Oak Harbor waters call out to a rower. (Photo courtesy CeCe Aguda)
They’re sailing into new waters.
Rowing on Whidbey, a non-profit group dedicated to life on the water, launched in 2018, with an extra push earlier this year.
Now the group, headed up by champion sculler CeCe Aguda, is attempting to work out a plan with Oak Harbor city officials to install a storage shed for its boats at Windjammer Park.
The shed would sit near the boat ramp, be fenced and blend into the surroundings by having a similar look to a kitchen shelter already at the park.
Aguda plans to bring her proposal to the Oak Harbor City Council during a June 30 workshop.
Rowing on Whidbey was established to create a way for local rowers of all skill levels to get out on the water without having to leave Whidbey Island.
“There is no facility here for rowing, so if you want to row team boats (as in not just a single by yourself) you have to drive to Bellingham, Everett, or Seattle,” Aguda said in March.
“I commuted to Seattle for two years, 2-3 times a week, to train at Pocock Rowing Center,” she added. “When I spoke with people on the Island about rowing, they wanted to see a local club so they could row here too.
“So I started working on it!”
While Aguda is a gold-medal-winning rower who competed in college, the club is welcoming to anyone.
Women or men, young or old, experienced or not, there is opportunity for all.
“Novices are welcome,” she said. “We have boats that are stable that they can learn on, and coaches with experience in teaching the skills.
“Competitions are available at all levels – juniors through masters. And from local regattas geared toward novices, to national and international competitions.
“It all depends on what an individual wants to do,” she added. “Competing by members is NOT required. Recreational rowers who just want to learn, get some exercise, and commune with seals are welcome as well.”
For info on the club, email rowonwhidbey@gmail.com, or pop over to the club’s website at Rowing on Whidbey (rowonwhidbey.org).
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