Have you ever watched rowers in the Head of the Charles regatta and said to yourself, "I could do that," or "That looks like fun"?
Saturday is your chance to give it a try.
North Andover resident Mike McInnis is helping organize the the Greater Lawrence Community Boating Program open house. He said people can check out the GLCBP facility on the Merrimack River, meet the program's rowing coaches and get a quick beginner lesson in rowing, free of charge.
"It's an opportunity to go to the boat house and check out the facility, equipment and instructors. It's right on the river, a fantastic facility that you'd never know was there. It's a jewel," said McInnis. "You'd never think that sailing and rowing opportunities are available and so close for the community.
"Many people don't know about it."
The GLCBP, a Lawrence nonprofit organization, offers year-round instruction, teams and programs in sailing, rowing and other boating sports for both kids and adults. It has operated out of its facility in Riverfront State Park since the early 1980s.
The group draws boaters from all over the Merrimack Valley, from novice to the most expert competitors, said McInnis.
At the open house on March 15, local youth on GLCBP rowing teams and coaches Paul Bea and Ellen Minzner will be on hand to answer questions and demonstrate. Both coaches have extensive rowing resumes, having competed on college teams. Minzner has rowed on the U.S. Olympic team five times.
The GLCBP's boat house is equipped with indoor rowing machines for winter training, and they will be used for the open house on Saturday, said McInnis.
The event is free and open to the public. A sailing open house is planned for later in the spring, said McInnis.
The open house will offer something for everyone, he said.
"It's a great place to learn and discover what the GLCBP is all about," he said.
Ahoy, maties! The Greater Lawrence Community Boating Program rowing open house
r March 15, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
r Bashara Boathouse, Riverfront State Park, 1 Eaton St., South Lawrence
r Free and public
r Rowing lessons will be given, no experience necessary
r To learn more about GLCBP, visit www.greaterlawrencerowing.com
