Rowing Through New York Harbor: A Day of Teamwork, Thrills, and Sore Muscles

On Sunday, August 25, 2024, a group of Fountain House members and their friends embarked on a memorable boating adventure across New York Harbor. Organized through the Village Community Boathouse at Pier 40, this outing was both exhilarating and challenging, particularly given the minimal training and the need for a little extra faith.

The day began with a daunting task: our leader, Marcel, handed me a rope and asked me to guide a 500-pound boat into the water by walking down a narrow plank. The experience was nerve-wracking as the boat rocked in the water, tugging against the rope while the waves and currents added to the difficulty. I was responsible for keeping the boat steady enough for others to board, but the tension on the rope made me feel as if I might be pulled overboard into the swirling waters. Fortunately, with teamwork and determination, we managed to get everyone on board safely.

Once we were underway, the rowing was no easy feat. Four of us took up the oars, but the effort quickly proved demanding. One of my fellow Fountain House members, seated directly in front of me, struggled to maintain their balance and kept slipping out of their seat, causing their oar to dangle precariously in the air. After multiple attempts to continue, I asked the coxswain to give them a break. They gratefully sat beside me while a young man took over their position. Despite the challenges, everyone’s spirits remained high as we navigated the sometimes choppy waters, surrounded by the stunning sights of towering skyscrapers and bustling boat traffic.

As the sun blazed down in the 85-degree heat, we were thankful for our well-worn caps, life preservers, and generous applications of sunscreen. The physical effort was immense, and after nearly two hours of continuous rowing, fatigue set in. Our coxswain, noticing our exhaustion, guided us back to the dock, wrapping up our adventure on a high note. The most surprising lesson of the day? The newfound respect we all gained for the rowing teams at elite universities like Harvard and Yale—our sore buttocks bore testimony to just how demanding the sport can be.

For those unfamiliar with community rowing at Pier 40, each session starts with a brief orientation before participants are grouped into crews led by experienced coxswains. The boats, known as Whitehall gigs, are traditional and sturdy, accommodating four rowers plus the coxswain. Rowing sessions typically last between one and three hours, depending on weather conditions and tides. Participants are also expected to pitch in with launching, retrieving, and cleaning the boats.

Community rowing is open to all and emphasizes teamwork, recreation, and respect in a safe environment. While some physical agility is necessary, the experience is as much about camaraderie and enjoying the beautiful surroundings as it is about mastering the rowing technique. As always, safety is paramount—life jackets are mandatory, and participants are advised to come prepared with sunscreen and plenty of water for a day in the sun.

Would you like to join us on our next adventure? Call or text me at 929-884-3564.