By Kassandra Nevarez, Marketing and Communications Assistant
Five years ago, in 2012, Row New York more than doubled its impact when it moved to the Peter Jay Sharp Boathouse. The new location was in upper Manhattan in the Washington Heights/Inwood area. It was built on a dock and is surrounded by water–making it the only floating boathouse in the country! Today, the yellow and blue structure is a symmetrical beauty, consisting of two boat bays, two multipurpose rooms, two locker rooms, a balcony, storage space, and a coaches’ lounge.
Day 1
Here is a tour of the boathouse in its early days:
The photos below were taken right before we moved in.
Today, the boathouse is always hustling and bustling. These rooms are full of rowing machines, workout equipment, college pennants, whiteboards with training plans and athletes of all ages. Not only are these rooms full of people and things, but they are also filled with smiles, the sound of rowing machines, and a general sense of determination.
What We’ve Done
From its inception in 2001 until its 2011 expansion, Row New York only offered rowing for girls. After the expansion, Row New York extended its mission to empower boys through rowing too. Since then, we’ve seen tremendous growth.
Peter Jay Sharp organizes programs including Recreational Masters, Competitive Masters, indoor rowing classes, Learn-to-row classes, and youth rowing for boys and girls ages 12-18. It hosts two races a year: The Harlem River Classic and The Peter Jay Sharp Regatta. It also hosts open houses for the community such as the Freedom Rows Open House and National Learn to Row Day which welcomed more than 150 members of the community to learn the sport for free.
A Student-Athlete Perspective
When I started, I was 12! I was shy, awkward and lanky. Now I’m the team captain and I’m waiting for my college acceptances. I learned how to be strong and confident at Row New York.
Time flies! We’re proud of the work we have done so far empowering people of all backgrounds and abilities through rowing and are looking forward to expanding in the years to come.
