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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! Want to learn more? Click a topic you'd like to know more about! Meet Our Board Location Meet Our Coaches Facilities Boats Safety Rules JOIN CPRA Rowing Schedule 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 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 tbd 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 - 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 Beardsley - Masters Coach for 2025 Season 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 - 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. 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.

Built in 2016, CPRA boasts its own boathouse, offering members access to a diverse fleet of sculling boats, from singles to octuples. Facilities Central Pennsylvania Rowing Association (CPRA) was formed in 1989 by a loosely-connected group of people who shared an interest in rowing or a curiosity about rowing and a love of the river. Since then, CPRA has evolved, and in 2004, it received federal tax-exempt status as a 501(c) 3 charitable and educational organization, whose mission is to educate and provide opportunities for the youth and general public to enjoy the health benefits of rowing recreationally, as well as competitively. The club rows on the beautiful Susquehanna River. We offer a Learn To Row program each summer, and some members of the club have competed successfully at various regattas in and around Pennsylvania. For many years, CPRA shared a space with Susquehanna and Bucknell crews. After many, many hours of planning and paperwork, CPRA's very own boat house was completed in October 2016! CPRA Boats Small Craft training single; suitable for beginner scullers Fatty Bacon Swift lightweight single; suitable for intermediate to advanced scullers The Intake Peinert X25 lightweight single; suitable for intermediate scullers The Powerline Peinert 26 openweight single; suitable for intermediate to advanced scullers River Ninja Hudson openweight single; suitable for advanced rowers Skeeter Swift racing double; suitable for intermediate to advanced scullers The Augusta WinTech lightweight double; suitable for intermediate to advanced skullers Double Trouble WinTech open weight double; suitable for intermediate to advanced scullers The Eddie Hudson Elite lightweight racing double; suitable for intermediate to advanced scullers Folie à Deux Empacher open weight double; suitable for intermediate to advanced scullers Take two Swift racing double; suitable for intermediate to advanced scullers Thunder Rowed Swift open weight quad; suitable for intermediate to advanced scullers Degenstein II Filippi open weight quad; suitable for intermediate to advanced scullers Saetta Hudson Elite quad; suitable for intermediate to advanced scullers Spirit of John Skotedis Pocock octople; used for our learn-to-row program Frederick Foster

CPRA provides youth aged 12-18 the chance to learn rowing through a three-week Learn-To-Row (LTR) class each summer. Youth Rowing CPRA will offer seven weeks of youth rowing in 2026, open to new and experienced rowers aged 12-18 Register Here During the first three weeks of the season (June 1-June 19), youth can sign up for either the morning practices (session one) or the afternoon practices (session two). During the final four weeks of the season (June 22-July 18), practices will be in the afternoon (session three). We encourage youth who sign up for session one or two to also enroll in session three. Session One: Coach Derek Updegraff will coach the morning practices (June 1-June 19) on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays 8:30-10:15 a.m. Session Two: Coach Erik King will coach the afternoon practices (June 1-June 18) on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays 4:00-5:45 p.m. Session Three: Coach Erik will coach afternoon practices (June 22-July 16) on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays 4:00-5:45. Youth who participate in 7-weeks of rowing may have the opportunity to compete in the Philly Youth Regatta on Saturday, July 18. If sessions are full, contact us at rowcpra@gmail.com to be put on the waitlist. Required Swim Certification Membership in US Rowing (USRA) is required. First-time rowers should select Learn-to-Row membership ($10). Experienced rowers can select Basic membership ($20 to renew). Join USRA here please donate what you can to sustain this free program Because of our commitment to make rowing available to all area youth, we do not charge a fee for youth to participate in our summer rowing program. This is made possible through the generous donation of the Charles B. Degenstein Foundation. Family donations are also an important part of our financial plan to sustain youth rowing in our region. These donations enable us to purchase and maintain our rowing shells and oars; keep our dock, boathouse, and safety launches in good condition; pay our insurance; and provide quality coaching. CPRA is a non-profit organization and all donations are tax deductible. If you are able, please donate at this link .

