April ... back to normal

Newsletter April 2024

Since December of 2023, the dedicated team at SSYRP tirelessly focused on building up their ranks. With each passing month, new athletes arrived to try out for the team, some choosing to stay while others unfortunately had to depart. The seasoned veterans on the team poured all of their knowledge and skills into teaching and aiding the Head Coach in preparing for the upcoming season in 2024.

Through a series of scrimmages and intense training sessions alongside their Masters team, these athletes transformed from strangers to steadfast friends. Not only did they develop a strong sense of camaraderie, but their rowing abilities also became something worth admiring. As April approached, it marked the opportunity for everyone to finally put their skills to the test and face off against other crews. This was just the beginning, as they eagerly prepared for the crown race in May and set their sights on competing in the South East Youth Championship (more details to come in our next newsletter).

But beyond their work on the water, this team also devoted themselves to a different kind of challenge - the Giving Challenge. Every two years, this fundraising program helps raise crucial funds for non-profit organizations, and our team worked tirelessly to ensure success in this endeavor as well.

Throwback - Clay Shoot

In the early days of spring in 2024, the SSYRP (Sarasota Scullers Youth Rowing Program) hosted their annual Clay Shot competition. As the warm sun shone down on the sparkling waters of the river, rowers from all over the community gathered to test their skills and aim at clay disks flying through the air. The Scullers were honored to work alongside generous sponsors such as HYDROW, FORD Sarasota, SCULLER brewery, and many more who generously donated prizes and items for our winners and silent auction and raffle.

Amongst the fierce competitors was Roger R., who defied all odds and managed to hit all 50 disks with precision and agility. The crowd erupted into cheers and applause as he proudly accepted his well-deserved victory. In a show of sportsmanship and support, Roger promised to return next year and continue to support the Scullers in this event - a true testament to the camaraderie and spirit of the rowing community. As a memento of this special day, here are some stunning images capturing the excitement and energy of the event for all to see.

Sculling and Rowing FSRA

The sun shone brightly over the shimmering waters of the Nathan Benderson Course, host to the prestigious FSRA Scull and Sweep Championship.

At SSYRP, sculling was taught first and foremost before moving on to rowing techniques. Despite only training together for a mere two months, our team came together as one under the pressure of the Championships 2024.

It was less about winning and more about testing the waters against fierce competitors who had their eyes set on victory. With varying skill levels and ages, our teams lined up for various events, much to the delight of our coaches. And to their satisfaction, every single athlete fearlessly raced the 1500m with determination and bravery.

The passion to improve burned within each athlete, igniting a spark that will carry them through the upcoming summer and fall seasons of 2024. Here are some glimpses into the spirit and camaraderie of our team during this event.

Giving Challenge

Every two years, the Giving Challenge opens up a world of opportunity for non-profit organizations to showcase their important work to the community. With generous matching donations from our valued community partners, small non-profits like ours are given a chance to shine.

The Scullers, comprised of dedicated athletes, alumni, parents, former parents, and friends, tirelessly rallied for weeks leading up to the one-day event. Utilizing the power of social media, we shared our mission and impact with a wide audience far beyond our usual presence at regattas. Former athletes spoke passionately about how rowing at the Scullers had changed their lives for the better. Our posts were filled with captivating photos and videos that showcased our hard work and dedication.

And on that one special day of giving, everything culminated in an outpouring of support and generosity from our donors. The Scullers team can only say THANK YOU to all who contributed. Thanks to your incredible generosity and our community partners' matching donations, we have received over $12,000 in much-needed funds. With this added boost, our total donations will exceed $20,000 - an incredible accomplishment! We are humbled by your support and look forward to continuing to bring joy and excitement to our community in

Meet our coaches

Coaching is a constant challenge, one that the dedicated coaches of the Scullers embrace with enthusiasm and passion every day. They tirelessly strive to impart their skills and knowledge to our team, fostering an unbreakable bond of teamwork, camaraderie, and laughter along the way. From technical training to forging lasting friendships, these coaches do it all and revel in the spirit of it all.

In the photos below, we see Don and Bernhard in action - two individuals who embody what it means to love rowing with everything you have. For these coaches, rowing is not simply a sport but a lifelong love affair that brings them back to the boatyard day after day. The adrenaline rush of preparing for a race, the thrill of making new friends (often for life), the conversations after a disappointing performance, and the moments of stepping back in awe after a success - these are just some of the experiences that make up the journey for our dedicated coaches at the Scullers.

To all those who have become part of our family - thank you for your commitment and your passion. And to anyone out there thinking about joining us and giving rowing a try - we guarantee that you'll discover the same joy and fulfillment within our community at the Scullers