Memphis TN & Head of the Genesee in Rochester, NY
OCT 8 Head of the Rock, IL
Oct 20-22 Head of the Charles, Boston
Oct 28-29 Head of Schuylkill, PA

Our host for this episode is Diane Bevan, a Masters rower at CRI Boston.

Thanks to our supporters & sponsors: Burnham Boat Slings; Resolute Racing & Sykes USA; GoodInklings Web Design & Management; All American Rowing Camp; Pierce Press Publishing & Podcasting; Community Rowing, Boston. Catch the livestream & replays on our YouTube channel & subscribe & review on your favorite podcast apps.

S5E25: Can I Learn to Row at "A Certain Age?"

Ready, Row! USA — Sun, 04 Jun 2023 18:27:17 -0400

You may be wondering, if you're middle-aged or beyond and never rowed before, can you still take up the sport? Many of us row with folks in their 60's, 70's, and 80's who started rowing relatively late in life. If you've got a few "creaky parts," many clubs have adaptive classes and equipment, and the sport has a culture of rowers helping rowers.

Boston-area Coach Brian DiDominici talked with host Diane Bevan, who learned to row "at a certain age" at Community Rowing, Boston. Get your questions answered, just tune in to our YouTube, Facebook, or LinkedIn replay events and type your questions in the discussion sections, and we'll have our experts answer them.

Surprise guest Dani Hansen, Hydrow athlete & decorated Paralympian, joins near the end for our wrap-up chat!

With grateful acknowledgement to our sponsors & supporters at Burnham Boat, Pierce Press, Sykes/Resolute, Crew Stop, and Community Rowing. Remember to use the hashtag for your chance to win rowing gear & services! #ReadyRowUSA

CLICK HERE for the replay of our 2022 Learn-To-Row episode, focusing on how rowing programs can attract and nurture new rowers.

S5E24: Lara's Atlantic Challenge: 100 Days Solo on the Ocean

Charlotte Pierce — Sat, 22 Apr 2023 16:56:32 -0400

The target Lara's dad set when he was younger was “Aim High”. Don’t look left or right - FOCUS - and aim high. And boy, did she!

Lara Vafiadis took on the Atlantic Challenge row for a few reasons - but a primary aim was to inspire other women and children that if you set your mind to something, you can achieve anything.

Seeing her dad suffer through years of chemotherapy, radiotherapy and everything that goes with cancer treatments - his determination and resilience took on another level and Lara thought to herself - if he can go through all of that, then she can row an ocean for him.

This row was dedicated to Lara's father for all the times he went "above and beyond." He passed away on September 14, 2022, so he didn't get to see Lara finish but she knew he was with her with every oar stroke, from La Gomera, Portugal to Antigua.

S5E23: Rowing to College

Ready, Row! USA — Tue, 21 Mar 2023 09:38:42 -0400

You have questions about rowing in college. Nobody can guarantee admission, but the high school athlete can learn how to put their best foot forward, formulate a plan, and find a school that fits academically, athletically, and socially.

Want to be recruited to row in college?
Where do I start getting recruited to row in college?
When - and how - do I contact coaches?
Why aren’t coaches getting back to me?
Wondering what college coaches expect from potential recruits?
How can parents support their student athlete?

In this episode, our expert panelists Fran Berlin & Carmen Mirochna of Rowers Reach explain the recruiting process, explore the options at club, DI, DII and DIII programs, and talk about realistic goals and expectations. Rounding out the panel are high school coach & UMass alum Kelsey Anderson, prospective D1 rower parent Meg Carroll, and Rochester sophomore Grace Snyder, a 2021 walk-on coxswain.

IMAGE: REACH client, senior Blake Luehrman, recently committed to UCSD

Please like, comment, subscribe, & share!

USRowCon22: Jennie Trayes, USRowing Community Engagement

Ready, Row! USA — Tue, 14 Mar 2023 14:13:14 -0400

USRowCon23 Series

What does "community engagement" mean for a sports governing body, and how does it impact the individual members, boathouses, elite & recreational athletes that make up its consituency? How has this program area evolved at USRowing?

We'll talk to Jennie Trayes her new role as Chief Community Engagement Officer for USRowing. She oversees the organization's domestic community programming including STEM to Stern, DEI, Adaptive and Veterans rowing.

A graduate of Bucknell University and NYU's Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service, Trayes joins USRowing after spending two years as the community and partnerships manager at LeagueApps. Prior to that, she worked in various leadership roles at Row New York from 2009-2019, most recently as the Deputy Executive Director. Trayes rowed collegiately at Bucknell.

Full details. updates, & show notes

USRowCon23: Dr. Ramona Cox on Coach & Athlete Wellness

Ready, Row! USA — Fri, 24 Feb 2023 10:08:56 -0500

We met Dr. Ramona Cox at the USRowing Convention, Feb. 3-5 in Atlantic City, where she presented on athlete & coach wellness best practices & sports-based therapy.

The Doc Wayne organization aims to "level the playing field of mental health globally by harnessing the power of sport-based therapy." In 2021, Dr. Cox joined Doc Wayne as the Director of the Champions Network, the organization's external training program. CN partners with a range of organizations, clinicians, sports coaches, and other youth development professionals and explain how to include trauma-informed, sport-based, mental health support in their work with young people.

Dr. Cox stays involved in other ways in the sports-based youth development community as a facilitator and lead trainer for the Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality (RISE), a board member of the Michigan Interscholastic Volleyball Coaches Association and the McDonald Phelps Foundation, and a member of the State of Michigan Women in Sports Task Force. She has also worked collaboratively and implemented impactful projects with organizations such as the Women’s Sports Foundation and U.S. Soccer Foundation. Ramona continues to coach volleyball in Detroit at Cass Technical High School and Instant Replay Volleyball Club.

WEBSITE: "Doc Wayne is an award-winning non-profit leading the field of sport-based therapy and catalyzing a mental health movement. We provide training, tools, and services that address emotional, behavioral, traumatic, racial, gender, and cultural-based barriers by providing equitable access to better mental health for all. Our clinician-led curricula put sport into practice, strengthening social-emotional skills in young learners to build healthier, more resilient global communities."

USRowCon23: Dan Ukrainec, H2Row Boat Shoe Systems

Charlotte Pierce — Sat, 11 Feb 2023 14:37:04 -0500

Not only is he a rowing coach, but Don Ukrainec recently acquired H2Row and presented his lineup of swappable shoes and rowing supplies at the USRowing Convention. As someone who's often jumped in an 8+ to find size 14 shoes from the previous crew of large men, I appreciate the range of H2Row sizes (mens 6-16 and women's to size 12), the ease of swapping, and the superbly comfortable fit. Did we pick up some shoes from H2Row at the USRowing Convention? Why yes, we did! Thanks, Don!

Many thanks to our fabulous sponsors:

Burnham Boat Slings - mention the podcast at a regatta for some Burnham swag!
Resolute Racing & Sykes USA - our producer rows a LW Sykes - try it out on the Charles River!
GoodInklings Web Design & Management - mention the podcast for a free website audit!
Pierce Press Publishing & Podcasting - wholesale discounts to 55% for podcast listeners!

Catch the livestream & replays on our YouTube channel & subscribe on your favorite podcast apps: Spotify, Google, Apple, Stitcher, SoundCloud, & more! If you like what you hear, consider subscribing, reviewing, and like, comment, & share!

USRowCon23: Tom Rooks, USRowing Safety Director

Charlotte Pierce — Sat, 11 Feb 2023 12:59:26 -0500

Coming off 20+ years with the Coast Guard and involved in many water rescues, Tom Rooks has recently assumed the position as Director of Safety at USRowing. During our interview with him at the USRowing Convention 2023, Tom made our producer a believer in PFDs, especially for single scullers in the "shoulder" seasons in the northern latitudes. To be continued - post your comments & questions for Tom on our YouTube, Facebook, and LinkedIn YouTube livestream replay discussion sections.
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Many thanks to our fabulous sponsors:

Burnham Boat Slings - mention the podcast at a regatta for some Burnham swag!
Resolute Racing & Sykes USA - our producer rows a LW Sykes - try it out on the Charles River!
GoodInklings Web Design & Management - mention the podcast for a free website audit!
Pierce Press Publishing & Podcasting - wholesale discounts to 55% for podcast listeners!

USRowCon23: Josh Carlson, Concept 2 SkiErg

Ready, Row! USA — Sat, 11 Feb 2023 12:11:21 -0500

In this USRowing Convention interview (thanks to Linda Muri for wrangling him from the erg championship floor!) Josh Carlson made us a believer in the value of cross-training for rowing with the Ski-Erg, a popular, relatively new product by Concept 2, manufacturer of the ubiquitous RowErg. "SkiErg is great for working on lats, and just giving rowers a break from the rowing machine for pretty much the same type of workout," Josh said. Now I have to figure out how to sneak one in the house!

Many thanks to our fabulous sponsors:

Burnham Boat Slings - mention the podcast at a regatta for some Burnham swag!
Resolute Racing & Sykes USA - our producer rows a LW Sykes - try it out on the Charles River!
GoodInklings Web Design & Management - mention the podcast for a free website audit!
Pierce Press Publishing & Podcasting - wholesale discounts to 55% for podcast listeners!

USRowCon23: Emilie Eldracher, Olympic PR3 4+ coxswain

Ready, Row! USA — Sat, 11 Feb 2023 11:52:22 -0500

At the USRowing Convention, USRowing HP Para Director Ellen Minzner steered us to Emilie Eldracher, coxswain for the PR3 4+ 2022 World Championships. We had a great discussion about the elite Paralympic world. She welcomes questions & comments - post them on our YouTube channel, Facebook, or LinkedIn livestream replay destinations - our website has all the links.

Many thanks to our fabulous sponsors:

Burnham Boat Slings - mention the podcast at a regatta for some Burnham swag!
Resolute Racing & Sykes USA - our producer rows a LW Sykes - try it out on the Charles River!
GoodInklings Web Design & Management - mention the podcast for a free website audit!
Pierce Press Publishing & Podcasting - wholesale discounts to 55% for podcast listeners!

