KELLY Continue to next page Equally important is understanding both your skill level and the capabilities of your equipment. Not all paddlecraft are designed for all types of water. Every year, fatalities occur when inexperienced paddlers take boats into conditions they weren’t built to handle — the most common example being recreational kayaks from big box stores taken into open water, where they can quickly swamp or capsize. Taking an ACA class is one of the best investments you can make — it helps you learn trip planning, cold-water safety, self-rescue, and how to read and respond to changing conditions. Knowing what to do when something goes wrong is the surest way to make sure you get home safely. In terms of the environment, NWORR follows the “Leave No Trace” policies, packing out trash, and joining in river clean-ups. “We also educate members about invasive species and shoreline protection.” On the negative side, harmful algae blooms have become a yearly event on Lake Erie. They make the water smell terrible and, depending on severity, can even make people sick. Garbage also fi nds its way into our rivers and streams, eventually ending up in the lake — a frustrating reminder that what we do on land directly affects our waterways. “On the positive side,” said Kelly, “I’ve noticed an increase in wildlife sightings over the years, which is a good sign for the ecosystem. Still, the combination of unpredictable water levels, shifting current patterns, and seasonal water quality issues means paddlers have to stay fl exible — and committed to protecting the places we paddle so they remain healthy for the next generation.” In terms of the future or the club, Kelly says what she would like to happen and what is realistic do not always match up. “Toledo is in a unique position for paddle sports. We’re surrounded by diverse water environments — from quiet inland lakes to challenging open water on Lake Erie — yet we don’t have any local shops selling the quality sea kayaks those conditions require. My goal is to grow the club in a way that not only builds skills and confi dence but also helps paddlers connect with the right equipment, training, and safety knowledge to match our waters.” Upcoming Events include: September 20th, a paddle at Kensington Metropark for a change of scenery. On October 11, NWORR hosts the annual Paddle to Hell (Michigan) — always a club favorite. And fi nally, on October 28, they will close out the season with a festive Glow Paddle for Halloween. In closing, Kelly had some keen advice for those considering paddling as an activity. “Don’t wait until you ‘feel ready.’ You don’t need the perfect boat or years of experience to start — just join a group, borrow or rent gear, and give it a try. The hardest part is showing up; after that, the water takes care of the rest. Just remember: always wear your PFD and consider taking a class. Both will set you up for a safer and more enjoyable experience.” Rowing into Health and Fitness: Inside the Teams at the Philip LeBoutillier, Jr Memorial Boathouse By Ed Conn Philip LeBoutillier, Jr. Memorial Boathouse, on the banks of the Maumee River at International Park, serves as the epicenter for rowing in Northwest Ohio. It’s home to a network of programs dedicated to fostering physical fi tness, teamwork, and a lifelong love of the water. Through shared resources—boats, oars, ergometers—and expert coaching, athletes of all ages fi nd the support they need to thrive on and off the water. A Hub for Rowing Excellence The Toledo Rowing Foundation’s mission is to engage and support Toledo’s youth and adults in the sport of rowing through education, training, and competition. By consolidating equipment and expertise under one roof, the Boat House streamlines access to safe, world-class rowing opportunities right in downtown Toledo. High School Teams: Building Champions Early Six local high schools store their shells and oars at the Boat House, giving student-athletes easy access to the Maumee River. These programs combine rigorous athletic training with academic discipline, teaching young rowers how to balance schoolwork and sport while forging lifelong habits of health and resilience. Participating schools include: St. John’s Jesuit High School Perrysburg High School Notre Dame Academy Page 14 St. Ursula Academy St. Francis de Sales High School Central Catholic High School Through fall head races, winter indoor training, and spring regattas, these teams make the Boat House a yearround center of activity. Collegiate and Club Rowing Beyond high school, the Boat House hosts two thriving collegiate programs: University of Toledo Women’s Rowing (D-1 Collegiate Program – MAC) Bowling Green State University Club Rowing Team University supported programs tap into university spirit while benefi ting from the Boat House’s facilities and coaching network. Rowers sharpen their competitive edge at regattas across the Midwest, balancing early mornings on the river with classroom commitments. Adult Rowing: Fitness, Fun, and Community The Toledo Rowing Club offers adult rowing for everyone from beginners to seasoned competitors. Members enjoy coached practices, social outings, and opportunities to race in events like the annual Glass City Regatta. Beyond the physical benefi ts—full-body strength, cardiovascular endurance—the club fosters a tight-knit community where friends push each other toward personal bests and shared victories. Getting Involved Whether you’re a teenager dreaming of varsity races or an adult seeking a new way to stay fi t, the Toledo Boat House has a place for you. To learn more about trial sessions, fees, and join dates: Toledo Rowing 8 Main Street, Toledo, OH 43605 (419) 367-9444 Email: ToledoRowing@gmail.com; or visit: toledorowing.org Rowing transforms lives by blending
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