The idea to start a rowing club in East Hampton dates back to 2012 when a few individuals noticed that Wesleyan University used Lake Pocotopaug for both their sailing and rowing clubs.  The thought was: why does Wesleyan University offer more programs on Lake Pocotopaug than East Hampton High School does?  We met with Wesleyan Head Coach Phil Carney to talk about the idea of starting a high school program in East Hampton.  His response was: “Every time we row on the lake, I think how crazy it is that the high school doesn’t offer their students a program here.”  From that meeting, the East Hampton Rowing Club began to take shape.

 
We felt that rowing was a perfect fit for this town.  Sears Park is walking distance from the high school, and is set up to allow for ample parking to host events.  The lake itself is large enough to host both fall regattas and spring sprints, and it is far more stable than the Connecticut River in terms of rowing conditions.  In addition, just as with the Bevin Bell Factory, the Lake helps to shape East Hampton’s unique character.  It was hoped that a rowing program would give East Hampton students the opportunity to take advantage of a watercourse ideal for the sport, and perhaps develop a stronger appreciation for their community at the same time.  In short, the Lake helps to define the character of East Hampton, and a rowing program complements that character.

After three years of seeking advice, acquiring equipment, and soliciting the support of the community, the East Hampton Rowing Club is here at last.  Rowing is the ultimate team sport; there are no individual stars.  In the words of a high school rower:
“To excel in crew requires an incredible input of time, effort, energy, and emotion, but the return is equally great. As school has honed my mind and intellect, crew has helped me to gain physical and mental courage, stamina, commitment, and the will to excel.”
We encourage students to try it out.  Whether a student is interested in enjoying the sport as a fun activity, or a competitor interested in developing the skills and knowledge necessary to take rowing to the collegiate level, we believe that the lessons inherent in the sport bestow lifelong benefit.