Duluth Rowing Club

Duluth Rowing Club: Youth and Adult Recreation, Fitness, Competition, and Fun

Funding Need: Two Double Rowing Shells

The fundraising goal:  $18,000

The Duluth Rowing Club (DRC) is seeking funds to purchase two double rowing shells to better meet the wide range of rowing abilities within the Club. 

• One double would be suited for novice and intermediate rowers. It would be used by youth and adult rowers, specifically those who are transitioning to rowing smaller boats, those involved in the Adaptive Rowing Program, and those who prefer to be in a more stable boat - especially in our rough water.    The cost of this boat is approximately $12,000. 
• The second double is a competitive racing shell.   Nearly all the Club’s current double shells are from the 1990’s and early 2000’s era.  It is critical that the Club upgrade its boats to remain competitive.  The cost of a competitive double is estimated at $24,000.    

The Duluth Rowing Club will match half the cost of these two doubles and hopes to raise the remaining $18,000 from current and past Club members and from the broader community.  Junior and adult membership fees generally cover the costs of coaching and operations. Fees are kept affordable to encourage participation.  The Club depends on fundraisers and community support to purchase new boats and equipment. 

The Duluth Rowing Club looks to the community to build the DRC's growth and success.  To those who have contributed in the past, we wholeheartedly thank you! Your donations help the Club to thrive.   If you have not yet become a financial supporter, we humbly ask you to consider a gift this year. 

  ***Gifts can be designated for other purposes as well, e.g., scholarships, coaching, or wherever needed.

About the Duluth Rowing Club

Located on the western tip of Lake Superior, the Duluth Rowing Club (DRC) is home to a thriving rowing program composed of both competitive and recreational crews. The DRC provides youth and adults  the opportunity to learn the sport of rowing and experience fun and fitness on the water.  The DRC  offers all needed equipment, coaching, and a place to row from its newly constructed boathouse.  The DRC sponsors two events during the rowing season: the Duluth International Regatta held in July, and Death Row, a 25 kilometer event up the St. Louis River, held in September.

The Duluth Rowing Club's primary focus is the youth Junior program for those age 13-18. Over 120 Junior rowers participate from throughout the Duluth area. Junior rowers learn valuable teamwork skills, improve their overall health and fitness,  learn water safety, and gain an appreciation for the Lake Superior waterways.  In addition to the fun, competition, and camaraderie, each Junior is eligible to earn sports letter from their high school.  Duluth Junior crews have consistently medaled in area regattas. Several youth each year go on to row in college.

The Duluth Rowing Club has an active adult rowing program open to men and women of all ages and fitness levels.   Current adult rowers ages range from 18-83.  There is the option to row for fitness and recreation or for competition.  Several DRC competitive adult rowers have medaled at national and international regattas.   The Learn to Row course is offered several times during the summer to introduce adults to the sport.  The DRC also offers an Adaptive Rowing Program, in partnership with Northern Adaptive Recreation, for youth and adults with disabilities.

All are welcome at the Duluth Rowing Club.  Program fees are affordable to encourage participation.  Scholarships are available to cover program fees.  No one is turned away for inability to pay the annual fee.  

The Duluth Rowing Club is a financially sound, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Donations are tax-deductible to the full extent allowed by law.

More information on the Duluth Rowing Club is available at https://duluthrowing.org/