Anybody up for Duwamish River rowing? A rower’s invitation

Mike Merta shared that video in hopes of stirring up interest in rowing on the Duwamish River – take a look, and listen carefully. After watching the video, we asked him to elaborate:

Rowing has a long history here in Seattle but as far as I know, there has never been any rowing on the Duwamish. This is unfortunate since it is a sport that pretty much began on a river (Thames in England), and the boats are made to be rowed on calm, flat bodies of water. I realize that the Duwamish is not the Thames, but it’s actually a beautiful place in some parts and would be perfectly suited to the sport of rowing. So far, it’s just me out there in my single. I’d like to raise some money in order to buy a double, then a four, then someday an eight. I’m hoping to connect with other oarsman and oarswomen in the area to see what ideas they might have for fundraising and to find out what interest there might be for starting a club.

There are already a lot of positive things happening on the river these days such as Kayak tours, the Duwamish River Cleanup Coalition, and Duwamish Alive. I’d like to add to that and to bring a great sport to this part of town. If anyone is interested in helping to get this project going they can contact me through the Duwamish Rowing Club Facebook page.

You can find that page here.

7 Replies to "Anybody up for Duwamish River rowing? A rower's invitation"

  • J September 9, 2010 (9:50 pm)

    It looks like so much fun! I did try rowing once, and really enjoyed it until I ran into very competitive teammates who let me know my ineptitude was unwelcome. Maybe I should have tried rowing alone!

  • LKT September 9, 2010 (11:38 pm)

    I am taking my first rowing lesson next week, and will admit to being a little intimidated by the traffic on Lake Union. Love your idea, and if I stay with it, I’ll find you. Thanks for the post!

  • Al Mackenzie September 10, 2010 (7:51 am)

    Hi Mike,

    I’ve been involved with various efforts to establish rowing on the Duwamish the past 10-15 years. Currently we are exploring possibilities at a site on the Georgetown side at the 8th S street end. Let’s connect soon and discuss this further.

  • chris September 10, 2010 (8:34 am)

    I currently row at Pocock but would love to be able to drop down onto the Duwamish from W. Seattle and get in an evening row. Looks like great water!

  • Booth kyle September 10, 2010 (6:06 pm)

    Mike-good stuff. Connect with al mackenzie. Count me in for a tshirt.

  • Mike Merta September 10, 2010 (9:58 pm)

    Thanks for all of your comments and interest. You can follow us on facebook. The second half of the video has been uploaded there. To the person who felt unwelcome at another club. We are not having that kind of club so keep in touch with me and lets get you out rowing again when we get some equipment.

  • Candy Charlwood October 1, 2010 (8:39 am)

    The video has been deleted!!

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