The JSRA has been informally in the planning stage for many years as
many of our local Monmouth County rowers would comment on how there was a need
to formalize this group of great rowers who somehow manage to meet weekly,
travel together yearly and have known each other for decades.
A group of
men who through the trials of competition and the many rivalries throughout the
years, still manage to have a deep respect for one another and a genuine
appreciation for their endless meetings on the water.
Although the difference in the ages of these rowers ranges
between the early twenties to the mid-seventies, there is one common thread
that drives many us to continue in pursuit of this age old Jersey Shore
Tradition. That drive is a passion for a tradition that has existed for
hundreds of years and the many friendships and experiences that have evolved
while continuing this great and satisfying tradition.
The interaction with nature and the many varied conditions
she has thrown at us for years has been priceless to say the least. Rowing out the inlet watching the moon
disappear and then watching the sun rise as you turn the bell buoy and head
back in while a school of dolphins pass you by.
Priceless!!
In the spring of 2006 about a dozen rowers met for breakfast
following our early morning row. We had
been meeting this way most of the winter and sharing some ideas, but it was
during these late spring breakfast meetings that we began to formulate ideas on
how this association would be formed and the purpose in forming such an
association.
After much deliberation over what we would call the
association, it was decided that it would not be limited to Monmouth County
but would include all of the Jersey Shore, and hence the Jersey
Shore Rowing Association.
Over the next few months we would create a mission
statement, bi-laws, select officers, create a summer long race series and an
initial membership of approximately thirty members. We registered with the state of New Jersey as a
Non-Profit Corporation and have established a Federal Tax ID number. An association logo was designed and now this
web-site.
We anticipate a growing
membership with variety of committees to oversee membership drives, competition, collection of historical data,
and fund raising events for worthwile causes.
We look forward to sparking up interest among the many
young lifeguards along the Jersey Shore in the interest of carrying on
the legacy of producing the best surf boat rowers in the country.