The Central Pennsylvania Rowing Association is a non-profit athletic organization established to promote the sport of rowing. We offer to individuals in the surrounding communities the opportunity to experience the sport, from beginners through competitive level, and also to encourage the use and enjoyment of our region's natural waterways. Click here for more information about adult learn-to-row and here for more information about youth rowing program. Registrations are now open. Register Here CENTRAL PA ROWING ASSOCIATION The Beauty In Community Head Coach Needed We are seeking a head coach to act as the primary leader overseeing both masters and youth programs. Click below for more information. More Information Welcome to CPRA Since 1989, we have been united by our interest, enthusiasm, and love for rowing on the Susquehanna River with a mission to educate and provide opportunities for youth and adults to enjoy the health benefits of rowing recreationally as well as competitively. What We Offer Adult Learn to Row For adults 18 and older. Masters Rowing CPRA welcomes novice and experienced rowers. Youth Rowing We offer programs for both new and experienced rowers ages 12-18. Our Location Be The First To Know Join our mailing list First name Last name Email I agree to be added to our email list Subscribe Thanks for subscribing!

Each summer, we're thrilled to offer our adult learn-to-row program! Our experienced coaches kick things off with the basics, covering safety and essential strokes during the initial land-based class. After completing at least 4 sessions on the water, you're invited to join our friendly club members for the remainder of the season on the water. Let the rowing adventures begin! Adult Learn-to-Row Register Here Open to anyone 18 years or older, this class teaches the sculling basics in 8- or 4-person rowing shells on the Susquehanna River. Additional Information Our two experienced coaches kick things off on the first night with a land based class, covering the basics about boat/water safety, an introduction to the boats used for LTR, which are two octuples. Octuples seat 8 rowers and one coxswain, and you will learn how to carry these boats safely and how to get into them safely from the dock. We will also get to know one another during the instruction on the land, as well as learn about the boathouse, the boats and boat safety, the oars, how to carry and store them. This first class is essential to the week long LTR session. Instruction continues on the water on days 2-5, and you do need to complete all five evening sessions to receive your LTR certificate, and move to the status of a Novice Rower. Also, once you complete LTR, you are invited to join CPRA for the remainder of the season as a novice rower. A dedicated coach will work with novice rowers through the month of June. We are a very friendly group of rowers! Come join us! SESSION ONE: Monday, June 1st through Friday, June 5th, 6-8 p.m, at Shikelammy State Park This session is open to 16 rowers. SESSION TWO: Monday, June 8th through Friday, June 12th, 6-8 p.m. at Shikelammy State Park The maximum enrollment for this week is 8 rowers. Please choose which week you want to participate, with a plan to attend all of the practices in that session. Register Here Required Swim Certification

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Register Here A FUN, Lifelong Sport For All Ages! Masters Opportunities for adults ages 18 and older. Read More Youth Opportunities for youth rowers ages 12 to 18. Read More All CPRA members are required to maintain an active individual membership with USRowing at the Basic level or higher. USRowing Jim Baker "Great facilities, great water, great people Couldn't ask for more."

Join us for morning coached rowing sessions from 6am to 8am on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, or in the evenings from 6pm to 8pm on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. Organized Practice Schedule May 27-August 29, 2025 Morning rows are typically: 6:00-8:00 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays please contact rowcpra.org if you want to row in the morn ing Evening rows: 6:00-8:00 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays Club boats can be taken out during non-organized practice times when weather and water conditions permit as long as half of the rowers in the boat are bow-certified .

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Online Swim Certification Paper Swim Certification Stay aware of all conditions and rules with these links! Weather Conditions River Conditions Safety Rules Incident Report (for injury or damage) Bow Certification App Safety Video Rowing Conditions and Safety Rules Water level must be above 6 feet and below 16 feet and river current must be less than 60,000 cfs.

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