Catching up with Rumson-Fair Haven rowing
RUMSON, N.J. — In 2007, rowing was established as a sport at RFH with the support of generous donors and from both RFH and Rumson Recreation. The addition of this sport to Rumson Rec and RFH has been invariably successful.
In middle school, I participated in the “Learn to Row” program offered by Rumson Recreation. Upon entering high school, I joined the RFH Rowing team as a freshman, and this year, my senior year, I am the team co-captain. The team was relatively small when I first joined due to the pandemic. However, with each passing year, we’ve seen an increase in new athletes, and I’m pleased to report that this year, we have our largest team yet. Most of the athletes on the team train year-round and participate in both spring and fall regattas.
Due to weather constraints and river conditions inherent with year-round training, the coaches, Chris Sesler, Ed Riley, and volunteers Jennifer Mullins and Christian Gibbs dedicate significant training time to work out pieces on the erg machine. Erging is crucial for conditioning and incredibly motivating with music blasting and the buzz of ergs humming.
That being said, nothing quite compares to the exhilaration of being on the water. My absolute favorite moments come from our early morning practices. There’s something uncanny about witnessing the golden sun rising over the horizon, the serene calmness enveloping the water, and the feeling of unity as our Double (sculling boat) glides along the Navesink River. It’s a truly invigorating experience.
Most recently, during the Garden State Scholastic Championships, our team showcased its strength by earning medals in five races. The girls also won the Harry Carroll Jr. Trophy for racking up the most points in sculling. Our success at this regatta led to three boats, including mine, qualifying to compete in the Scholastic Rowing Association of America National Championship Regatta at the end of May.
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