ready row usa

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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!

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!

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!

#rowingpodcast

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!

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!

#rowingpodcast
photo credit: CRI

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!

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!

#rowingpodcast #rownewyork #janiceholzman

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

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

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!

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!

#rowingpodcast

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!

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!

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

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." 

“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!

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.

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

 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:

• Susan Wood
• Eamon Glavin
• Nancy Diessner
• Daniel Boyne

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.

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.

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

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. 

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."