More Than a Sport: How Rowing Can Transform Communities
Joshua Rafferty writes about increasing involvement in rowing in minority communities, specifically highlighting Trenton, NJ and Seattle, WA. Throughout the article, Rafferty advocates for greater inclusion in a traditionally white-dominated sport, sharing his personal experiences as a Black rower and highlighting the positive impact rowing can have on youth development, academic success, and future opportunities. He discusses limitations related to transportation, scheduling, coaching, finances, awareness, and recruiting.
Pride 2025 Pre-Order Store
We are so PROUD to be an LGBTQIA+ ally. Equality, Love, and Pride are the principles that JL is built on. Join us in showing your support for your teammates and your community with our performance pride collection made in collaboration with Team JL Ambassadors, Willow Arts and Michael Toutloff, for Pride Month. Pride Month is celebrated every June in tribute to those involved in the Stonewall Riots, and we welcome you to get ready to celebrate around the boathouse with us! Order your gear now, and wear it in June!
Black History Month 2025 Pre-Order Store
Black History Month is an annual celebration honoring the achievements and contributions of African Americans throughout U.S. history. This February, we are proud to announce a special collaboration with Team JL Ambassador, Maurice Scott. Join us in celebrating diversity and excellence in our sport with these exclusive performance apparel designs. Together, let's commemorate and amplify the voices that have shaped our history and continue to inspire us today.
Xavier University Announces Rowing as Official Varsity Sport for Men and Women, Fall 2025
The pioneering Xavier University of Louisiana Rowing Club, launched in September 2023, has expanded over the past 16 months, driven by the student-athletes’ enthusiastic participation in practices, travel training sessions, indoor and intramural regattas, and advocacy for the club and sport in their community. Now, with the support of the university, rowing will become an official varsity sport in fall 2025. This marks a major step in equality and access in the long history of the sport.
National Girls and Women in Sports Day 2025
We're celebrating the 39th annual National Girls and Women in Sports Day, a day that honors not just the champions and record-breakers, but also the grassroots efforts of communities, schools, and organizations that ensure sports are accessible for all girls and women. We’re proud to amplify the voices of women athletes, and celebrate the boundless opportunities that sports create. Why do sports matter? Hear directly from some of The Boat Race athletes who inspire us to dream big and break boundaries.
Team Spotlight: Allies With Oars
Celebrating Pride Month: Chicago Rowing Union
The Chicago Rowing Union was founded in 2005 by a group of 12 gay men, who wanted to compete at the 2006 Gay Games, being held in Chicago. Since then, the team has expanded to roughly 60 rowers from diverse backgrounds. CRU offers learn to row, novice and competitive programs that compete across the US. One of their annual traditions is to hold a Pride Row in June where novice rowers and competitive athletes row together and then relax and bond during an all-team cookout.
JL Racing Partners with Fulham Reach Boat Club
JL Racing has proudly announced a strategic partnership with Fulham Reach Boat Club. This collaboration aims to broaden access to rowing within their communities, particularly among those facing financial or social challenges, fostering their growth both on and off the water. Bringing together two prominent rowing organizations from the United States and the United Kingdom, this partnership seeks to enhance the rowing community on a broader scale. By reaching out to underserved communities, establishing connections within the rowing industry, and providing unique exposure opportunities, both parties aim to expand their impact.
Black Kids Go Fast by Joshua Rafferty
Celebrating the Launch of Xavier Rowing Club
Honoring Latinx/Hispanic Heritage Month
My name is Tammara Quevedo and I am a senior studying Kinesiology and Disability Studies at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. I am a current varsity member for the Illinois Rowing Team. I started rowing my freshman year of college and I have fallen in love with the sport ever since. In celebration of Latinx and Hispanic Heritage month, I am honored to have JL Racing invite me to the conversation about what it is like to be a Latina in the rowing community and celebrate my culture.
