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 learned scull at Thompson Boat Center in Georgetown DC and sweep at Capital Rowing Club in Washington DC, where he was a member for more than a decade. In 2021, he moved to central Pennsylvania and joined CPRA. He joined the board as treasurer in 2022.
Amber Lind - Secretary
Amber took CPRA’s Learn-to-Row class in the summer of 2012 and has been rowing ever since. She previously served as president and treasurer and now returns as secretary. Amber enjoys being outdoors and often spends her time on the water birdwatching, especially for bald eagles and herons.
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
Jim learned to Row, in high school, but rarely had the opportunity to pursue the sport until retirement. He joined CPRA 22 years ago and has enjoyed every day on the water since then.
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!
Kelly Finley
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.
Meet our Coaches!
Derek Updegraff - Learn-to-Row and Youth 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.
Erik King - Youth Coach
Coach Erik is the current head coach at Susquehanna University and has over 30 years experience training and mentoring athletes and developing rowing programs.
Coach Erik was the founding member and 30-year board member of the revitalized Nereid Boat Club, based out of Rutherford, NJ on the Passaic River. In the early 1900's the Passaic River was home to more than nine rowing clubs. By 1993 the Nereid Boat Club had been inactive for 30 years and there were only three high school teams rowing on the Passaic River, including Erik's alma mater Belleville High School (where he also served as head coach from 1992-1994). Coach Erik took steps to restore the Nereid Boat Club to offer more opportunities to youth and master's level rowing.
Jim Grose - Learn-to-Row and Novice 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 Austin - Youth Assistant Coach for 2026 Season
I was introduced to rowing in 2023 when I joined the Susquehanna University Rowing. On my first day, I was placed in a boat with only a one-minute explanation of how to row before being sent out on the water. Since then, I have remained deeply involved with the team, serving in multiple roles over the years, including secretary, social media manager, and women’s captain.
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Although I only have three years of experience, I have consistently dedicated myself to the team in every way possible. Because of this, I understand what it feels like to be thrown into something completely new and unfamiliar. Rowing is an incredible workout that provides both physical and mental benefits while also fostering strong friendships and meaningful connections. While I may lack years of experience, I make up for it with passion, dedication, and a genuine love for the sport of rowing.
Christopher Kirby - Masters Coach for 2025 Season
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.
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Ethan Bell - Youth Assistant Coach for 2022-26 Seasons
Ethan began rowing at the age of 14 at CPRA. During his time at CPRA, he was coached by Derek Updegraff who helped educate him in the art of rowing. Throughout his middle school and high school career, Ethan competed in various regattas including The Kings Head Regatta where he achieved 1st place in the lightweight singles category. After graduating from High School and continuing his education at Susquehanna University, Ethan joined the University club crew team his freshman year in college. Being instructed by Coach Jim Grose at the time, Ethan would learn how to sweep row and compete in the men’s varsity eight boat both fall and spring semesters. During his junior year in college, Ethan would be voted in as Team captain for the men’s team during the fall semester.
In the past 4 summers, Ethan has been an assistant coach at CPRA. Helping Derek and CPRA coach the youth rowers during the learn to row and youth rowing experiences over the summer. Having been part of CPRA and being trained by coaches in the area, Ethan is well versed with the Susquehanna River and coaching Youth rowers. He enjoys coaching the youth rowers and wants to give them as great of an experience as he did when he first started at the club many years ago.