USRowCon23: Calvin Coffey, SimulatOar Inventor

Ready, Row! USA — Sat, 11 Feb 2023 10:50:07 -0500

To meet SimulatOar inventor Calvin Coffey is to appreciate his creativity, drive, and his love of life & rowing. Our USRowing Convention interviews continued on Sunday, Feb. 5 with Coffey and his wife, Maggie. Calvin competed in the 1976 Summer Olympics, where he and his partner Mike Staines won the silver medal in the coxless pairs event. A few years later, after a devastating car accident, he invented the rowing simulation machine, SimulatOar (best product name ever!). He also made CTC racing shells, and pioneered the use of composite materials in rowing equipment. Coffey continues to make his machines to order, one-by-one, in his home basement shop. Watch the livestream replay on our YouTube channel - at the end of the interview, when our producer tests out the machine under the expert tutelage of the inventor!

Many thanks to our fabulous sponsors:

Burnham Boat Slings - mention the podcast at a regatta for some Burnham swag!
Resolute Racing & Sykes USA - our producer rows a LW Sykes - try it out on the Charles River!
GoodInklings Web Design & Management - mention the podcast for a free website audit!
Pierce Press Publishing & Podcasting - wholesale discounts to 55% for podcast listeners!

USRowCon23: It's a Wrap! with Brett Gorman, USRowing

Ready, Row! USA — Sat, 11 Feb 2023 09:00:00 -0500

Ready, Row! USA was thrilled to be the media partner of USRowing for the first in-person convention since 2019. In particular, we'd like to thank the creative, positive, indefatigable, and ever-attentive Brett Gorman for connecting us with so many amazing people in rowing.

Oh, the rowing stories we heard! from rowing's movers & shakers & regular folks, like Janice Holzman, Row New York; Calvin Coffey, Olympic athlete & Coffey SimulatOar inventor; Josh Carlson, Concept 2 SkiErg specialist; Holly Austin, Ready Set Row; Paralympic coxswain Emilie Eldracher; Aquil Abdullah Olympic & Hydrow athlete; Sandra Cardillo, Watuppa RC ED & Head Coach; Fabio Selvig, Fillippi Sales & Marketing; Jalen Baldwin, SteadyState Network Changemaker Scholarship winner & coach at Cleveland Foundry; John Gartin, Executive Dir., Collegiate Rowing Coaches Assn.; Kyle Williams & Kamal Carter, A Long Talk; Ted Benford, Executive Dir., Community Rowing; Dave Powers, 776BC Performance Apparel; Rick Bayko, CRI Military & Veterans Crew; Don Ukrainec, H2Row boat shoe systems; Tom Rooks, USRowing Safety Dir.; Jenny Trayes, USRowing Community Engagement; Mary Whipple, Olympic coxswain; Ramona Cox, sports therapist.

Please visit https://readyrowusa.com/USRowCon23 for watch links and our full coverage. Help us get these amazing rowing stories out to the world by subscribing and reviewing on your favorite podcast apps, and by liking, commenting, and sharing on all the livestream destinations - Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube (search is your friend!). Please note: We're still uploading the 20 #rowcon23 interviews to podcast distribution, so stay tuned for the rest. We're getting there!

Many thanks to our fabulous sponsors:

Burnham Boat Slings - mention the podcast at a regatta for some Burnham swag!
Resolute Racing & Sykes USA - our producer rows a LW Sykes - try it out on the Charles River!
GoodInklings Web Design & Management - mention the podcast for a free website audit!
Pierce Press Publishing & Podcasting - wholesale discounts to 55% for podcast listeners!

#rowingpodcast

USRowCon23: Ted Benford, Executive Director at Community Rowing

Ready, Row! USA — Fri, 10 Feb 2023 17:35:27 -0500

One of our favorite discussions at the recent USRowing Convention was with Ted Benford, executive director of Community Rowing, arguably the largest rowing club in the world, depending on how you're counting - Members? Rowing hours? Number of boats?.

Ted started at CRI more than 25 years ago as a volunteer and coach and went on to serve as president of the board and as a trustee. In May of 2016, Ted was hired as Director of Operations and served as Interim Executive Director until his selection as Executive Director in August of 2018.

Many thanks to our fabulous sponsors:

Burnham Boat Slings - mention the podcast at a regatta for some Burnham swag!
Resolute Racing & Sykes USA - our producer rows a LW Sykes - try it out on the Charles River!
GoodInklings Web Design & Management - mention the podcast for a free website audit!
Pierce Press Publishing & Podcasting - wholesale discounts to 55% for podcast listeners!

#rowingpodcast
photo credit: CRI

USRowCon23: Aquil Abdullah, Olympic & Hydrow Athlete

Ready, Row! USA — Fri, 10 Feb 2023 11:46:16 -0500

To be honest, he was a moving target at USRowing Convention, between attending sessions and announcing for the National Indoor Championships, but we finally caught up with Aquil Abdullah, truly a mover & shaker in the sport of rowing.

Among other things, we learned that after "winding down" from the Olympic experience, Aquil was settling into a career in high tech when he was drawn back into the rowing world by taking a job as a Hydrow athlete; an invitation to become a Henley Royal Regatta Steward; and collaborations with A Most Beautiful Thing Inclusion Fund, new boathouses, and other projects centered around expanding the sport of rowing.

Many thanks to our fabulous sponsors:

Burnham Boat Slings - mention the podcast at a regatta for some Burnham swag!
Resolute Racing & Sykes USA - our producer rows a LW Sykes - try it out on the Charles River!
GoodInklings Web Design & Management - mention the podcast for a free website audit!
Pierce Press Publishing & Podcasting - wholesale discounts to 55% for podcast listeners!

#rowingpodcast

USRowCon23: Janice Holzman, Row New York

Charlotte Pierce — Fri, 10 Feb 2023 10:17:31 -0500

Boathouse fundraising got you flummoxed? Fear not - we caught up with Row New York's Janice Holzman between sessions at USRowing Convention 2023. She gave us a new perspective on an element essential to the operation of many boathouses.

As a non-profit sector senior executive with 20+ years of fundraising, communications, partnership building and political advocacy experience, Janice serves as the Vice President of Development & Communications for Row New York, an organization that, through the discipline of rowing and academic support, transforms the lives of young New Yorkers. Prior to this role, she was the Director of Development for Global Kids.

Many thanks to our fabulous sponsors:

Burnham Boat Slings - mention the podcast at a regatta for some Burnham swag!
Resolute Racing & Sykes USA - our producer rows a LW Sykes - try it out on the Charles River!
GoodInklings Web Design & Management - mention the podcast for a free website audit!
Pierce Press Publishing & Podcasting - wholesale discounts to 55% for podcast listeners!

#rowingpodcast #rownewyork #janiceholzman

USRowCon23: "A Long Talk" with Kamal Carter & Kyle Williams

Ready, Row! USA — Thu, 09 Feb 2023 09:00:00 -0500

"A Long Talk" founders Kyle Williams, Chief Empowerment Officer, and Kamal Carter, President, call themselves "just a couple of black fathers." Since starting the ALT movement in 2020, they have worked with rowing programs across the country including Washington, Columbia, and Three Rivers, as well as Fortune 500 corporations and leading universities.

Along with their colleague Matt Logue, their lunchtime keynote at USRowing Convention helped us reflect and understand systemic oppression and discrimination in our sport and in American society. We left the discussion inspired, motivated, and with a little more to think about than our sport, and they expanded on these themes in our livestream. Please let us know your impressions.

More details on our USRowing Convention coverage on the Ready, Row! USA website.

Many thanks to our fabulous sponsors:

Burnham Boat Slings - mention the podcast at a regatta for some Burnham swag!
Resolute Racing & Sykes USA - our producer rows a LW Sykes - try it out on the Charles River!
GoodInklings Web Design & Management - mention the podcast for a free website audit!
Pierce Press Publishing & Podcasting - wholesale discounts to 55% for podcast listeners!

#rowingpodcast #alongtalk #anti-racism

USRowCon23: Holly Austin, ReadySetRow

Ready, Row! USA — Wed, 08 Feb 2023 15:55:25 -0500

Live from USRowing Convention 2023, we talked with Holly Austin, founder & head coach at Ready Set Row.

Holly explains the approach of RSR: "In expanding your comfort zone, you and are able to push a little harder with each effort. In order to reach your full potential, you must learn how to be more brave to take risks, and to face fear. As well, you must learn self-compassion to manage challenges, failure and defeat."'

Image credit: Brave Your Fear podcast

Many thanks to our fabulous sponsors:

Burnham Boat Slings - mention the podcast at a regatta for some Burnham swag!
Resolute Racing & Sykes USA - our producer rows a LW Sykes - try it out on the Charles River!
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Pierce Press Publishing & Podcasting - wholesale discounts to 55% for podcast listeners!
Find the full schedule, links, & extras from our #rowcon23 interviews at https://readyrowusa.com/usrowcon23.

Catch the livestream & replays on our YouTube channel & subscribe on your favorite podcast apps: Spotify, Google, Apple, Stitcher, SoundCloud, & more! If you like what you hear, consider subscribing, reviewing, and like, comment, & share, it really helps get the word out about our guests who are changing lives through their work in rowing.

#rowingpodcast #readysetrow #usrowing

USRowCon23: John Gartin, Collegiate Rowing Coaches Assn.

Ready, Row! USA — Wed, 08 Feb 2023 15:35:43 -0500

John Gartin is Director of the Collegiate Rowers & Coaches Assn., Former Head Coach Nova Southeastern Women's Rowing, also coached at Oklahoma, Dallas United, and San Diego Rowing Club.

Many thanks to our fabulous sponsors:

Burnham Boat Slings - mention the podcast at a regatta for some Burnham swag!
Resolute Racing & Sykes USA - our producer rows a LW Sykes - try it out on the Charles River!
GoodInklings Web Design & Management - mention the podcast for a free website audit!
Pierce Press Publishing & Podcasting - wholesale discounts to 55% for podcast listeners!

