Port Rowing Hosts 6th Annual Gold Coast Classic

Rowers from all over Long Island converged on Port Washington to test their speed and stamina. Beginner rowers and advanced varsity athletes, seasoned master rowers and 1st timers each pushed their personal limits to compete. Rows of ergs, the indoor rowing machines, filled the gym. The erg monitors were wired to a computerized race simulation that was projected on a large screen. Spectators and fans cheered on each group of competitors in some very hotly contested races. Rowers pushed their physical and emotional boundaries to overtake their fellow rowers by a few tenths of a second. A total of 12 clubs competed in 15 events, which allowed for tough competition between the clubs and within programs. Many personal records were achieved at all levels.

Isa Rahman, Port Rowing’s Head Women’s Coach and Regatta Director, explained, “The men’s High School Varsity race is always a crowd pleaser and this year didn’t disappoint. It was a tight match between Manhasset High School, Chaminade, Amadeusz Rowing and Port Rowing, with Manhasset’s Dreyer taking the gold. Both the boys and girls 9th grade categories had the highest enrollment. But the Men’s and Women’s Master races were most memorable because many of the adults had never raced before and never rowed on the water. They just want to take their fitness training to the next level. ”

Michiel Bartman, a 3 time Olympic medalist (1 gold and 2 silver in rowing), treated all the rowers and spectators to an inspirational talk. Coach Bartman is the Director of Rowing for Port Rowing and shared how he found the motivation to train for and claim a gold medal. Even the youngest rowers were captivated to hear his motivational message.

Coach Bartman says, “It is always a privilege to talk about my Olympic Gold medal race experience to the athletes and share the love for this great team sport with them. The 2017 Gold Coast Classic was a big success with so many athletes participating from different clubs. My thanks go out to Schreiber HS for hosting us and all the people who made the regatta happen.”

Alex Acuna, Head Middle School Coach complimented her team as the Gold Coast Classic was a first race for many. Coach Acuna noted, “Port Rowing made a strong showing in both the girls and boys middle school races. Not only did my team race well, they volunteered as the cleaning crew throughout the entire event.”

In addition to high school, middle school and master/adult programs, Port Rowing offers a unique experience for the adaptive rower. The Port Rowing PREP program provides teens on the autism spectrum a platform to train and compete as a team. Mid-day during the Gold Coast Classic, the Port Rowing PREP team competed in a timed piece guided by peer mentors and devoted parents and friends cheered them on.

Spring Season Registration is OPEN

Registration for Port Rowing Spring season is now open. Program offerings include High School teams for girls and boys, for both the experienced and novice high school aged students; and the middle school program for 7th and 8th graders to learn basic technique and boat safety while building the foundation for over all athleticism in a fun environment. Adult master sessions will train both on and off the water. In the spring, the adaptive team will resume working with peer mentors and expanding their abilities. To learn more about Port Rowing Spring Season, visit www.portrowing.org.

Upcoming events for Port Rowing

Gala 2017. Friday, March 31 at the Mansion at the Village Club of Sands Point. Proceeds to benefit the Sponsor-A-Rower Scholarship Fund.

Row for Autism. Sunday, April 23. North Hempstead Beach Park in partnership with the Town of North Hempstead.