by Ruby Lyon
Last year, Row New York welcomed Christy Loper to our board of directors. From working on marine conservation projects in Palau, to sharing her love of rowing here in New York City, Christy brings a wealth of knowledge and insight to our organization. The blog recently caught up with Christy to learn more about her history, her goals at Row New York, and to hear her rowing advice.
What brought you to Row New York?
I came for the rowing; I stayed for the mission. I joined Row New York as a masters’ rower in 2014, loving the idea of getting out on the water in the early mornings before work. I was inspired by Row New York’s mission providing academic and athletic opportunities to NYC’s underserved youth through the sport of competitive rowing and was thrilled to join the board in 2015.
Where did you complete your education and where are you now?
I went to Eckerd College in Florida—it’s got a great marine science program but no rowing team (so I joined the waterski team instead). After a master’s degree from the University of Miami and a Ph.D. from the University of Delaware, I entered a career working on marine conservation and climate change issues. I currently work in NYC for a foundation that makes grants to nonprofits, focusing on economic and policy solutions to climate change.
Do you have a background in rowing?
I started rowing at 13. I was a freshman in high school, and the team was just getting started. My memory is of selling baked goods for months to be able to buy our first boat.
Rowing is an incredible sport. Few sports are so physically challenging. I mean, it’s not unusual to throw up after a race! For me, rowing is really about commitment. If I’m signed up for practice, there’s no way I can hit the snooze button when my alarm goes off at 5am, or I’d be letting down 8 other people. Keeping my word is great motivation.
What are your goals while serving on the Board?
I have two main goals: to help with fundraising, particularly from foundations, and to help integrate the masters program with the other parts of RNY such as the middle school, high school, and adaptive programs.
What do you like to do in your free time?
Basically any outdoor sport, especially those you can do in the summer. I’m an avid surfer, buoyed more by enthusiasm than skills, and I also love to hike, bike, paddleboard, wakeboard…you get the idea. I’m working on winter sports, but my snowboarding is coming along slowly.
A word of advice to rowers?
I’ll pass along some of my favorite rowing advice from a former coach: eat bananas before a race or an erg test—they are the hardest food to throw up!
Thank you for the practical advice, Christy, and all that you do here at Row New York!
