Many things are housed within the walls of the boathouse at the north end of Swantown Marina. There, Olympia Area Rowing (OAR) stores a litany of boats, oars and memories. This amphibious building that connects downtown Olympia to Budd Inlet has become the home of a thriving rowing community.
With longstanding support from the Port of Olympia, OAR has created a space where people come together to develop their rowing skills, foster teamwork, and build lasting relationships. Guided by thoughtful leadership, OAR continues to make a significant impact on the rowing community in Thurston County.
History of Thurston County’s Olympia Area Rowing
Olympia Area Rowing was founded as a nonprofit organization in 1998. But it was the construction of the boathouse in Swantown Marina that truly solidified OAR’s place in Olympia’s local community. Completed in 2005, the boathouse became the heart of OAR, providing a homebase for rowers and attracting a surge in membership.
The vision and support of Port Commissioners Bob VanSchoorl and Steve Pottle were instrumental in bringing the boathouse to fruition. With their support, the Olympia rowing community was able to find its footing 20 years ago. Today, OAR is thriving under the leadership of its board of directors, which is headed by Board President Richard Ramsey.
“We’re lucky to have access to this beautiful natural space,” Ramsey says. “Most outings involve glimpses of seals, jellyfish, birds of prey and more. We care about respecting the environment as well as its history of indigenous stewardship.”
They cater to rowers of all kinds – even those who have never stepped foot in a rowboat. “OAR is now in a place where we can offer a wide range of programs and opportunities for rowers of all skill levels,” Ramsey continues. “There’s a place for everyone, whether you’re brand new to the sport or highly experienced.”
OAR Partners With JBLM for Leadership Event
One of Olympia Area Rowings’s notable recent endeavors has been a set of collaborative events with the Tacoma military base known as JBLM. For the last two years, a leadership group from JBLM has come to OAR to participate in an immersive rowing experience.
Under the guidance of coaches, coxswains, and volunteers, the participants engage in various aspects of rowing over the course of one full day. That’s more than enough time for the crew to gain valuable insights into both rowing and teamwork in general. It comes as no surprise to experienced rowers that the sport can be a powerful platform for developing leadership skills and camaraderie.
Ramsey plans on continuing to expand the scope of this community engagement. “Much of our youth team members currently come from Olympia High School,” he says. “It’s a wonderful relationship, and we’d love to extend that to other schools and districts in Thurston County. There are many communities we hope to create connections with; tribal communities, communities of color and any groups in Thurston County that are interested in collaboration.”
Swantown Marina’s Olympia Area Rowing is Making Waves
The impact of Olympia Area Rowing extends beyond individual participants. This fervent group has created a community where valuable life lessons are in the undercurrent. Ramsey shares his observations from OAR’s learn-to-row day, where he was able to reflect on the remarkable growth of the organization in a short period.
“It’s a special thing to see the boathouse completely filled with boats,” he says. “Some are for instruction, some for recreation and some for competition. We have an incredible group of coaches, teams and recreational rowers. It’s always fun when there are opportunities to introduce new folks to our passion,” Ramsey shares.
It’s hard not to share in the excitement about the growth of this community. The youth programs, in particular, have flourished. Middle and high school teams compete regionally and some even participate in national regattas. Adult rowers also benefit from OAR’s programs. There are adult teams that participate in both sprint races and head races, as well as recreational rowers who go out when conditions are good.
Reach Out to Thurston County’s Olympia Area Rowing
Olympia Area Rowing has become a vital component of Olympia’s aquatic community. With a meaningful location, dedicated coaches, and diverse programs, OAR offers a place for individuals of all backgrounds and abilities to come together and form lasting connections.
Richard Ramsey and the entire OAR team are hopeful about expanding the reach of rowing in Olympia. Whether through competitive races or peaceful outings on the water, Olympia Area Rowing continues to build a strong and inclusive rowing community out of Budd Inlet.
If you’re interested in learning more, visit the Olympia Area Rowing website or reach out to Hello@OlympiaAreaRowing.org. If you want to follow up about community outreach and partnerships, try reaching out to Richard Ramsey directly at richardramseyoar@gmail.com.
Sponsored
