Looking for something fun and challenging to do this summer? A way to get some great exercise? Do you or your kids love the water? Want to meet some new people at the same time? Then head over to one of Long Beach’s best kept secrets, The Pete Archer Rowing Center at 5750 Boathouse Lane.
Throughout the summer the Long Beach Rowing Association and Junior Crew are hosting ”learn to row” morning camps for teans and evening classes for adults. Learn the basics in their recently remodeled gym on the rowing machine, commonly referred to as an “erg.” Get the hang of actual oars out on the dock in a stationary simulated shell. In very short order you’ll be out on the water in a “quad” or an “eight” accompanied by a coach in a motor boat known as a safety launch. Too shy to learn in a group or prefer individual instruction? Boathouse captain, A.C. duPont, will work out personal coaching sessions for a very reasonable fee.
The sport of rowing’s history can be traced back to Egyptian inscriptions recorded in 1430 B.C. Venetian fetivals in the 13th century called regatas included boat races. Races are still referred to as Regattas (with an additional “t.”) Today there are many regattas held across the U.S. for racers of all ages and skill levels.
The Pete Archer Rowing Center is home to the Cal State Long Beach Women’s and Men’s Crew, Long Beach Junior Crew and many former olympic and world rowing champions. There is even an adaptive rowing program for people with physical challenges. Rowing, or crewing, as it is often called by collegiate or high school-level athletes, is a wonderful team sport for all kids, although often overlooked in the shadow of soccer, baseball and other more popular team sports.
College crew teams often workout in the early morning hours when classes are in session; Junior crew or high-schoolers after school during the school year. Each of the collegiate teams and the junior crew have their own fleet of shells, ergs and coaches.
Summertime is the perfect time to expose your high school age son’s and daughters to this fantastic team sport. It’s always a great time for adults to get out and get going. Think of it as therapy with benefits! But before you head over to the boathouse to sign up, you might want to brush up on your crew vocabulary.
Cruising around on Alamitos Bay after work. Fantastic! Meeting some very interesting amateur rowers like yourself. Stimulating! Melting some lbs. off your legs, abs, arms and tush….Big bonus! Staying for the gorgeous sunset over Marine Stadium….PRICELESS!!!
