Why Row?
Rowing isn't just FUN; it's a full-body fitness sport that complements other exercises, suitable for all ages. Beyond physical benefits, rowing on the Susquehanna River provides a REFRESHING escape and an opportunity to meet like-minded people.
Whether you seek exercise, SCENIC enjoyment, competitive racing, or new friendships, the Central Pennsylvania Rowing Association (CPRA) is your destination. Join the fun and discover the joy of rowing!
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CPRA Board
CPRA is a non-profit governed by a board of directors
Kim Daubman - President
Kim found her passion for rowing in 2000 when she enrolled in CPRA's learn-to-row class. She has been a member of CPRA ever since and recently returned to the board to serve a second term as board president. Kim enjoys pushing her limits in friendly competition and has competed in several regattas.
Alan Marchiori - Vice President
Alan began rowing in college, both at Lafayette and Purdue. He joined CPRA in 2015 after completing Learn-to-Row. You might also find him biking (road, gravel & mountain) or sailing. Connect with him on Strava.
Mark Hintz - Treasurer
Mark moved to the area in 2021 bringing his single to join the club. He was elected to the board and immediately elected Treasurer for 2022-23.
Kelly Finley - Secretary
Kelly took CPRA's Learn-To-Row class the summer of 2011. At the end of the class her coach looked her in the eye and said "you've found your sport", and he was right! She's been rowing ever since.
Susan Lyons
Susan has served as as VP and secretary during her several years on the board. She's doing great work coming up with fundraising ideas for CPRA, such as selling Weis and Giant grocery gift cards, T-shirts for Moonlight Row, etc.!
Jackie Burke
After several years of watching collegiate teams row on the river, I was excited to discover CPRA. I joined LTR in 2019 and immediately fell in love with the sport, immersing myself in the camaraderie and challenge of rowing.
T.J. Burke
I joined LTR in 2019 with my wife, and I’ve been hooked on rowing ever since. I love the challenge the sport provides, especially on our beautiful Susquehanna River. When I’m not rowing, I enjoy road biking and hiking, embracing the outdoors in every way possible.
Jim Gallagher
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Carol Graybeal
Carol began rowing in 2001, and quickly knew she would continue rowing the rest of her life! She has a competitive spirit and has competed in many regattas over the years, often with her club mates, making friends from all over the world.
Carol’s desire as Membership Chair is to introduce as many people as possible to rowing!
Meet our Coaches!
Derek Updegraff - Head Coach
Derek began rowing in 1990 at Bucknell University. After rowing for Bucknell and the Bachelor’s Barge Club Lightweight Development Club, he began assisting at Bucknell, eventually becoming the head men’s coach. He then went on to coach the varsity men at UC Santa Barbara to two Dad Vail medals. Derek is currently an assistant coach for Bucknell University women's rowing.
Derek was also very instrumental in the formation of the Central Pennsylvania Rowing Association, serving as its first head coach.
Derek particularly enjoys introducing newcomers to the sport of rowing and making it accessible and fun for everyone.
Jim Grose - Learn-to-Row Coach
Jim is a Land Surveyor, a Rower, a Coach, a Hunter, Fisherman, Camper, Boater, and general Outdoorsman.
At the turn of the century, Jim was introduced to the wonderful sport of rowing. Soon he became involved with CPRA and coached the Susquehanna University Rowing Team for 10 years. He has rowed and/or coached in many of the Eastern states from Massachusetts to Florida.
Rowing is a total body workout: burning calories, creating core strength, and expanding flexibility all while having fun at the same time.
Rowing is for Life!
Haley Beardsley - Masters Coach
Haley discovered rowing in 2021 through the Bucknell Women's Rowing Novice Program and was hooked. She competed in the Varsity 8 in 2023 and stroked the Second Varsity 8 in 2024. In the summer of 2023, she rowed with the Bath Rowing Club in the UK.
She assisted with various youth camps at Bath and Bucknell, and currently assists with the Susquehanna University Crew on the weekends. As a former novice, she is excited and passionate about teaching others the mechanics and beauty of the sport.
Christopher Kirby - Coach
Christopher has been rowing since his 7th grade summer, starting at Duluth Rowing Club. There he learned how to scull and sweep and often competed in the single. He is currently a rower on the Bucknell University Men's team where he is the team Captain. This year he stroked the varsity 8, and throughout his years has won conference awards as well as being named on the All-American team.
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Christopher has gone back to Duluth the past two summers to coach the Junior, Masters, and Learn to row programs. As a former rower there, he has found it easy to connect with the junior rowers to help them find a passion for the sport.