Bowing to a naval tradition that dates back thousands of years, the Indian River Rowing Club christened and launched its latest nine boats at a dedication ceremony last Saturday morning.
“All of these boats you see here were purchased this year. All nine were fully funded before they were bought,” explained IRRC board member Chris Ryan, adding of his involvement, “It’s been exciting and very gratifying.”
Ryan, a founder of the Three Rivers Rowing Association in Pittsburgh, which is now among the top community-based rowing clubs in the country, sees the IRRC as having great potential. It is especially true given the group’s greater visibility since moving the facility 13 months ago from the C-54 canal in Fellsmere to Vero Beach. Its fleet can now often be seen glistening on the waters of the Indian River Lagoon, having been launched from the western end of the Alma Lee Loy Bridge.
There are roughly 30 adults in the club and almost double that number of high school students. As he watched the Junior Rowers anxiously awaiting their chance to get out on the water, Ryan added, “The kids are going to be the future of the club; their enthusiasm is amazing.”
Trina Smith and Jim Ritenour founded the club in June, 2008, so that students at Sebastian River High School could row year-round, but their vision was always to get the whole community involved. “This was the dream,” said Smith, looking around as the crowd gathered by the water.
“It’s about the greatest sport in the whole world,” said Dr. Chris Hollinger, whose daughter Ruby was instrumental in developing the Vero Beach High School Crew. “I want to make Vero Beach a center for rowing.”
The IRRC is open to all levels of experience, with coaches offering everything from Learn to Row classes to Masters Rowing. For more information, visit www.indianriverrowingclub.com.
