PORT ANGELES — Youth and Master rowers with the Olympic Peninsula Rowing Association (OPRA) recently completed a successful summer of socially distanced training sessions on Lake Crescent.
While a number of team sports and other activities were sidelined due to the pandemic, OPRA rowers could continue to train on the water after the organization developed a comprehensive COVID-19 plan.
During the relocation process of the OPRA Boathouse on Ediz Hook, coach Debby Swinford and rowers utilized Log Cabin Resort at Lake Crescent to launch single-rower shells while taking advantage of the ideal rowing conditions the lake offers.
The single shells allowed rowers to practice social distancing while training, with the use of masks and hand/boat washing when storing the boats each day.
Several of the OPRA rowers are now competing in National and World regattas virtually throughout the fall to keep their motivation high.
The mixed doubles team of Harrison Fulton and Ella Schulz recently earned a third-place finish at the Head of the Schuylkill River Regatta. They intend on racing the Head of the Fish Regatta this weekend.
Fall rowing has returned back to Ediz Hook. Repair and rehabilitation of the boathouse, damaged during a 2017 storm, will continue through the winter months.
For more information on joining OPRA or learning about the organization’s programs for all ages, email opracoach@gmail.com.
