Sound Rowers

Who are the Sound Rowers?

Sound Rowers Open Water Rowing and Paddling Club is a volunteer, non-profit organization whose sole function is to sponsor human-powered boat racing for weekend and world class athletes. Membership fees are low - $25 per year individual, $35 per year family membership. Entry fees for most races are nominal at $8 for members, $18 non-members (added insurance costs for non-members; incentive to join!). Entry fee details are posted with each race description.

We sponsor a number of races throughout the Puget Sound area. These races are generally low-key, but highly competitive, usually with 30-50 boats involved and over a hundred participating the in the club's major annual event, The Great Cross Sound Race. Distances range from 6 to 26 miles, with most falling into the 6 to 10 mile range. Ribbons are awarded for the first three places in a wide range of classifications, by gender but not by age. An overview of our race locations is available on the Sound Rowers Race Map.

Race participants include Olympians and septuagenarians, and are roughly equal in numbers of kayakers and rowers, with a few canoeists and occasional exotic craft making regular appearances. Non-members are encouraged to participate, but are advised to be in suitable condition and of sufficient skill to complete the course at a steady, non-competitive pace. PFD's and a whistle are required for each participant.

The club functions relatively loosely, with a general membership meeting held once a year in December, and other business taken care of as necessary by communication among the officers of the club. This is not primarily a social club, though there are usually post-race functions at which awards are presented, refreshments served and participants socialize.