Find the full schedule, links, & extras from our #rowcon23 interviews at https://readyrowusa.com/usrowcon23.

#rowingpodcast
#crca #collegerowing
#rowingcoach

USRowCon23: Fabio Selvig Tells the Filippi Story

Ready, Row! USA — Wed, 08 Feb 2023 14:14:54 -0500

Interview with Fabio Selvig, Filippi Director of Marketing

Filippi is a primary sponsor of USRowing Convention 2023

Filippi Boats (Cantiere Navale Filippi Lido S.R.L.) is an International manufacturer of rowing racing shells, based in Italy. The company was founded in 1980 by Lido Filippi.

Today, the running of the boatyard is undertaken by Lido Filippi’s son David; the yard employs 60 technicians and produces just over 1100 boats each year, which supply Federations worldwide. Approximately 70% of athletes at the elite level choose to race in Filippi boats, and recently the US National team has also chosen to race in Filippi boats, under an official sponsorship agreement that runs through the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Filippi offers the widest selection of hulls available, with 70 different hulls to choose from. When you choose a Filippi, you are choosing a boat that is as close to custom made as possible, and that is built to the highest standards. Filippi-the choice of Champions.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Filippi_Boats#

#RowingPodcast

USRowCon23: From 776BC to the Future

Ready, Row! USA — Wed, 08 Feb 2023 13:58:57 -0500

776BC Performance Apparel's Dave Powers started rowing in college at Boston University and has had a career spanning 35+ years in the sporting goods industry with a focus on sales, marketing and account management. Starting his career in 1989 as the National Sales Manager for Saucony Running shoes based in Peabody, MA., he eventually moved to Germany to take the role as International Sales Manager where he was responsible for the growth of Sauconys European business.

After 17 years, he transitioned into the cycling industry where he has had numerous roles working for a number of premium cycling brands. Now Dave is working with 776BC to bring the best-in-class rowing gear to North America. When not in the office or on his bike, Dave can be found in his single, enjoying a cold Ommegang beer with Joan his wife, or reading the latest Brad Thor book.

You'll find all the deets for our #rowcon23 coverage at https://readyrowusa.com/rowcon23

USRowCon23: Jalen Baldwin, Changemaker & Coach

Ready, Row! USA — Wed, 08 Feb 2023 13:13:00 -0500

Meet 20-year-old Jalen Baldwin, SteadyState Network Changemaker Scholarship Winner to the USRowing Convention & Coach at the Cleveland Foundry Jrs., Cleveland, OH. One of our favorite interviews - Jalen shines!

Many thanks to our fabulous sponsors:

Burnham Boat Slings - mention the podcast at a regatta for some Burnham swag!
Resolute Racing & Sykes USA - our producer rows a LW Sykes - try it out on the Charles River!
GoodInklings Web Design & Management - mention the podcast for a free website audit!
Pierce Press Publishing & Podcasting - wholesale discounts to 55% for podcast listeners!

#rowingpodcast

USRowCon23: Rick Bayko, US LW Indoor Champion 75+

Charlotte Pierce — Tue, 07 Feb 2023 18:27:16 -0500

Rick Bayko is the new US Indoor LW Champion for ages 75+. A member of Community Rowing Boston Military & Veterans Crew, RIck trains consistently throughout the winter and enjoys competing all over the US and the world. He's recently taken up sculling, as well. RIck will claim that he was the only lightweight entered in the national competition this year, but we pointed out that "you beat the millions who didn't show up." Rick's won his share of competitions and has run 13 marathons.

Many thanks to our fabulous sponsors:

Burnham Boat Slings - mention the podcast at a regatta for some Burnham swag!
Resolute Racing & Sykes USA - our producer rows a LW Sykes - try it out on the Charles River!
GoodInklings Web Design & Management - mention the podcast for a free website audit!
Pierce Press Publishing & Podcasting - wholesale discounts to 55% for podcast listeners!

#rowingpodcast

USRowCon23: Sandra Cardillo, Watuppa Rowing Center

Ready, Row! USA — Tue, 07 Feb 2023 16:29:04 -0500

Our livestreaming on Feb. 4 at #RowCon23 started out with Sandra Cardillo, Director of Rowing and Head Coach at Watuppa Rowing Center in New Bedford, MA. We first met Sandra through her work with the CRI Para and Military & Veterans programs.

Find the full schedule of USRowing Convention coverage on the website. We'll be adding links & updates from guests like Sandra, CRI executive director Ted Benford; Olympic & Hydrow athelte Aquil Abdullah,; 3-time Olympian Mary Whipple of 9th Seat; Holly Austin of Ready, Set Row; Fabio Selvig of Filippi; 776BC's Dave Powers; USRowing Convention organizer Brett Gorman; and many more.

Many thanks to our fabulous sponsors:

Burnham Boat Slings - mention the podcast at a regatta for some Burnham swag!
Resolute Racing & Sykes USA - our producer rows a LW Sykes - try it out on the Charles River!
GoodInklings Web Design & Management - mention the podcast for a free website audit!
Pierce Press Publishing & Podcasting - wholesale discounts to 55% for podcast listeners!

PREVIEW: USRowing Convention 2023

Ready, Row! USA — Tue, 31 Jan 2023 08:18:24 -0500

Join us for a virtual tour of the venue, speakers, and topic highlights with Brett Gorman, Director of Learning & Development at USRowing.

Ready, Row! USA is once again a media partner for #RowCon23, and we'd love to hear your rowing story at the first in-person gathering of the movers & shakers & regular folks of rowing.

Stop by our mobile studio at the convention or book your interview in advance (recommended) at https://readyrowusa.com/USRowCon23: https://readyrowusa.com/usrowcon23/, where you will also find the livestream replay.

Many thanks to our fabulous sponsors:

Burnham Boat Slings - mention the podcast at a regatta for some Burnham swag!
Resolute Racing & Sykes USA - our producer rows a LW Sykes - try it out on the Charles River!
GoodInklings Web Design & Management - mention the podcast for a free website audit!
Pierce Press Publishing & Podcasting - wholesale discounts to 55% for podcast listeners!

S5E1: Vision for an Inclusive Future: HP Para Rowing in 2023

Ready, Row! USA — Fri, 27 Jan 2023 15:28:03 -0500

Welcome to Season 5 of Ready, Row! USA! We kick off our 2023 coverage with an interview with one of the rowing world's most admired figures: USRowing para high-performance director Ellen Minzner (replay on the website & audio on all major podcast apps).

Minzner discusses how US Paralympic rowing is embarking on groundbreaking research that will not only benefit the Paralympic program, but will have ripple effects for inclusive rowing programs everywhere. More on the research & associated grant here.

PLUS: Minzner previews her presentation on para/adaptive athlete development at USRowing's #RowCon23 on Sat. Feb. 4: Athlete Development: Para Athlete Development Model.

#rowingpodcast #pararowing #paralympic

UPCOMING: Ocean Rowing with Rannoch Adventure's CEO Charlie Pitcher; Jason Cottingham's interview with solo Atlantic Challenge rower Lara Vafiadis; and a full 3 days of interviews with the movers & shakers - and regular folks - of rowing at #RowCon23, USRowing's return to in-person annual gatherings; plus our regular Club Spotlights, Gadgets & Gear, and much more.

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OCEAN SERIES: Antigua Island Girls Take on the Pacific

ReadyRowUSA.com — Thu, 06 Oct 2022 14:45:59 -0400

The team of four—Christal Clashing, Elvira Bell, Kevinia Francis and Samara Emmanuel—will compete in the inaugural Pacific Challenge in 2023. Atlantic Campaigns, the official race organizers of the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge, is also organizing this initiative. The Pacific Challenge is a 2,800 nautical mile race from Monterey Bay in California to Nawiliwili Harbor in Kauai, Hawaii. The challenge begins on June 12, 2023.

Team Antigua Island Girls launched their Pacific2023 campaign at a press conference on January 24, 2021, at the Antigua and Barbuda Football Association’s Headquarters at Paynters, with the tagline Back on the Row Again.

Team Antigua Island Girls acknowledged that, much like their first, history-making row in the 2018-19 Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge, reaching the start line is its own journey. Fundraising activities are ramping up, and the team has begun the training—both physical and mental—as they learned from their freshman experience that it takes more mental strength than brawn to get to the finish line.

Our Ocean Rowing Series celebrates the courage and accomplishments of those amazing athletes who choose to row across the ocean. You are invited to join our secure mailing list for episode announcements and to recommend episode topics & speakers. https://readyrowusa.com/episodes

RECOVERY SERIES: World Champion Kirsten Kline Rows with Gratitude

Ready, Row! USA — Wed, 14 Sep 2022 13:18:14 -0400

“I hope to pursue my passion for rowing for the rest of my days,” says Kline, “and I am incredibly grateful for the many life lessons that this beautiful sport has taught me.”

In this episode, we meet Kirsten Kline, the 2021 World Indoor Rowing champion and a Concept 2 World Record Holder. Kline is a 33-year old Alabama native who currently resides in Houston, TX where she works in the O&G industry. She is also a recovering alcoholic, which she believes is a very relevant part of her rowing journey; her battle with addiction brought her to the rowing world.

The Crossfit-erg gateway

Kline was introduced to indoor rowing through the fitness program Crossfit in 2017 and quickly developed a love for it, using indoor rowing as an outlet during her early stages of sobriety. After she "stumbled into" (her words) a few Concept2 world records, she decided to join a rowing club in late 2019 and quickly developed a passion for being on the water.

Challenges of water rowing

After winning the 2021 World Indoor Rowing Championships, Kline decided to shift her competitive focus from indoor rowing to rowing on the water. Kline is currently working intensively with a coach to improve her sculling skills. She plans to one day be competitive on the water and vows not let her age, height or limited experience deter her.

