Rockland Rowing Association

Rockland Rowing Association, formerly River Rowing Association, is a premier rowing club based out of Rockland County, NY. Since RRA was founded in the early 2000s on the banks of the Hudson River by Rockland natives and former collegiate rowers, the mission of the team has been to provide an enjoyable, safe, competitive and rewarding experience for people of all ages and abilities. Under the umbrella of the RRA is a highly competitive and growing youth rowing team that has expanded exponentially in size and talent over the last decade. In that time, the team has expanded the programs to meet the needs of different individuals and provide broader accessibility to rowing for everyone who wishes to participate. Since 2012, Rockland Rowing has created an adaptive rowing program for disabled individuals and if selected, the class money will benefit this aspect of the organization.

The adaptive rowing program creates an environment fit for people with all levels of mobility. The program and exercises are designed to introduce people to the art of rowing in a low impact - high reward activity that stimulates the individual physically and mentally. The real mission of RRA’s adaptive rowing program is getting people involved in rowing and physical activity even with physical and mental limitations. From paraplegics to those with learning disabilities, all are welcome to try rowing with RRA and join a team with an open, friendly environment suitable for people of all ages. Adults and children alike are included in the activities, and participants are immersed in a collaborative and nurturing environment that allows them to grow as a rower and an individual.

For me, this organization is near and dear to my heart. I was a rower all throughout high school. After trying a multitude of other sports and never finding just the right fit on any given team, I stumbled across RRA and enrolled in their summer camp through their Learn-to-Row program. This program is an introductory rowing course (at the time taught on the Hudson River) that allowed middle and high school student to learn the sport. I fell in love with the team, I fell in love with the comradery and I fell in love with the power rowing helped instill in my life. On the water, no matter what kind of workout you are doing, or stroke work you may be practicing, there is a sense of freedom, a sense of calm. I worked my way through the ranks and served as team captain for two years. Working with, learning with and leading a group of individuals like those on the RRA contributed the success I experience in my life today.

To give disabled athletes the ability to experience the emotion, the passion and the journey I was able to experience on RRA is why during my high school career the team began to develop the adaptive rowing programs with the help of head coach, Oksana Tsimbalova. As a former Olympic athlete, she valued opportunity and hard work. As a team, we were able to give people the opportunity to experience an incredible sport and allow disadvantaged individuals to work hard in a very rewarding sport.

Since then, Oksana has moved on to develop her own team, but the goals of the program live on. Lead now by the current head coach, Melissa Boyd, and the head of the adaptive rowing program, Greta Nettleton, adaptive rowing at RRA is evolving into more than just an adaptive rowing program. The organization is now hosting children at the lake for Learn – to – Row sessions as an after-school program for underprivileged children. High school competitive rowers volunteer time to help run these sessions and set up for the programs. Boats are rigged with pontoons to provide stability and adapted seats for those with physical limitations. The team hopes to acquire more specialized rowing shells that will aid in group instruction and provide a more hands-on, on the water yet safe alternative to dry land training. Donation money helps the club buy and maintain equipment for the many programs, in our case, specifically for the adaptive rower program.

Ultimately, what Rockland Rowing provides is a lifestyle rich in activity, engagement, fun and motivation. The club strives to provide a safe space for all people, regardless of limitation. With that said, a donation to the Rockland Rowing Association will help the organization continue its mission to bring people to the water and bring out the rower in everyone.

For more information:

https://www.rocklandrowing.org/

https://www.rocklandrowing.org/adaptive/