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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!

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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

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 .

Clearances Clearances for Coaches and Adult Volunteers All Coaches, Assistant Coaches, Volunteer Coaches, Coxswains, Drivers and generally any Adult Volunteers having on-going interaction with Youth (“under age 18”) during any and all CPRA events and programs shall agree to background screenings performed by the National Center for Safety Initiatives (NCSI) as set forth in this Policy Statement. The background screenings shall be obtained on an annual basis, or shorter period of time if requested by the CPRA Board, prior to any on-going interaction with Youth. The coach or volunteer must complete the required application/registration as directed by the CPRA Board, President, or a designee. The CPRA Board shall have full discretion to accept or reject the volunteer based upon the Clearance Report (called the Red Light/Green Light result). Coaches or volunteers who fail to provide accurate information for the screening or fail to agree to the screening will result in not being permitted to coach or volunteer and will not be paid or permitted contact. The "Green Light" or "Red Light" determination will expire one year from the date the determination is issued. CPRA shall use the NCSI services for the limited purpose of determining whether to retain individuals ("Individuals") as volunteers, employees, coaches, board members, staff, officials or any other authorized representatives ("Permitted Purpose"). The CPRA Board contracts with NCSI who provides “Check-it-Twice Services” to the Board. The services include fully managed and comprehensive background screening program. Database Search: The following description details the databases and information searched: NCSI will use one commercial data provider to search a database for validation of a coach or volunteer’s social security number and its actual issuance and previous address history information. NCSI will use two commercial data providers to search databases for available information concerning a conviction of a Criterion Offense consistent with the National Council of Youth Sports Recommended Guidelines. This search will cover seven or more years based on available information, unless otherwise disclosed by NCSI to the Board. The scope of this search is based on the best available data by the two commercial providers at that time. NCSI will also use a commercial data provider to conduct at least one single county criminal record search covering the county or counties in which an individual has resided within the past five years. Additional county level searches may be recommended by NCSI during the course of the investigation process and will be charged to the Board. NCSI will use two commercial data providers to search databases for sex offender registrations for an Individual in those states identified by the Board. NCSI will use a commercial data provider to search the Office of Foreign Assets Control ("OFAC") database for records on an individual. Registration: NCSI will provide the CPRA President or designee or Board with registration capabilities so that coaches or key volunteers can interact directly with the NCSI system. Through this direct registration process, coaches and volunteers will electronically complete an application form including all legal authorizations and criminal history disclosures and this information will be stored as part of the records of an individual. Additionally, at the request of the CPRA, Board, or President, NCSI may store the organizational policies and individuals may be required to acknowledge receipt of these policies and their compliance therewith as part of the individual’s registration process and that signoff will also be part of the electronic file fully accessible by the Board, President, or designee. Individuals are required to have a valid e-mail address. Report: Following an individual’s completion of the registration information, NCSI will provide to the Board, President, or designee a report titled, Red Light/Green Light within 10 business days of receipt of a request for information on an individual. NCSI shall inform an authorized representative of CPRA based on information from databases and other searches performed at the request of the CPRA as to whether an Individual’s Record meets the criteria set forth in Schedule A at the time of the request and receives a "Green Light" or does not meet the criteria and receives a "Red Light". Upon issuance of a "Red Light" determination, NCSI shall send the Individual a copy of the Record and a summary of the Individual’s Federal Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) rights as part of the investigation. If requested by the Individual, the NCSI is authorized to reinvestigate and correct, if necessary, any inaccurate information. Applicable fees will be charged to CPRA. Schedule A: Criterion Offenses Reportable convictions and pending dispositions, or disclosures of convictions or registrations, for any of the following criminal offenses or registrations will prompt a determination that an applicant ‘does not meet’ the criminal background screening criteria and a red light determination will be issued: R1. Any felony (any crime punishable by confinement greater than one year) a. Defined on the basis