Our Rowing to Recovery Series covers the role of rowing in many types of recovery, from breast cancer to PTSD, to addiction, mental illness, and physical injury. You are invited to join our secure mailing list for episode announcements and to recommend episode topics & speakers.

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PARA SERIES: Jen Fitz-Roy PR1 Heads to Worlds!

Ready, Row! USA — Tue, 13 Sep 2022 14:50:52 -0400

Catch the video replay or listen here to meet Jen Fitz-Roy – elite PR1 adaptive rower, mentor to disabled youth, and fierce advocate for inclusion and disability rights. And now Jen’s on her way to compete for the US National Team in the World Rowing Championships! Jen is a graduate of Boston College and learned to row in CRI’s para program. She now manages the club’s Para and Military Programs.

Since Jen's single sculling boat is not yet an official Paralympic category, she and her coach Beth Noll are on their own to raise funds for national and international competitions. Please contribute if you can!

Fall Head Race Preview with Dietz & Wilson

Ready, Row! USA — Fri, 26 Aug 2022 22:29:21 -0400

It’s that time of year again (a little earlier this year to give you a “heads” up!), when the legendary Jim Dietz and Mark Wilson, founders of All-American Rowing Camp reveal secret strategies, tell fun stories, and inspire you to participate in the great Fall Head races across the US.

They’ll touch on regattas like the Charles, the Fish, the Ohio, the Lake, the Dog, the Schuylkill, the Music, the Hooch, the South, the Colorado, the Cuyahoga, and the latest addition, the brand-new Waco Regatta in Texas.

SPONSOR LINKS

Burnham Boat Slings - mention the podcast at a regatta for some Burnham swag!
Resolute Racing & Sykes USA - our producer rows a LW Sykes - try it out on the Charles River!
GoodInklings Web Design & Management - mention the podcast for a free website audit!
Pierce Press Publishing & Podcasting - wholesale discounts to 55% for podcast listeners!

CLUB SPOTLIGHT: Waco RC Founders Forge Community Connections

Ready, Row! USA — Fri, 29 Jul 2022 17:23:04 -0400

Launched in 2021, the new Waco Rowing Center features a course stretching from the historic bridges of downtown Waco to the picturesque bluffs of Cameron Park.

But wait! Not content to “simply” launch a rowing center, Walton & Scheuritzel decided this was the year to kick off the next great North American fall head race, the first annual 5K Waco Rowing Regatta, on Sunday November 6th, 2022.

Waco Nov. 6 Regatta info & Registration

SPONSOR LINKS

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Resolute Racing & Sykes USA
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Click here for all podcast distribution channels

ADAPTIVE SERIES: Rowers Celebrate Disability Pride Month

Ready, Row! USA — Mon, 25 Jul 2022 17:02:00 -0400

Kerry Kingdon went from ultra marathoner to being told she could no longer run. After eventually being diagnosed with POTS and IST, she received treatment that made her feel ready for competition again. She took a position as adaptive coach at Bair Island Aquatic Center, where she runs an adaptive erg class and rows. Kerry won gold at Indoor National Championships in 2022, 2021, and 2019, Silver at Masters’ Nationals in 2018 and Crew Classic 2019 (PR2 Double).

Coach Patrick Johnson has played a critical leadership role helping Athletes Without Limits achieve its mission for the inclusion of athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities into mainstream sport. Patrick heads up the Athletes Without Limits (AWL)/DC Strokes/Veteran Leaders integrated rowing program, which is also a USRowing Freedom Rows designated Adaptive Program for Disabled Veterans and Members of the Armed Forces. In 2019 Patrick received USRowing’s Isabel Bohn Award for expanding rowing opportunities for those with physical and intellectual disabilities.

#rowingpodcast #livestream #athleteswithoutlimits #disabilitypridemonth

Got an event coming up at your rowing club or organization? Book one of our short, ad hoc “pop-up” livestreams! Use the event submission form and sign up for our mailing list!

SPONSOR LINKS

Burnham Boat Slings
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ARTS SERIES: Jonathan A. Wright: Poet, Craftsman, Rower, Coach

ReadyRowUSA.com — Thu, 07 Jul 2022 14:50:41 -0400

Today, we're talking with Jonathan A. Wright, writer known to his friends as "our local renaissance guy.” Wright is a craftsman and green-building designer. He is the founder of Wright Builders, a firm based in Northampton, MA and known for innovative green design and precise execution.

Jonathan is the author of two volumes of poetry, “After the Rain” and “Coming to Quiet.” He writes, coaches, and rows out of Northampton on the Connecticut River.

He's the real deal.

SPONSOR LINKS

Resolute Racing & Sykes USA
Burnham Boat Slings
GoodInklings Web Design & Management
Pierce Press Publishing & Podcasting

INTERVIEW: Jim Dietz Rowing Center on the Mystic

ReadyRowUSA.com — Wed, 22 Jun 2022 10:13:46 -0400

Join us on this Club Spotlight livestream with Olympic rower & coach Jim Dietz as we discuss the development of his eponymous new Rowing Center in Stonington, CT, scheduled to open in 2024. Livestream 6/22 11am ET on our website; click through for replay & podcast distribution links.

Joining the conversation will be John Thornell, head of Stonington Community Rowing and girls head coach @stoningtoncrew, who has been working closely with Jim Dietz since he came on board the project earlier this year.

"When we complete the Jim Dietz Rowing Center in early 2024, we will be able expand from a competitive junior team of 50-60 kids to offer a range of programs to younger and older people," Thornell said. "Middle-school kids will see a path to row in high school. High school rowers will see alumni (rowing in college) return for summers. It will open up coaching opportunities for those alumni, too. Younger rowers will also see masters rowers and know that this is a lifelong sport for them. It'll be a multi-use center, with a rowing component of up to 500 members."

Transforming Learn-to-Rowers to Long-term Rowers

Ready, Row! USA — Thu, 02 Jun 2022 09:04:18 -0400

As eager new rowers get set to try the sport on National Learn-To-Row Day June 4, Ready, Row! USA takes a look at how boathouses & rowing programs can create successful events and transform these new enthusiasts into long-term rowers and sustaining members.

Boathouses and rowing programs are gearing up for USRowing’s Learn-to-Row Day on Saturday, June 4. Individual clubs have their own schedules for Learn-to-Row (LTR) programs as well, throughout the rowing season. With this annual event in mind, we’re bringing in LTR experts Tara Morgan of Seize the Oar and Dave Harvey of Tacoma Rowing to discuss ways that boathouses and rowing programs can retain these rowing “snackers” and turn them into long-term members who will help sustain the club and promote the benefits of rowing.

When Tara Morgan learned to row, she only stuck with it for two seasons before opting for other sports. But like for many of us, rowing lured her back in. And now, as the founder of Seize the Oar, Tara launched the Global Inclusive Learn to Row Project – an initiative to bring together LTR coaches and students through online video tutorials (from RowSource.com).

Innovative LTR programs that resonate with members of the diverse community of Tacoma, Washington are baked into the operation of the new Tacoma Rowing Club, founded by Dave Harvey. “Basically we do not turn anyone away for any reason,” Dave noted during our TRC Club Spotlight earlier this spring. “If they don’t know how to row, we find a way for them to learn.”

Photo: Paul McCabe, ABCrewTeam.org

Subscribe on our YouTube channel & your favorite podcast apps for notifications of this and future episodes, and use the #ReadyRowUSA hashtag on social media for a chance to win cool rowing gadgets & services!

Row Away: Rowing Travel Tips in 2022

ReadyRowUSA.com — Thu, 12 May 2022 11:20:07 -0400

Get away and make some memories this summer & fall! Our experts will give you last-minute inspiration for memorable rowing adventure travel in 2022.

Listen on your podcast app or watch the replay for some last-minute planning secrets & strategies from seasoned guides & travelers Ruth Marr CEO of Rowing the World and Mark Wilson, co-founder of All-American Rowing Camp.

Ruth & Mark will focus on 1) last-minute travel opportunities, 2) secrets for successful trips, and 3) benefits of rowing travel.

Subscribe to #ReadyRowUSA on our YouTube & your podcast apps for notifications of this and future episodes, and use our hashtag on social media to win cool rowing gadgets & services!

*** PLEASE NOTE: Got an event coming up at your rowing club or organization? Book one of our short, ad hoc “pop-up” livestreams! Use the event submission form and sign up for our mailing list!

SPONSOR LINKS

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Pierce Press Publishing & Podcasting

The Rise of Tacoma Rowing

Ready, Row! USA — Thu, 21 Apr 2022 13:56:01 -0400

This Club Spotlight Pop-Up focuses on the innovations & community connections that are part of the DNA at the new Tacoma Rowing Club. Our guest Dave Harvey, coaches and is a founder of the club.

“In the shadow of Mount Tahoma, we strive to be a program that truly reflects the diversity and strength of our community.” – Tacoma Rowing website.

Tacoma Rowing’s coach & founder Dave Harvey join us on this livestream “pop-up” to bring us up-to-date on this new club, which is committed to creating an atmosphere of inclusion and removing the barriers that have historically made the sport of rowing exclusive.

“We believe that the long-term development of our youth, mentally, physically and emotionally, will unlock their inherent potential,” says Dave.

*** PLEASE NOTE: This is one of our short, ad hoc “pop-up” livestreams – book one for your club or organization on the website! Bookmark this site for updated show notes & links – and earn some swag for joining our mailing list!

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Remote Coxswain "Sees" for Blind Scullers

Ready, Row! USA — Thu, 14 Apr 2022 14:00:00 -0400

First in a series on Adaptive Tech for Rowing - send us your ideas!

We first met Bob Berry, inventor of The Remote Coxswain, in 2019, when he brought his relatively new invention to Community Rowing in Boston, for some testing and demonstrations. His adaptive rowing tool allows individuals who are visually impaired to participate in water activities that involve rowing - even single sculling!

