However, more and more attention is being paid to the region as a rowing community thanks to the ongoing growth and success of the Saratoga Rowing Association.

Since its inception in 1996, the Saratoga Rowing Association (SRA) has offered community rowing programs for various ages and levels with the overall goal of promoting the sport through education, participation and instruction.

Now in its 12th year, the SRA has successfully improved the popularity of the sport and shows no signs of slowing down with the continual expansion and development of its programming.

“There are many beneficial aspects of rowing and we do our best to make it easy to get involved,” said first-year Executive Director and longtme coach Eric Catalano. “Saratoga has a great history of rowing and we have one of the best bodies of water in the northeast for it.”

As with previous years, the SRA offers a full schedule of summer programming available to rowers of all ages and abilities. The youngest programs start for children ages 8 and 9, and continue through high school-aged and into the masters division (anyone over 27 is considered Masters – yes, that makes me feel old too). Many participants are involved in the program into their 60’s.

With a renewed focus on youth involvement, the SRA is featuring a “Learn to Row” program this summer encouraging young kids to participate in rowing. The two-week program is designed for kids entering grades 7, 8, or 9, and includes three hours of instruction daily.

“It’s a great way for younger kids to try out the sport to see if they like it,” said Catalano.

“We have athletes who choose to only row in our two-week programs, athletes who enjoy private lessons, and athletes who row competitively and go on to become scholarshipped athletes for Division I rowing programs.”

In addition to traditional community rowing programs, the SRA boasts a highly competitive high school club program that has received both state and national acclaim.

The SRA provides training and acts as a competition venue for the rowing clubs of area high schools including Saratoga Springs, Ballston Spa, South Glens Falls, Queensbury, St. Mary’s, Saratoga Waldorf as well as home-schooled athletes.

The Saratoga Springs squad has enjoyed recent success on both state and national levels, and annually competes as one of the strongest female clubs in the country. The senior girls 8 finished 3rd at the national championships this year and traveled to Canada to claim the title at the Canadian National championships.

Looking towards the future, the SRA continues to work on promoting the sport of rowing in and around the Saratoga region.

Under Catalano, they have introduced programming focused on youth participation including a local modified league for 7th and 8th grade students.

In addition to hosting annual events such as the New York State rowing championships and “Head of the Fish” regatta, the SRA is also lobbying to host the Scholastic National championships in 2010.

With the addition of new programming and expansion into a new boathouse, Catalano is optimistic about the future of the SRA and the possibilities of introducing the sport to more and more people.

He urges members of the community to learn more about rowing and support the SRA through direct participation, involvement in fundraisers, or simply coming out to support others at Regattas and other events.

Throughout the last 12 years, the Saratoga Rowing Association has grown to become a well-respected member of the Saratoga community. With continued success, Catalano hopes that Saratoga will someday be as well known for rowing as it is for horses and history.

More information on programming and events can be found at www.saratogarowing.com.