Empowering Youth Through Rowing

As an indoor rowing coach, rowing features prominently in workouts I do myself, as well as those for all of my adult training clients. In this article, I will introduce you to the Youth Indoor Rowing Program which I initiated last year and how impactful it has become for kids in the Asbury Park area.

The backstory begins with being inspired by an independent film, “A Most Beautiful Thing” which is based on a book written by Arshay Cooper and his journey with rowing.

The film literally had me jumping up and down in my living room as it chronicles the story of 4 young men in inner-city Chicago who were given the opportunity to try rowing. They went on to become the first black high school rowing team in the US.
After watching the movie, I could not ignore the parallels between Asbury Park and the Chicago neighborhoods where those young men grew up. Because rowing is a predominantly private school sport I knew local Asbury Park kids would never know anything about rowing unless I could start a program.

I began reaching out to Asbury Park Board of Education, local rowing teams, and other potential supporters, including Interfaith Neighbors. The director at Interfaith Neighbors is a rower, and connected me to the Director of the George Pocock Rowing Foundation, who helped me brainstorm the Asbury Park Youth Indoor Rowing Program.

After contacting the Monmouth University Women’s Rowing team, the coach offered 10 rowing machines and we were on our way! The Boys & Girls Club offered space and the program finally started in February 2024. Having no idea how it would be received, I showed up, set up the indoor rowing machines, some snacks, and with members from the Monmouth University women’s team there for the first few sessions, we watched the kids swarm into the gym! After such a great first event we organized into a program that kids now look forward to every week.

Since last February, the Youth Indoor Rowing Program at the Boys and Girls Club has been going strong and is the wildest hour of every week. We watch the kids learn – the “regulars” are now helping to instruct the newbies, and how it’s empowering these young athletes. This program isn’t just about building physical strength; it’s about helping kids grow in confidence, resilience, and mental toughness. Last summer 4 girls from the indoor sessions were able to get on the water and experience rowing for the first time in a real situation!

All along this journey I’ve been in contact with Arshay Cooper and telling him about the Youth Indoor Rowing Program which was flourishing in Asbury Park. Finally, after asking him for months if he would come to our program and talk to the kids, last month in April he agreed to come to Asbury Park! The goal of Arshay’s visit was to inspire and empower kids through his story and his experience of what rowing brought to him.

Arshay Cooper is an incredible role model, author, and motivational speaker. Arshay’s story of overcoming adversity through rowing struck the kids in attendance and he had them jumping up and down wanting to row and answer his questions. It was quite the experience and all in attendance were moved. Arshay shared his journey, offered guidance, and shared with them that with strength and perseverance, anything is possible.

I believe that by introducing youth to rowing, they’ll have the opportunity to realize how much stronger they are than they think, and they’ll carry that confidence into every part of their lives.

Let’s continue building strong, confident young women and men in our community!

Lastly, if you have time, visit the Youth Indoor Rowing Program at the Boys and Girls Club (1201 Monroe Ave, Asbury Park) every Friday at 3pm – you might just be moved to volunteer!