A Shared responsibility

Expanding Rowing Through Inclusion and Water Stewardship

Lauren Steavpack

Every rower has a story of less than desirable rowing conditions. We check the wind forecasts, prepare the perfect layers, and charge our gadgets to work towards perfection and peak performance. But how often do we reflect on the water itself? The quality and quantity of water in our rivers and lakes are not guaranteed. Many of us have rowed in places plagued by algae blooms, pollution, or low water levels. Clean, healthy water isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s essential. Our sport doesn’t exist without it. The future of rowing is inextricably tied to the health of our watersheds.

In addition to answering the question, “who gets to row,” we must also ask, “where will we row in 10, 20, or 50 years?” Inclusion in rowing means dismantling financial and cultural barriers, and it also means ensuring there are safe, clean, and accessible bodies of water for every rower. When we act to protect the water where we row, we’re also making the sport more sustainable and equitable for all. We can’t ignore the conversation that our watersheds - our rowing venues - are in trouble. We cannot have a future of rowing for all, if there are no healthy waters in which to row. Let’s propel our momentum forward, together. 

So how can we expand the sport, and also provide a way for all communities of rowers to support the health of their watersheds? Rowers for Healthy Watersheds believes every rower can make a difference, no matter their speed or experience. By offering resources tailored to every level, we aim to empower our rowing community to be water stewards as well as competitors. Rowers for Healthy Watersheds aims to provide resources for a rower of any age to take action to support the health of their training or racing venue. By providing a platform for elite athletes to showcase the importance of clean water, they model the responsibility we all share. When new rowers feel welcomed and included, they bring fresh energy to the mission. When communities work in tandem to achieve shared goals, we can go further together. 

Thank you for being part of this. Your voice, your choices, your actions—they all create ripples of change.