of exposure for the offense for which the defendant was convicted, pled guilty or pled nolo contendere. If pled down, then the crime to which the defendant ultimately pled. b. Defined as all crimes punishable by greater than one year in jail or prison, regardless of how characterized by jurisdiction. If range, alternate sentencing, or indeterminate sentencing with an outer range greater than one year R2. Any lesser crime involving force or threat of force against a person R3. Any lesser crime of a sexual nature or classified as a sex offense including but not limited to “victimless” crimes of a sexual nature such as prostitution, pornography, indecent exposure; and crimes in which sexual relations is an element R4. Any lesser crime involving controlled substances (not paraphernalia or alcohol) R5. Any lesser crime involving cruelty to animals R6. Any Sex Offender Registrant R7. Any lesser crime involving harm to a minor Criminal offenses include “Attempted Crimes” in the above classifications Adverse Action: If CPRA elects to take an adverse action based on this information, CPRA is responsible to notify NCSI of its decision to take adverse action. NCSI, at CPRA’s request, shall send to the Individual notice of CPRA’s decision. CPRA authorizes NCSI to communicate directly with Individuals as appropriate in the investigative process. CPRA will direct Individuals to communicate exclusively with NCSI concerning the notification of an adverse action and if requested, any reinvestigation. Recheck of Records: NCSI will recheck an Individual’s Records obtained six months after the submission date. The recheck search performed uses one commercial data provider to search a national database and available state sex offender registries. CPRA agrees to use the NCSI website to update the status of Individual and deactivate any Individual that no longer has permission to coach or volunteer. Disclosure of Information to Individuals Receiving Background Screens: In ordering a report for background screening purposes using account-registration, CPRA certifies that it will: (i) make a clear and conspicuous written disclosure to the individual before the report is obtained, in a document that consists solely of the disclosure, that a consumer report may be obtained; (ii) obtain prior written authorization from the individual to the search of criminal records, sex offender registries and other public records by NCSI for the purpose of CPRA in determining whether to retain that individual as a volunteer or employee; (iii) not use the information in violation of any federal or state equal opportunity law or regulation, and that, if any adverse action is to be taken based on the report, authorizes NCSI on its behalf to send a copy of the report and a summary of the consumer's rights to the individual and (iv) before taking an adverse action, and at other times as required by state law, direct NCSI to provide a copy of the report to the consumer as well as the summary of the consumer's rights. Only employees or authorized individuals of CPRA may access the NCSI services or reports. Indemnification: The individual coach or key volunteer will indemnify, defend, and hold NCSI and CPRA, its employees, officers, members, managers, board, affiliated companies, agents, third party service providers, or anyone else involved in creating, producing or distributing NCSI’s services harmless from or against any and all liabilities, damages, losses, costs, and expenses including attorney fees arising out of or resulting from CPRA’s use of NCSI’s Services. Fees: For each request for a background screen of an Individual made by CPRA to NCSI, the CPRA will pay the fees required to complete the background screening. Confidentiality: NCSI and CPRA acknowledge that they may receive information from the other party that is proprietary and confidential. Each party will identify any such information by labeling it as "Confidential" at or near the time of disclosure. The Party receiving confidential information from the other will: (a) maintain the confidentiality of such information with the same degree of care, and no less than reasonable care, as it uses for its own proprietary and confidential information, (b) limit access to such confidential information to those employees and outside contractors who have the need for such information and are under a duty of confidentiality to that Party, (c) not disclose the confidential information to any other person or entity, and (d) will not use the confidential information for any purpose other than performance of its business. In order complete the background check, coaches or key volunteers will receive an email from the President or designee of the Board providing a personal Identification Number ("ID") from NCSI to access and use the services. An individual's ID may not be transferred, shared or otherwise provided to any other individuals and shall be kept confidential by the CPRA. NCSI will produce and maintain a registration page. This page will include logos or marks designating it as the registration page. The registration process allows Individuals to enter personal information directly into NCSI website in order for a background screening to be processed. Results of the respective search are sent to the CPRA. Let’s Work Together Want to be a volunteer? First Name Last Name Email Message Send Thanks for submitting!

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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.