Row, Row, Rowing to a Better Future

In SoCal where summer is year-round, there are a number of sporting activities available on the fields and in the gymnasiums, but water sports are also a major draw.  One of sports opportunities available to Southern California youth—especially those who live relatively near the ocean—is rowing.  For Culver City youth, the opportunity is just a few miles down the street, offered by RowLA.

RowLA was started by masters rowers in Marina del Rey; in their years of training, they noticed the lack of diversity among the young rowers in the Marina waters. At the same time, they became aware of the opportunities for young high school female rowers as they moved toward the college application process.  Knowing that rowing offered fitness, camaraderie, emotional strength and leadership skills, the founders decided to create RowLA to afford these benefits to young girls in the L.A.-area public schools.

Since 2009, Liz Greenberger and other volunteers have been stomping the pavement and fundraising, promoting and recruiting for this free, year-round introductory and competitive rowing program. As a result, they have built a successful program that introduces this fringe sport to those who might not otherwise have the exposure or opportunity to experience it. Local middle and high school girls are introduced to rowing and learn proper techniques by training on the ergs at iROW Fitness (operated by Coach Iva Boteva, a renowned rowing coach) and on the water in Marina Del Rey.  In partnership with Loyola Marymount, RowLA is able to dock and launch from the LMU Boathouse.  And as part of the U.S. Rowing Association, Southwest Division, participants compete in local and regional regatta.  

In addition to learning about the sport, rowers also participate in writing and healthy lifestyle workshops, receive tutoring and receive college counseling.  Currently, a number of Culver City High School girls participate in the program.  RowLA has also started working with the Culver City Police Department in being one of the partner organizations for the Juvenile Diversion Program, which is designed to serve the most at-risk teens.

On Saturday, June 4, RowLA—in partnership with the Lion's Master's Rowing Club—is holding an open house for National Learn to Row Day. The open house is open to boys, girls and adults from 8:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. at the LMU Boathouse.  Teens can learn about rowing from the RowLA girls and staff, while the adults will be instructed by the Lion's Club Masters rowers.

This is a unique opportunity not to be missed.

Event information:

Location:
Loyola Marymount University’s
Jane Browne-Bove Boathouse
13669 Fiji Way, in Marina del Rey, CA, 90292
The boathouse is accessed by way of the
Fisherman’s Village parking lot.
Free parking at Public Lot #52 on Fiji Way.

For more information, visit RowLA’s website at http://www.rowla.org.