After a year and a half, Duwamish Rowing Club ‘finally … reality’

| South Park | West Seattle news | WS & Sports

A year and a half ago, we published Michael Merta‘s invitation to fellow rowers to join him in getting the sport going on the Duwamish River. This weekend, he shares this report – and photos – to announce that he and others have made it happen!

After a little over a year and a half of talking, planning, and fundraising, Duwamish Rowing Club has finally become a reality.

We have established a “boathouse” (really a 45-foot shipping container) in South Park near Duwamish Waterway Park. We have a double, a single, and a four-person rowing shell so far. We hope to buy another four in the coming weeks. Its a small start, but we are happy with what we have been able to accomplish.

Thanks so much to all the people who have helped us get this far, particularly the people of South Park. We look forward to growing this into a thriving club that will become an asset to the people in the Duwamish Valley, and we are happy to bring something very positive to the Duwamish River. Our mission is to develop a rowing club that is affordable, accessible, and open to everyone. If you would like to row or get involved, please contact Mike Merta at duwamishrowingclub@gmail.com.

Deanie Schwarz April 22, 2012 (7:02 pm)

There are also brand new ergometers (rowing machines) purchased with grant money being used in the new Rowing 101/conditioning class at the South Park Community Center.

A round of applause is definitely in order. Very well done Michael and “crew”!!! Really cool!!!

CJ April 22, 2012 (8:28 pm)

Watch your backs Greenlake and Mount Baker!

CSJ April 23, 2012 (12:18 am)

That’s awesome!!

K M April 23, 2012 (8:05 am)

That’s very cool! I’d like to keep hearing more news about the club, maybe even join on a trip one day. Congrats on getting it off the ground (no pun intended). :-)

Matt J. April 23, 2012 (9:38 pm)

As a Green Lake alum and current Mount Baker rower, I think I speak for both clubs when I say… BRING IT! Oh, and congratulations, too. Starting a club is never easy, but you guys obviously have gumption to row where you do. (Cool shirts, too–if they’re available for purchase, let me know.) Hope to see you at the GL Summer Extravaganza!