Leader
Joy Hecht
Location
Muscota Marsh dock / Harlem River New York City, NY 10034
About the project
The mission of Harlem River Community Rowing (HRCR) is to offer free or low-cost rowing for New Yorkers. We’ve been doing that for more than 15 years, and it's what we’ll be doing in 2022—with your help.
Based in Inwood, we provide on-water recreation to people of all ages and backgrounds, from those new to the sport to experienced rowers eager to pull an oar.
After Covid-19 put us in dry dock for almost two seasons, we’ll be launching our 2022 season with a new, expanded, and ambitious program, rowing from the newly rebuilt dock in Inwood’s Muscota Marsh Park!
We’re asking you to Buy a Seat in Our Fleet to help us get our boats back on the water. Here’s how . . .
The Steps
When you Buy a Seat in Our Fleet, you’re helping us give many the opportunity to enjoy the benefits and camaraderie of the sport we love—and love to share. For FREE!
The Partnerships for Parks initiative from NYC Parks and the City Parks Foundation has generously MATCHED every dollar for the first $2,500 contributed. But we still have more to raise, so please donate NOW!
How does it work? Easy! Pick a program. Pick a boat. Buy a seat! All the boats have names (Don't Rush Me, Slipstream, etc.) to help you choose. Scroll through the images at top left to see them all.
Our 2022 programs are:
- Saturday and Sunday Community rows for experienced rowers (8+, quad) and novices (8+)
- Learn To Row Class (8+)
- Midweek rows (4X/4+)
- Summer evening rows (4X/4+)
Or you can join HRCR’s Cheering Squad! Or don't bother with making a choice, and just kick in. That works, too!
Why we‘re doing it
HRCR provides New Yorkers with a great way to exercise and enjoy healthy living. Our free program expands fitness options for low-income residents in Northern Manhattan, many of whom may suffer from obesity, asthma and diabetes.
What’s great about rowing? Unlike most sports, it’s low-impact and uses almost every muscle in the body. Mastering the sport takes concentration and commitment, but the rewards are many: building heart health, improving flexibility, burning calories, developing teamwork and community, and—perhaps best of all—reducing stress. And rowing accommodates a wide range of people, regardless of body shape, age, or fitness level. Plus, it’s fun!
Here's what participants who joined our short Fall 2021 season had to say:
— I loved how welcoming HRCR is, the consistency and dedication of volunteers and fellow rowers!
— Being outdoors greatly improved my mood and mental wellbeing, especially after the struggles of the previous year of pandemic restrictions.
—The dedication of the coaches who worked on creating camaraderie and skills in groups of people with different levels of experience. Loved it.
Rowing is for everyone – including you! That’s what Harlem River Community Rowing is all about. So please Buy a Seat in Our Fleet so you can help us help others get on the water! Thanks for your support!