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Rowing Fish Creek since 1996.

Saratoga Rowing Association (SRA) was founded as a high school club at Saratoga Springs High School by teacher Christopher Chase and a small group of very committed students on October 19, 1996. Mr. Chase had a vision to coach a successful, and all-inclusive team. The team instantly became one of the largest, fastest growing teams in New York State. The current program supports over 140 students year-round with indoor winter training, spring, summer and fall sessions on the water.


Founded with the purpose of providing education, training, and participation in the sport of rowing, SRA has developed many programs that offer great opportunities to the entire community. SRA programs include scholastic and community rowing which are held over the course of three seasons, a Learn to Row program for potential rowers, an elite program for Olympic hopefuls, and an adult rowing program which allows adults from beginners to advanced skill levels to participate in the sport.

OUR MISSION

Strengthening our community by promoting the sport and culture of rowing; fostering excellence and integrity in our athletes, and growing Saratoga as a premier rowing destination.

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OUR VALUES

Athlete Development & Nurturing

We believe in building and nurturing athletes, at all skill and team levels, in a holistic way that will develop physical strength, technical skills, personal character, integrity and overall well-being. We strive to prepare athletes to compete successfully and to provide rowers with life skills and leadership experiences that are powerful and meaningful beyond the boat and throughout their lives.

Excellence

We believe highly qualified coaches and staff are crucial in developing athletes of integrity and excellence, and we commit to support this endeavor with high quality programming and access to suitable facilities and equipment.

Accessibility and Inclusivity

SRA endeavors to make rowing accessible and welcoming to all who want to participate. We believe that greater diversity, equity, and inclusion strengthens the community for all, and we strive to be a leader through the sport of rowing.

Safety and Well-Being

The safety and well-being of all members of the SRA community must be a priority in all initiatives and actions.

Stewardship

Saratoga Lake and Fish Creek are essential to SRA and we aspire to be good stewards of our natural environment. We strive to incorporate a responsible and sustainable approach in our programming and events.

Solid Financial Platform

SRA takes seriously the responsibility of operating on stable financial footing. Intentional creation of a diverse portfolio of revenue sources will help ensure a sustainable club poised for growth, success, and longevity.

Strong Club Community & Identity

SRA strives to be a club made up of constituent families, not only participants. Cultivating a strong club community permeated by a sense of club pride and identity across programs, ages and levels of rowers will result in long-term club loyalty and support. We use multiple communication and brand awareness strategies to demonstrate the interconnectedness of all programs and the impact on the entire community and organization.

OUR FACILITIES

Saratoga Springs, NY is an amazing place to row. We aim to offer top-line facilities that enhance the experience of rowers at all ages.

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THE BOATHOUSE

The Saratoga Rowing Association's (SRA) boathouse is located at 543 Union Avenue in Saratoga Springs, NY. This facility is the primary location for many SRA club programs and activities, located in close proximity to Fish Creek and Saratoga Lake.

This easy access to these bodies of water makes for excellent rowing activities. The location is strategically positioned to take advantage of the region's rich rowing history.

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THE TRAINING CENTER

Constructed in 2016 to serve SRA and the ARION program is what is referred to as the "training center." There are 8 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a living space, and a deck overlooking the lake located on the second floor. These bedrooms are reserved for resident athletes.

On the first floor of the training center there is a training space for ergs, bikes, and some weight training. There are also showers and locker rooms available on the first floor. The first floor is open to the membership of the Saratoga Rowing Association and is used in a multitude of ways. The basement of the training center houses a lot of storage space, a cold tub, an additional fridge, and 2 sets of washers and dryers.

Resident athletes need only commute down a flight of stairs to indoor training and across the bridge to the boathouse. The walk to the boathouse is about 6 minutes and provides a great view of the water conditions and the race course. 

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THE WATER

Saratoga Lake and Fish Creek have a long history of rowing. Back in the 1800s, Saratoga Springs was THE destination and home of the intercollegiate regattas with most of the major programs having boathouse headquarters around the lake. 

After a brief few hundred years, SRA has brought Saratoga Springs back into the spotlight as a rowing destination. The amazing body of water that is Fish Creek and Saratoga Lake is perfectly suited for rowing and racing. The SRA is host to several of the country's largest regattas, including the Head of the Fish, the Saratoga Invitational, and the NY State Championships. With minimal flow and well protected water, Saratoga Lake does not thaw early but it is a small price to pay for water that is fair, calm, and protected the rest of the year (and gives us a great excuse to visit friends down south for training trips). 

The majority of the training is spent on a 5000 meter stretch of river, but there is 10K of navigable water on the creek and a 17K perimeter of the Lake.

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