“When I shoved off the dock on June 1, 2020, removed my mask and took a breath, I was overcome by how grateful and lucky I was (and am) to be back on the water. I never imagined that we would be dealing with how to manage our operations through a pandemic. Riverside is a fun and feisty community of ardent rowers. I am proud of our spirit and honored by our legacy. ”

“I came to Riverside in the 70s. My buddy Rufus Perkins got a boat and introduced me to rowing, then he joined Riverside and invited me in. I still row his van Dusen.

This was a time of change and some insecurity at RBC, there were board discussions about inviting women (omigosh) to join the club. Among the first of these were Patty Pinkerton and Kathryn Reith. At that time they could row circles around most of the male members. Those discussions sound silly now, and were then. Immediately the club was much better for the change. Another challenge was that our tenant, Northeastern, was going to move upriver to their own boathouse; they were an important source of our financial wellbeing. I was treasurer during this time, our financial health was a worry. We pulled together and figured it out.

Over time RBC has become part of my identity, rowing is part of my identity. Cromwell and the Head, training and competing, wonderful. But now, for me (as I believe for most of us), simply rowing, being out on the water, finding perfect water and a satisfying stroke, getting out early to be with nature and herons, the silence and the puddles - heaven. And I row with friends and ghosts, good company: Bobby Cutler, Bob Burke, Charley, Bernie Horton, Jim Hanley, Rufus, good company, good memories, And all the current friends and colleagues on the dock and on the water.

Getting back on the water this year - a bit delayed because of rotator cuff surgery - was like coming home. A revelatory long inhalation, I’m back, on the water, I can still paddle the boat. Seeing others without masks doing this thing that we all find so fulfilling. I was just 80, don’t feel any different, but to still be doing this, what a gift. Probably the slowest guy on the river but so happy. ”

“While my first “return to the water” was on Lake Union in Seattle (where I now live most of the year) I think often of the great days at Riverside, and the immense gratitude at having been so warmly welcomed into the Club as a beginning sculler in 1989. A life-changer in so many ways!”

“I divide my time between Hudson OH and Cambridge MA. Being a novice sculler, the first time I observed the RBC dock, i was intimidated with the speed, efficiency and proficiency of the membership so i waited to do one more rowing camp in Florida and get some more practice in Ohio rowing my own shell there before attempting my first row at RBC.

With the help of Ed Frankenberry I did my first row this morning!! It was far from perfect but it was a beginning! It was such a lovely experience rowing underneath the beautiful Weeks and Anderson bridges I have been admiring for so long but never from the water. I am so grateful I went outside my comfort zone and dared to apply to join RBC and for you all to give this middle-aged novice a chance.

Covid allowing, I look forward to meeting and getting to know members in person for a change.
”

“2020 was a tough year for all of us. My dad passed away at home in Ireland and apart from the funeral, I was not able to travel to see my family until this summer.
I was so grateful for the community at Riverside and the women on the masters’ team. Racing the Head of the Kevin in a single was something I never thought I’d do, that being said, it has been a joy being back in team boats this year. ”

“Riverside to me represents family and connection. When I moved to Boston in 1986 I didn’t have a job or know anyone. The first thing I did was join Riverside and immediately had a place to go and a group of young people who became my new ‘family’. Then I met my future husband, Andy O’Brien at the club. With my new family, I took 15 years off to raise our children and pursue a career. When I came back to Riverside in 2016 I was welcomed by old friends and quickly made many new ones. It was as if I never left as I rekindled my love of rowing! ”

“My life at Riverside started at 18 years old. With reflection, I see beyond the aged physical structure and into what RBC has provided: opportunity. An Opportunity to compete. An Opportunity to practice my craft. Opportunities to explore and grow relationships with ups and downs. An opportunity to change. Opportunities to live, breathe, mourn and heal. As I slide into the latter years of life the opportunities change, the doors stay the same.
Open
”

“Water world, one could describe my life in those two words. However, it took many decades for that world to include sculling.
Happily, joining Riverside has proven that the long wait was worthwhile. Being surrounded by like-minded people of all ages and skill levels has motivated me to keep up the long learning process to achieving sculling excellence. Even an obvious beginner receives encouragement and sage advice from some of the best rowers on the planet.

Thank you all, and thank you Riverside Boat Club!
”