Since then, Bob Berry's device has been featured on NPR, RowPerfect UK, Hear the Boat Sing - and now Ready, Row! USA.

You are invited to post comments & questions on all our livestreams, at before & during the show for our guest to answer in real time! Check the https://readyrowusa.com/remote-coxswain for updated show notes, video clips & replay links. Please review & subscribe on your favorite podcast app.

THANK YOU FOR VISITING OUR SPONSORS!

Burnham Boat Slings
GoodInklings Web Design & Management
Pierce Press Books - Oceans Alive! Book 2 in The Mystical Magical Abracadabracal Daniel McDougal McDouglas McFly series due out this summer for ages 4-9.

The Arts of Rowing: Film, Printmaking, Painting, Books

Ready, Row! USA — Tue, 29 Mar 2022 21:01:03 -0400

Click HERE for livestream video replay (includes artists' images!)

How do rower/artists express their perception, experience, and feeling for the sport in their work?

We'll be exploring the intersection of art & athletics with this episode's guests: filmmaker and videographer Eamon Glavin; sculptor and printmaker Nancy Diessner; painter & photographer Susan Wood; and author Dan Boyne. All four are masters rowers and Glavin, Wood, & Boyne are rowing coaches. Click through to YouTube to watch the replay; and check the website for updated show notes, livestream watch links & audio podcast links, and please share to your art- and sports-loving friends!

ARTIST LINKS:

PLEASE VISIT OUR SPONSORS!

Burnham Boat Slings
GoodInklings Web Design & Management
Pierce Press Books - Oceans Alive! Book 2 in The Mystical Magical Abracadabracal Daniel McDougal McDouglas McFly series due out this summer for ages 4-9.

"Foar From Home" Rows the Atlantic for Vets

ReadyRowUSA.com — Tue, 08 Mar 2022 20:00:00 -0500

In this episode, hosts Ryan Worth and Jason Cottingham talk with the intrepid athletes of Team "Foar From Home,"who have just completed the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge, raising upwards of $1 million for K9s For Warriors, which trains service dogs for veteran PTSD treatment and suicide prevention.

EPISODE SPONSOR: The Wave Rowing Magazine - the free resource for all types of open-water and coastal rowers. Issue #10 free to download as a PDF or flip-book.

The annual Atlantic Challenge race from La Gomera to Antigua brings together 30+ teams from all genders, many walks of life, and different abilities, "united by the same objective: to take on the unique challenge of crossing an ocean in a rowing boat." Many athletes involved are raising funds for charity.

Groundbreaking 2011 Atlantic rower Suzanne Pinto joins the @foar_from_home livestream toward the end of the hour for a celebration of International Women's Day. At the time, she was the oldest female to row across the Atlantic. And she's done some mighty interesting things since then! "I'd do it again in a heartbeat," she told us.

Hosts and episode producers: Past Atlantic rower Ryan Worth of Glide Boats USA and Jason Cottingham, founder of the new Rowing Parts Supply, Inc. We go live to @readyrowusa YouTube, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Click here for the livestream video player & updated details. We love audience participation, before AND after the livestream, so comment at will!

Photo credit: Atlantic Campaigns

THANKS TO OUR FABULOUS SPONSORS for helping us keep the lights on!

Ocean Rowing: "Team Pacific Boys"

Ready, Row! USA — Fri, 04 Mar 2022 14:00:00 -0500

Every year in mid-December about 30 teams take on the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge (#TWAC), considered the toughest rowing challenge in the world. Starting in La Gomera (Canary Islands) the course tracks over the Atlantic to Antigua (Caribbean) for a distance of 4,800 km over 30-75 days.

We talk with Jonathan Harrison, captain of "The Pacific Boys," the team of four Seattle men who first brought our attention to this amazing sport. The team raised funds for Assistance League of Seattle, which helps under-resourced students in the greater metro area.

EPISODE SPONSOR: The Wave Rowing Magazine - the free resource for all types of open-water and coastal rowers. Issue #10 free to download as a PDF or flip-book.

#oceanrowing #atlanticchallenge #rowing #rowingpodcast #pacificboys #readyrowusa

Ocean Rowing: "Team Wrekin Rowers"

Ready, Row! USA — Wed, 02 Mar 2022 18:22:22 -0500

In this series of "pop-up" livestreams, we're spotlighting some of the intrepid crews from the 2021-22 Atlantic Challenge, in the run-up to our March 8 Ocean Rowing episode.

Stuart Shepherd tells the story of "Wrekin Rowers." For 40+ days, Shepherd, along with Martin Skehan, Stuart Richards & Gary Richards, all in their 50's, rowed the 3000+ miles across the Atlantic Ocean to benefit two UK charities, the Royal National Institute for the Blind and Severn Hospice.

EPISODE SPONSOR: The Wave Rowing Magazine - the free resource for all types of open-water and coastal rowers. Issue #10 free to download as a PDF or flip-book.

#oceanrowing
#atlanticchallenge
#pacificboys
#foarfromhome
#prowjectx
#wrekinrowers
#foarfromhome
#rowingpodcast
#rowing

Ocean Rowing: "Team PRowjectX"

Ready, Row! USA — Wed, 02 Mar 2022 14:34:25 -0500

Rowing. Across the Atlantic Ocean. No breaks. 70+ days. How in the world do people sign on for a project like this?

Every year in mid-December about 30 teams of 1 to 5 do just that, and take on the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge (#TWAC), considered the toughest rowing challenge in the world. Starting in La Gomera (Canary Islands) the course tracks over the Atlantic to Antigua (Caribbean) for a distance of 4,800 km over 30-75 days.

We talk with Sonja Graf and Marina Hunziker of the Swiss team PRowjectX as we celebrate International Women's Month in the build-up to the March 8, 7 pm ET Ocean Rowing episode (https://readyrowusa.com/ocean-rowing).

Team website: https://www.prowjectx.ch/en_challengefaq.html
Photo credit: Penny Bird, Atlantic Campaigns https://taliskerwhiskyatlanticchallenge.com
Series sponsor: https://thewaverowing.com - THANK YOU!

#oceanrowing #atlanticchallenge #rowing #rowingpodcast #internationalwomensday #womensathletics

Institute for Rowing Leadership Returns to Community Rowing

ReadyRowUSA.com — Mon, 31 Jan 2022 20:50:20 -0500

This livestreamed on Feb. 15, 2PM Eastern Time! Click here to watch the video replay and post comments & questions!

The Institute for Rowing Leadership at Community Rowing, Inc. in Boston was founded to equip rowing coaches for excellence and leadership in coaching and in life. Today, we talk with CRI’s Senior Manager of Coaching Education, CB Sands-Bohrer, about the 2022 re-launch of this acclaimed program.

“Beyond the vast knowledge I gained in every aspect of rowing over my intensive year at the IRL; from rigging to recruiting, from programs to purchasing, from novices to nutrition, the greatest benefit above all others was the doors the IRL opened and contacts I was able to make. Being taught by, and being able to reach out to, National athletes, elite coaches and legends of the sport for advice & input on anything from boat repair to blade selection has been invaluable in my first season as a Rowing Director & Head Coach - a position I secured 3 days after graduating from the IRL." - IRL Fellow 2019

The Advanced Certificate in Rowing Leadership is a 10-month, graduate-level fellowship program where fellows gain a broad rowing knowledge, and a substantial volume of experiential learning. Participants are guided by reflective practice and supported by Community Rowing’s extensive network of instructors and mentors. Graduates develop the wide array of skills needed to become successful leaders and coaches.

Updated show notes on the ReadyRowUSA blog post.

THANKS TO OUR FABULOUS SPONSORS for helping us keep the lights on!

Pocock's Camp Lucy Changes Lives

ReadyRowUSA.com — Mon, 31 Jan 2022 13:15:00 -0500

In our Ready, Row! USA “Pop-up Podcast” on Monday, Jan. 31, Zoe Vais from the George Pocock Rowing Foundation drops by to talk about their Camp Lucy program. Audio posted to podcast apps immediately after the livestream.

This new program of GPRF aims to empower confident, strong, healthy young women and share out the Pocock philosophy of “harmony, balance, and rhythm” for rowing and life.

Camp Lucy honors the legacy of Lucy Pocock, George Pocock’s sister and an early pioneer of women’s rowing.

Take advantage of these short “pop-up” interviews to spotlight what’s going on at your rowing club and share news about innovative new programs like Camp Lucy. Visit our website to learn more and book your own!

CLUB SPOTLIGHT: Spokane River Rowing

ReadyRowUSA.com — Mon, 17 Jan 2022 10:00:00 -0500

Board member Bobbi Kizer, DEI committee chair of the Spokane River Rowing Assn. joins us for our first Club Spotlight “Pop-Up Podcast” of 2022! During this discussion, we learn how the small but mighty Spokane River Rowing Association is baking access and inclusion into the DNA and mission of their club.

Spokane River Rowing Association is looking forward to its 19th year of operation in the upcoming 2022 season. SRRA provides masters rowing 3 days a week, 6 months of the year, and two-week Learn-to-Row sessions in the summer for those interested in joining SRRA, but who have no prior rowing experience.

SRRA invites donations to fulfill their goals to diversify and expand rowing in the Inland Northwest. Those goals include a boathouse leased or owned and operated by Spokane River Rowing Association, as well as open rowing, youth and ADA rowing and winter training sessions that are currently limited by liability issues.

Click here to book a Spotlight for your own club or program! These are short, low-key conversations – no prep required. We love it when people post comments before or during the livestream so our panelists can answer them in real time, so we invite you to visit the YouTube, Facebook, or LinkedInevents to post questions for our guests!

LINKS TO OUR FABULOUS SPONSORS:

Row for Your Life! - ROWAPALOOZA #7

ReadyRowUSA.com — Thu, 30 Dec 2021 21:00:00 -0500

Our final ROWAPALOOZA episode for 2021 is all about incorporating rowing in your commitment to and practice of lifetime fitness.

