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.
Two Passions on a Single: Charlie, the Rowing Chestnut
I have some rather niche passions. The first one might not seem so niche to you, since you are currently reading “The Launch” a rowing blog made by a rowing gear company, but for many, it seems quite odd to have a wake up before 5 am to go sit on a tippy boat, narrower than your butt, to move backwards on a river…My second passion is the Castanea dentata tree (I told you it was rather niche…), the American Chestnut tree!