Sammamish Rowing Association, Redmond

A group of rowers founded Sammamish Rowing Association (SRA) in 1996, meeting at Idylwood Beach Park in Redmond before each of their journeys across the water. Eager to grow SRA, it wasn’t long before the crew took notice of an abandoned boathouse in Marymoor Park, languishing on the banks of Lake Sammamish. Its ceiling was rotting away, and its oar racks were emptier than a child's pockets after a candy-shop spending spree—but that didn’t deter the passionate rowers or their vision. They put in a bid for the building, formed a strong subsequent partnership with King County Parks and Recreation, and set to work renovating the vintage structure to make it fit for public use.

Ever since, SRA has introduced adults and youth to the benefits of rowing. The sport's fluid, low-impact motions tone muscles all over the body, and the collaborative nature of the sport nurtures sportsmanship and camaraderie. The association's future is bright: members are building a new boathouse scheduled to open in the summer of 2013. A state-of-the-art facility was completed in 2016 that is now fully operational.

Sammamish Rowing Association offers a wide variety of rowing opportunities to all levels of athletes, from middle school, to junior, to adult, and from beginner, to post-collegiate, to masters. SRA strives to be an inclusive program that excels in all aspects of the sport. It offers opportunities for rowers age 12-80+. Rowing is a full-body workout, and it is the ultimate team sport. Rowing not only builds fitness, it also embodies a lifestyle of health and wellness. Rowing can help develop skills such as leadership, teamwork, dedication, and commitment for all athletes. Junior and adult rowers can choose to be competitive, or simply row recreationally; there is a place for everyone within the rowing community