We are excited to host fitness experts Nick Karwoski of Hydrow and Tagalong With A Pro and Blake Gourley from the Science of Rowing. Spokane River Rowing Association member Marnie Schroer joins to give her person-in-the-boat perspective on physical rehab and the reality of fitness for masters rowers. And we may have a few surprise guests!

Be sure to subscribe on YouTube, LinkedIn, Facebook to get notice of when we go live or sign up on your favorite audio podcast app. The handy-dandy links are all on our website.

*** Thank you for tuning in to ROWAPALOOZA, the 3rd year/100th episode celebration of the Ready, Row! USA livestream and podcast! As always, the latest show notes and links, including giveaways and discounts from our guests, can be found on the website. ***

The Makers of Rowing - ROWAPALOOZA #6

ReadyRowUSA.com — Wed, 29 Dec 2021 21:00:00 -0500

hank you for tuning in to ROWAPALOOZA, the 3rd year/100th episode celebration of the Ready, Row! USA livestream and podcast! As always, the latest show notes and links, including giveaways and discounts from our guests, can be found on our website.

It's been quite a couple of years for all companies, and the rowing industry is no exception!

Ali Abrams of the go-to rowing apparel maker JLRacing and Fabio Selvig of Resolute Racing Shells and Sykes USA discuss recent disruptions in the supply chain, the outlook for pricing, US-based and offshore sourcing, and how the pandemic has affected their operations from Bristol, Rhode Island (Resolute), to Australia (Sykes), to El Salvador (JL).

Be sure to subscribe on YouTube, LinkedIn, Facebook to get notice of when we go live or sign up on your favorite audio podcast app. The handy-dandy links are all on our website.

Ali and Fabio take a frank look at the near- and long-term outlook for makers of rowing shells, equipment, clothing, and accessories. They also examine how the current environment in manufacturing trickles down to individual rowers in terms of availability, price, and quality.

Including All, Expanding Access - ROWAPALOOZA #5

ReadyRowUSA.com — Tue, 28 Dec 2021 21:00:00 -0500

"Change is hard at first, messy in the middle, and gorgeous at the end." ~ Robin Sharma

What do we need to do to widen access to rowing and create a shared experience of this sport? Our two guests for the Dec. 28 "New & Different Strokes" #rowapalooza episode have rolled up their sleeves and taken up this challenge in very real, practical, and effective ways.

Be sure to subscribe on YouTube, LinkedIn, Facebook to get notice of when we go live or sign up on your favorite audio podcast app. The handy-dandy links are all on our website.

Matt "Hellbent on Change" Zatorski, founder of Seattle Scullers & Longterm Rower Development will get into the nitty gritty of implementing change with William Goldenheim, director of the new North Shore Maritime Center rowing club. William tells us that NSMC aims to "change the face of water sports and maritime education by removing access barriers for people" in the shoreline communities north of Boston.

Rowing Customer Service Hall of Fame - ROWAPALOOZA #4

Charlotte Pierce — Wed, 15 Dec 2021 21:00:00 -0500

ROWAPALOOZA #4: Announcing the Ready, Row! USA Customer Service Hall of Fame!

Outstanding customer service should be rewarded. On the Dec. 15 episode, we introduced our new Ready, Row! USA Customer Service Hall of Fame with representatives from three of the companies in the premiere cohort: Joe Rakosky of Nielsen-Kellerman, Rachel Freedman of RowSource, and Peter Kermond of Burnham Boat.

Be sure to subscribe on YouTube, LinkedIn, Facebook to get notice of when we go live or sign up on your favorite audio podcast app. The handy-dandy links are all on our website.

The Hall of Fame idea started as a tribute to the remarkable commitment to service that is clearly baked into the culture of companies like Burnham Boat, RowSource, NK, Resolute/Sykes, Faster Masters, Rowing the World, All-American Rowing Camp, and the others in our premiere cohort.

But we're not stopping there! We plan to add Hall of Fame members on a regular basis. Besides the personal experience of our contributors, crew, and guests, recommendations from listeners will help us identify companies that should be honored. Use the contact form to tell us who you think should be in the HOF, and why!

A full roll-out of the new HOF web page is coming in January!

My Rowing Life: Careers in Rowing - ROWAPALOOZA #3

ReadyRowUSA.com — Tue, 14 Dec 2021 16:42:00 -0500

ROWAPALOOZA #3: Celebrating 3 years & 100 episodes! "My Rowing Life: Careers in Rowing"

Taking over the studio for our third ROWAPALOOZA party are Tom Siddall, Angelica Greene, and Ryan Worth. These three do "all the things" in rowing - from coaching and more coaching, to accessories manufacturing, to boat transport, rowing travel, learn-to-row, advocating for inclusion, rowing boat sales, boat repair, umpiring & organizing at regattas - can you tell that these folks love the sport?!

Tom Siddall is a coach at CRI, Tufts, USRowing ODP & Para National Team; "Gel" Greene is an artist, longtime rower, and founder of GelPads; and Ryan Worth reps for Glide Boats USA, referees for USRowing, and coaches for All-American Rowing Camp.

Tom, Gel, and Ryan will help us celebrate 3 years and 100 episodes of our rowing obsession at Ready, Row! USA and settle the question once and for all, the one true and only spelling of "way 'nuff."

#rowingpodcast #livestream #chattanooga #communityrowing #tuftsrowing #collegiaterowing #mastersrowng #sculling #sweeps #rowngcrew #rowingcoach #squeakyoarlock #glideboats #siddallperformance #allamericanrowingcamp #boattransport #rowingreferee #gelpads See less

What Makes a Great Rowing Club? - ROWAPALOOZA #2

ReadyRowUSA.com — Wed, 08 Dec 2021 16:22:00 -0500

ROWAPALOOZA #2: "What Makes a Great Rowing Club?"

The party continues! Our Dec. 8 celebration brought together Aquil Abdullah, Olympic rower now at Hydrow; and Jim Dietz & Mark Wilson of All-American Rowing Camp. These guys have been to a lot of rowing clubs in their travels; tune in for some interesting stories!

Be sure to subscribe on YouTube, LinkedIn, Facebook to get notice of when we go live or sign up on your favorite audio podcast app. The handy-dandy links are all on our website.

Remember to use the hashtag #ReadyRowUSA as you travel around the internet and socials. You never know when you might win a cool rowing gadget, great, or service!

As always, the latest information and updated show notes will be at https://readyrowusa.com/rowapalooza.

#rowing #podcast #rowingpodcast #readyrowusa #rowapalooza #allamericanrowingcamp #jimdietz #markwilson #aquilabdullah

Building Community - ROWAPALOOZA #1

ReadyRowUSA.com — Fri, 03 Dec 2021 23:47:00 -0500

ROWAPALOOZA #1: "Building Community, One Pandemic at a Time"

THIS EPISODE brings together Ruth Marr, Rowing the World; Matthew Lacey, executive director of the Rowing Industry Trade Assn.; and Ami Mehr, race director at the Head of the Charles Regatta. The trio discussed how rowers, organizations like Head of the Charles, and the companies that serve the sport are emerging/dealing with the pandemic. Is it over? What do we do if it's not? How about the supply chain and rower safety? Terrific guess, lively discussion.

Subscribe on our YouTube channel for notifications of these and future episodes! 12/8: "Great Rowing Clubs," with Jim Dietz & Mark Wilson/AARC & Aquil Abdullah Hydrow athlete & newly elected Royal Henley Steward; 12/14: "My Rowing Life," with Ryan Worth/GlideBoats & AARC, Gel Greene/GelPads; and Tom Siddall, coach at CRI, Tufts & USRowing Para & ODP; 12/15: Customer Service Hall of Fame with Peter Kermond, owner of Burnham Boat, Rachel Freedman of RowSource and Steady State, and Joe Racosky, customer service genius at NKSports; 12/28: "New & Different Strokes," with Matt Zatorski of Seattle Scullers/LTRD; and William Goldenheim, director of the new North Shore Maritime Center in Lynn, MA; 12/29: "The Makers" like Ali Abrams of JLRacing and Fabio Selvig of Resolute/Sykes who make the things we row with; and 12/30: "Row for Your Life," a discussion of lifetime fitness with Nick Karwoski, Hydrow athlete & Tagalong with a Pro; Marnie Schroer of Spokane River Rowing Assn.; and Blake Gourley, exalted geek at the Science of Rowing. AND THEN, on to 2022 and our 4th year!

Remember to use the hashtags #ReadyRowUSA and #ROWAPALOOZA as you travel around the internet and socials. It's a handy way to let us know when you want to bring something to our attention! And you never know when you might win a cool rowing gadget, great, or service! Subscribe on our YouTube channel for notifications of new episodes!

Replays for all seven Dec. 2021 ROWAPALOOZA episodes, plus updated show notes, podcast topic submission forms, and details about giveaways & discounts from our ROWAPALOOZA guests can be found at https://readyrowusa.com/rowapalooza. Be sure to subscribe to get notice of when we go live, during ROWAPALOOZA and going forward. And just in time for a holiday gift giving, each of the episodes will include additions to "Gadgets & Gear" feature.

#rowing #podcast #rowingpodcast #readyrowusa #rowapalooza #ready-row-usa #hocr1965 #rowing-industry-trade-association #rowingthworld #rowingchat #giveaways #discounts #rowinggear #ready-row-usa
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USRowing 2021 Annual Convention - PREVIEW

Ready, Row! USA — Mon, 15 Nov 2021 16:26:20 -0500

EPISODE #99: 2021 USRowing Annual Convention Preview

As part of our continued media partnership with USRowing, Ready, Row! USA connects with event organizers Sarah McAuliffe and Samantha Wonderlin for our annual preview of the upcoming 2021 (virtual) Convention, once again virtual this year.

Click here for detailed convention schedule

McAuliffe & Wonderlin will take us behind the scenes at the Dec. 7-11 event – how to register, what to attend, who to *virtually* connect with, and how all this information relates to your rowing activities and your efforts to “lead through change” – the Convention’s theme this year.

