Hi friends~
As you probably know, I’m an indoor rowing coach, and rowing features prominently in almost every workout I do myself, and for all of my adult strength training clients. Today I want to tell you about the Youth Indoor Rowing Program which I initiated last year, that’s been impactful for kids in the Asbury Park area, and it might might lead to something even bigger!
The idea to introduce Asbury Park kids to rowing was inspired by the film A Most Beautiful Thing, which I saw in 2020. The Olympic rower, Mary Mazzio is the founder of an independent film production company dedicated to making socially impactful films, and she brought the book by Arshay Cooper to life.
The film literally had me jumping up and down in my living room that evening. It chronicles the story of 4 young men in inner-city Chicago who were given the opportunity to try rowing … and became the first Black high school rowing team in the US. Meeting them 20 years later, we learn how rowing impacted their lives.
Certain Asbury Park neighborhoods look like the Chicago area where these young men grew up. Rowing is a predominantly private school sport, and I knew that local Asbury Park kids would never know anything abort rowing unless I could start a program.
How? Where? No rowing machines – and no money.
Monmouth University women’s rowing team coach offered 10 rowing machines, The Boys & Girls Club offered space, then in 2023 I screened the film for the community. The program finally started last February, 2024. I had no idea how it would be received, so I just showed up, set up the ergs, brought some snacks, and kicked off with members from the Monmouth University women’s team for the first few sessions, we watched the kids swarm into the gym, and got organized into a program that kids now look forward to every week.
The Youth Indoor Rowing Program is the wildest hour of every week, and a ton of fun, seeing the kids learn – the regulars helping to instruct the newbies, and watching 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.
I’ve been working with athletes for years, and indoor rowing has been a game-changer for every client, but rowing isn’t easy by a long stretch! It’s a full-body workout that promotes strength, endurance, and coordination, while also fostering a mindset of courage and discipline. The kids are developing these traits, working hard, and cooperating so well together – and they think they’re just having fun!
Since last February, the Youth Indoor Rowing Program at the B&G Club has been going strong. Watch those kids! It’s absolutely astounding how they’re rowing. Last summer 4 girls from the indoor sessions were able to get on the water. Watch: 8th Grade Intro to Rowing at Navesink River Rowing Club!
All along this journey I’ve been in contact with Arshay Cooper. Last month he agreed to come to Asbury Park! The goal of Arshay’s visit is to inspire, and personally empower kids through sport, and in particular, to continue to introduce kids to indoor rowing – and then water rowing (sports that many don’t even know exist), and to lay the groundwork for a Jersey Shore Youth Water Rowing Program.
Arshay Cooper is an incredible role model, author, and motivational speaker. Arshay’s story of overcoming adversity through rowing is an inspiration, and his work as an advocate for youth in the sport of rowing resonates deeply for me.
Join us on Thursday, April 10th at 4:00 PM at the Boys and Girls Club in Asbury Park for this FREE special event! Arshay will share his journey, offer guidance, and inspire young rowers in the Youth Indoor Rowing Program, and the entire local community. This event is a perfect opportunity to engage with kids and families about the benefits or personal empowerment through the sport of rowing, and show that with strength and perseverance, anything is possible.
With support from schools, leadership, businesses, community members, city and state leadership, local rowing teams, and charitable organizations we will be able to establish a Jersey Shore Youth Rowing Program!
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.
I hope to see you there! Here’s the Eventbrite link for this Awesome FREE event, so we know how many people to anticipate!
Let’s continue building strong, confident young women and men in our community!
Onward!
x
Polli