NOTE: We’ll be live-blogging throughout the Convention – follow #ReadyRowUSA for a chance to win rowing services, products, and a shout-out or spotlight for your favorite rowing club!

McAuliffe, who is Director of Event Planning & Services for USRowing, and Wonderlin, Marketing & Sponsorship Associate, will also give us a sneak peek at their work pivoting and planning a second Virtual Convention after 2021’s “summer of uncertainty.”

READY, ROW! USA SPONSORS: Sykes Racing Shells & Burnham Boat

EPISODE HASHTAGS: #RowCon21 #ReadyRowUSA

We simulcast Ready, Row! USA live to our YouTube channel, LinkedIn, and Facebook. The show is then distributed via Transistor to all major audio podcast apps. Our livestreams work best when our audience post comments before or during the livestream so our panelists can answer them in real time. Comment at will! We invite you to join our mailing list to securely receive notifications of new shows & advance content.

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The STEM of Rowing, with Neil Bergenroth

ReadyRowUSA.com — Mon, 01 Nov 2021 19:00:00 -0400

"I'm looking forward to discussing our approach to integrating STEM into rowing as a part of our effort to expand the reach of rowing and provide a more diverse and inclusive community. I believe that integrating curriculum is the way forward and creating real-world applicable experiences are vital for a student’s learning journey.." - Neil Bergenroth, gRow Tulsa Coach, Science Teacher & STEM app developer

Don't miss this episode if you are involved or interested in the intersection of education and youth rowing!

Coach Neil Bergenroth of Tulsa Youth Rowing & CoachBergenroth.com has developed an app and a program to teach science, technology, engineering, and math through rowing.

Since we met Neil in 2019 at the #USRowing Convention (thanks to Tara Morgan), we have been amazed at his focus, persistence, and creativity in pursuing this passion and igniting the spark of learning in young people.

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Please stay tuned for some of the exciting things we're planning for our 100th / 3-year anniversary combo Rowapalooza in early December! (And for our 99th on 11/10, a preview of the USRowing Convention!)

Linda Muri Goes to Hollywood (ish)

Charlotte Pierce — Wed, 27 Oct 2021 12:54:30 -0400

Ready, Row! USA #97: Linda Muri Goes to Hollywood(ish)

[SCENE: Fall of 2019, on the movie set]
Less than a week after the 2019 Head of the Charles, accomplished athlete & coach Linda Muri finds herself spending a week in LA (not *that* LA -Louisiana LA) teaching a group of actors how to row.

[SCENE: Five weeks later, still on the movie set]
Much to her surprise, Linda is still on the set as filming wraps up on the independent film, then called "Swing." Her role has morphed from running a 5-day rowing camp to daily rowing consultant.

[SCENE: FIve weeks later, USRowing Convention 2019]
LInda Muri sits down for an interview with #ReadyRowUSA about her work as the rowing consultant on "Swing." We are fascinated! We want to be in the movies!

[SCENE: Fall of 2021, Head of the Charles]
Back at HOCR, we learn that the movie (formerly Swing) is being released as "Heart of Champions" this Oct 29. We book this interview and get the inside scoop!

I bet you have questions. Listen and ask Linda!

#heartofchampionsmovie
#realcoaching
#realrowing
#rowingmovie
#lindamuri
#verticalentertainment

OFFICIAL MOVIE TRAILER

Coaching Different Strokes at RMU & Three Rivers Rowing

Charlotte Pierce — Wed, 27 Oct 2021 12:17:49 -0400

One of the a growing number (but still-rare) of female head coaches at collegiate rowing programs, Carol Schoenecker recently stepped up as the head coach at Robert Morris University, shortly after completing her doctoral thesis.

Carol comes from a teaching background and "fell in love with coaching because of all of the tremendous opportunities there are to utilize rowing, not only as a platform for widespread social change, but to build on social-emotional learning skills and (this is my newest research area) combat the effects of trauma."

In the summer of 2021, Carol finished her doctoral program in Educational Leadership with a specific research focus on the narratives, stories, and experiences of four Black female rowers (her own athletes) rowing for and attending a predominantly white institution.

"The whole process was transformational, not only for myself as a coach," Carol admits, "but for kickstarting a collaborative, rowing-based culturally open curriculum embedded within our team culture and training plan. We have a social-justice chair as part of our team leadership committee who has been writing the curriculum alongside me."

Carol is also currently on the board at Three Rivers Rowing Association and the chair of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion subcommittee at that club. The program has just re-written the strategic plan for their youth outreach program and Carol notes, "I'm pretty excited to actually start getting into middle schools around the City of Pittsburgh now that Covid19-restrictions are easing."

Heads UP! Fall 2021 Head Racing Preview

PiercePress.com/Podcasts — Tue, 21 Sep 2021 11:18:36 -0400

Ready, Row! USA Episode #95

Join legendary coaches & athletes Jim Dietz and Mark Wilson for a lively discussion full of insight, good stories, and practical tips for the fall head racing season - from the venerable Head of the Charles to the Ohio, Schuylkill, Hooch, and Secret City; and probably a few more!

Dietz & Wilson are the co-founders of All-American Rowing Camp and have logged many perfect meters together and individually.

Dietz has raced in 56 of the 57 Head of the Charles regattas, in addition to several Olympic roles as competitor and coach. The two met at the Coast Guard Academy where Wilson was a rower and Dietz a coach.

We recommend you don't miss our exciting livestreams - but if you must, you can always catch the replays on YouTube or your favorite podcast app. If you join the livestream, you can post questions in the discussion section and our guests can give you a response in real time, just sayin'!

#rowing #readyrowusa #dietz #olympicrowing #headofthecharles #headracing #sculling #usrowing

North Cascades Crew Club Spotlight

Ready, Row! USA — Tue, 29 Jun 2021 12:01:02 -0400

With a boathouse named after Boys in the Boat legend Joe Rantz, how can a rowing club go wrong?

Launched in 2008, the community-centered North Cascades Rowing Club on Lake Stevens in Washington State offers not only junior and masters rowing programs, but a dynamic volunteer partnership with the Snohomish Conservation District.

We get the scoop on NCC history and their juniors & masters programs with club Learn-to-Row coordinator & past president Mary Neary on this week's Club Spotlight, aka our second Pop-Up Podcast!

EPISODE LINKS:

North Cascades Rowing Club
NCC Facebook Page
YouTube Recording (see all the cool images of North Cascades Crew, Lake Stevens, WA. Please subscribe while you're there!)

#lakestevens #snohomishcounty #conservation #communitycollaboration #boysintheboat #joerantz #rowing #readyrowusa

Rowing to College

Pierce Press — Sun, 30 May 2021 21:37:26 -0400

PANELISTS:

Rowers Reach co-founders Carmen Mirochna & Fran Berlin
GWU rower Brian O’Rourke, formerly of ABCrew (Arlington/Belmont HS, Massachusetts)
Varsity coach Andrea Landry of Holy Cross

CLICK HERE to watch the livestream recording

How can a student bridge the gap between their dream of a college experience and finding the university program that fits best with their rowing and academic goals? Where do parents fit in?

In this episode, our expert panelists explain the recruiting process, explore the options at club, DI, DII and DIII programs, and talk about realistic goals and expectations.

Nobody can guarantee admission to a certain college, but the high school athlete can learn how to put their best foot forward, formulate a plan, and find a school that fits academically and athletically.

HOST: Charlotte Pierce, Ready, Row! USA producer
CREW: Samara Jones, technical director; Laura Williams/GoodInklings, web management.

Be a part of the podcast! Submit your ROWING CLUB NEWS and your favorite #rowing GADGETS & GEAR!

Ready, Row! USA #92: Learn-to-Row (Pop-Up Podcast)

Pierce Press Productions — Tue, 25 May 2021 21:00:00 -0400

“Rowing is a sport for dreamers. As long as you put in the work, you can own the dream.” – Jim Dietz, Olympic athlete & coach

Guest: Tara Morgan, Seize the Oar Foundation & Steady State Network

Get ready to rock ‘n row – and get into a sport that can take you from age 12 to 90 and beyond! It is never too early or too late to take up this low-impact, energizing, and remarkably social sport.

In this pop-up podcast, you’re in for a treat – Tara Morgan is one of the most enthusiastic Learn-to-Row (LTR) advocates we know! If this episode doesn’t make you want to hop in a boat, we’ll eat our oars!

EPISODE LINKS:

Ready, Row! USA #90: Philadelphia City Rowing

Charlotte Pierce — Mon, 29 Mar 2021 19:28:10 -0400

Ready, Row! USA #90: Philadelphia City Rowing

Pop-Up Podcast #1 Welcome to our first "pop-up" podcast! They're short, they're sweet, they're all about you telling your news! This format will soon be available on various levels to our Patreon subscribers and underwriters!

Today Caitlin Mance, Executive Director of Philadelphia City Rowing gives us the scoop on PCR's third annual 10K Challenge. The cool thing is that there's an environmental twist to the classic event this year. Inspired by the passion of the PCR student athletes for environmental justice, Earth Month, and PCR’s organizational commitment to being good community members and stewards of the Schuylkill River, PCR is attaching a theme to the Challenge: sustainability & environmental justice.

So save the planet with PCR and Ready, Row! USA - We invite you to mix the hashtags below into your workout and social media posts - Caitlin gives you some creative ideas on the pop-up podcast! #ReadyRowUSA #PCRProtectsThePlanet #PCR10KChallenge

Click here for episode links & show notes extras!

The Brilliant Rise of Rowing In Color

Ready, Row! USA — Thu, 11 Feb 2021 10:44:00 -0500

Watch the livestream video recording here!

Denise Aquino and Patricia Destine are two rowers-turned-coxswains-turned-coaches who have leveraged their love of rowing and their commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion to build a vibrant community within the sport.

The pair launched the “Rowing in Color” podcast in January 2020 to amplify the voices of color in rowing. Driven by their mission-oriented approach, Patricia and Denise continue to build out the organization, through trainings, webinars, consulting, and other types of publishing and advocacy.

Both proudly identifying as women of color; Denise as a Filipina American and Patricia as a Haitian American, the partners highlight what it is like to navigate as a person of color in this white-dominated sport. Denise has recently taken a position as National Inclusion Program Manager for the George Pocock Rowing Foundation, Heading Up leading the "A Most Beautiful Thing" Inclusion Fund.

Leave your questions and comments for our guests to answer, we'll make sure we get them!

EPISODE LINKS:
Rowing In Color
Pierce Press Productions
GoodInklings Web Services

Ready, Row! USA #2: Arshay Cooper & Mark Wilson recap USRowing Convention

Pierce Press Productions — Sun, 07 Feb 2021 11:36:23 -0500

WATCH the livestream recording here!

Welcome to the second episode of Ready, Row! USA. In this episode, recorded Dec. 17, 2018, we had the honor of hosting Arshay Cooper of Row New York and Mark Wilson of the All American Rowing Camp for a recap of the US Rowing convention in San Diego, where they both gave presentations. Arshay outlined the status of the DEI programming at USRowing (under former CEO Patrick McNerny), reported on impact & innovations at Row New York, where he serves on the board of directors. Both panelists appear in subsequent episodes of Ready, Row! USA.

After receiving positive feedback from his appearance with Ellen Minzner on the Ready, Row! USA premiere on Dec. 4, 2018. Mark outlined USRowing’s coastal rowing initiative and his Masters track talk, “The Boat, the Oars, and You” and his involvement with the newly formed Rowing Industry Trade Association (RITA). Mark’s focus is on on growing the sport and its relevance in the sporting world.

Our regular contributor Mark Wilson and his partner and co-founder Jim Dietz at the All-American Rowing Camp in DeLand, Florida. Camps regularly draw more than 100 enthusiastic rowers participate in sessions starting at the end of December and into March, when the coaches begin giving camps and clinics around the US. Depending on the course of the pandemic in 2021, AARC will announce international rowing travel “camps.”

Ready, Row! USA reports on the state of the sport of rowing in the US and beyond, with regular episodes focusing on diversity & inclusion, masters rowing, boathouses & clubs, inspirational stories, and gadgets & gear. As Ready, Row! USA embarks on our third year of podcasting and live streaming, we’re excited to announce our collaboration with USRowing, which continued with the 2020 Virtual Convention. All video, audio, and text content under Ready, Row! USA or ReadyRowUSA is copyrighted ©® by Pierce Press (PiercePress.com). All rights reserved. Contact the producer for underwriting & sponsorship opportunities and to suggest topics and panelists.

EPISODE LINKS:
Pierce Press Productions
All-American Rowing Camp
A Most Beautiful Thing
GoodInklings Web Design

Ready, Row! USA #88: Rowapalooza 2nd Anniversary Celebration

Pierce Press — Wed, 16 Dec 2020 22:13:47 -0500

Happy Birthday to Us!

To help us celebrate our second anniversary and 88th episode, we assembled longtime contributors Mark Wilson and Jim Dietz of All-American Rowing Camp; Ryan Worth of Squeaky Oarlock & UT/Chattanooga coach; Tara Morgan of Seize The Oar; and new contributor, USRowing DEI chair Richard Butler.

We'll reveal our hopes, dreams, challenges, and successes in the rowing realm over the past two years, and pull out some gems from our favorite episodes.

PLUS: Our panelists reveal their favorite rowing gadgets, gear, & gifts for the holidays!

PANELIST LINKS:

Richard Butler, USRowing DEI Co-Chair
Mark Wilson & Jim Dietz, All-American Rowing Camp
Tara Morgan, Seize The Oar Foundation & Steady State Network
Ryan Worth, Squeaky Oarlock

PRODUCTION LINKS:

All video, audio, and text content under Ready, Row! USA or ReadyRowUSA is the property of Pierce Press (PiercePress.com). All rights reserved. lease contact the publisher for permissions & underwriting opportunities.

Ready, Row! USA #87: USRowing Convention Recap

Pierce Press — Mon, 14 Dec 2020 10:00:00 -0500

And what a Convention it has been! As part of our continued collaboration with USRowing, Samantha Wonderlin, USR Membership Marketing Specialist, and Sarah McAulifffe, USR Senior Event Manager, to recap the first-ever 2020 Virtual Convention for Ready, Row! USA.

Wonderlin and McAuliffe took us behind the scenes at the event - the surprises and "back-channel" encounters, talks by legends & rookies, the burning questions, a comparison of 2019 vs. 2020, tech challenges & victories! These intrepid virtual convention organizers give us a first-hand account of how it was to pivot and plan the first Virtual Convention, and how USRowing has changed its "mindset" and messaging for activities and events during the pandemic and beyond.

Subscribe to the livestream on YouTube or your favorite audio podcasting app!

EPISODE LINKS:

Ready, Row! USA SPECIAL: USRowing Convention 2020 Preview

Pierce Press — Mon, 07 Dec 2020 15:35:53 -0500

US Rowing Convention Kick-Off Podcast As part of our continued collaboration with USRowing, Ready, Row! USA connected with Samantha Wonderlin, USRowing’s Membership Marketing Specialist, and Sarah McAulifffe, USRowing’s Senior Event Manager, to discuss the upcoming 2020 Virtual Convention. Wonderlin and McAuliffe took us behind the scenes at the upcoming USRowing Convention - what to see, who to *virtually* connect with. We heard about keynote speakers, get a side-by-side comparison of 2019 vs. 2020 tracks, and preview the restored diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) track. These intrepid convention organizers gave us a first-hand account of how it was to pivot and plan the first Virtual Convention. We wrapped up with an assessment of how USRowing has changed its "mindset" and messaging for activities and events during the pandemic and beyond!

PRODUCTION LINKS:

Ready, Row! USA #85: A Conversation with Amanda Kraus, new CEO of USRowing

Charlotte Pierce, Pierce Press — Wed, 18 Nov 2020 15:18:00 -0500

Can 2020 get any more challenging? We asked our special guest, Amanda Kraus, who took over the helm as CEO at USRowing on Nov. 1 amid a raging pandemic and an intense conversation about diversity and inclusion in the sport. Amanda founded Row New York in 2012 and built it up into a leading model for diversity and inclusion in the sport.

YouTube watch link from our Nov.18 episode with Amanda Kraus and Jim Dietz

In this special Ready, Row! USA interview episode, The founder of Row New York shares her hopes, dreams, and plan of action for the organization with one of her biggest fans, 6-time Olympic athlete and coach Jim Dietz. Jim is the past varsity coach at UMass Amherst and the co-founder of All-American Rowing Camp.

All video, audio, and text content under Ready, Row! USA or ReadyRowUSA is the property of Pierce Press (PiercePress.com). All rights reserved. This episode was also distributed by Rowing.Chat in 2020 with the permission of Pierce Press. Please contact the publisher for permissions & underwriting opportunities.

Photo credit: New York Sports Connection

Ready, Row! USA #84: Rowing to Recovery

Charlotte Pierce, PiercePress.com — Mon, 26 Oct 2020 19:00:00 -0400

Ready, Row! USA #84: Rowing to Recovery

We all know that rowing is low-impact, requires mindfulness and focus, builds physical strength and stamina. For recovery from breast cancer to physical injury to addiction to PTSD and other aspects of mental health, rowing is uniquely suited as a tool to regain and maintain a healthy mind and body. Guest host Ami Mehr, Head of the Charles Race Director with an empowering survival story of her own, will be talking with survivors and experts from programs like Recovery on Water, Head of the Charles Regatta, Row for the Cure to see how they leverage these benefits to achieve recovery from physical and mental challenges.

EPISODE LINKS:

All video, audio, and text content under Ready, Row! USA or ReadyRowUSA is the property of Pierce Press (PiercePress.com). All rights reserved. This episode was also distributed by Rowing.Chat in 2020 with the permission of Pierce Press. Please contact the publisher for permissions & underwriting opportunities.

Ready, Row! USA #81: A Most Beautiful Thing, the Movie

Pierce Press — Mon, 10 Aug 2020 12:00:00 -0400

Meet the cast of "A Most Beautiful Thing," the Mary Mazzio/50 Eggs Films documentary that was made from Arshay Cooper's memoir, originally entitled "Suga Water." Boston rower, host Mona Graucci talks with Arshay Cooper, Alvin Ross, Preston Grandberry, Malcolm Hawkins, and Ray “Pookie G” Hawkins. The film, released in 2019 and directed by Olympic rower Mary Mazzio (50 Eggs Films), is drawing deep praise across the country.

The documentary explores the safety and brotherhood these young men found on the water (“we were in a place where we could not hear the sound of sirens”), as well as the trauma of violence and cyclical poverty that they endured first-hand. The documentary explores how these young men were able to support each other in re-imagining a different future for themselves, and how rowing and the water drew them to that opportunity. These young men came together, after 20 years out of the boat, to race this past summer, not only to celebrate the team’s founding, but the fact that they are still alive. This is their story.

Called one of the best documentaries to premiere at SXSW by Brian Tallerico of Roger Ebert, an “absolute must watch” by Deadspin, and “a movie for we could really use right now” by the Hollywood Reporter, A MOST BEAUTIFUL THING is narrated by the Academy-Award/Grammy-winning artist, Common; executive-produced by NBA Stars Grant Hill and Dwyane Wade along with Grammy-award winning producer 9th Wonder; and directed by award-winning filmmaker (and Olympic rower) Mary Mazzio. The film chronicles the first African American high school rowing team in this country (made up of young men, many of whom were in rival gangs from the West Side of Chicago), all coming together to row in the same boat.

Distribution: With AMC’s remaining closure, 50Eggs is pivoting and will begin streaming on Xfinity for US Xfinity customers on July 31, ramping up into the debut of the film on Comcast/NBCUniversal’s new streaming platform Peacock on September 1.

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#marymazzio #arshaycooper

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