Hiking trails, interesting wildlife, and brazen sandhill cranes aren’t the only sights to see if you visit Moss Park this summer. You might also notice some middle schoolers in boats out on the lake, learning the basics of the sport of rowing.
Moss Park is home to the South Orlando Rowing Association (SORA), where both beginner and experienced rowers practice and compete together. SORA has been offering rowing instruction since 1986, and the middle school program is one of the oldest and most successful in Central Florida.
For the first time, SORA and Lake Nona Youth Sports will join forces to offer three summer rowing camps for middle schoolers. The first two sessions will be held in June for kids to give rowing a try for two weeks.
“We’re excited about these programs for kids to learn how to row since crew requires teamwork, timing, balance and fitness,” says Michael Shea, SORA board member and parent of a competitive rower and two Jr. Lions. “These young athletes will learn these skills while on the water, and the camps will offer a chance for middle schoolers to experience the sport of rowing in a supportive environment where they can see if they’d like to join us for a full season and compete in regattas with other student rowers.”
In addition to the two sessions in June, a July program will also be offered, especially for kids who want to continue rowing or cross-train for other sports. “We’ll take this group through the basics of the rowing stroke on the rowing machines, teach them how to responsibly handle the boats and oars, then get them out on the water to apply what they learned on land,” Shea says.
A little more than a year ago, SORA welcomed head coach Terry Davison, who came to the U.S. from Ireland in 2006 and began to build a long-term culture of winning. Since his arrival, SORA has grown to 100 members, with middle and high school students achieving two state titles, multiple medal winners, and several regatta championships.
But even if kids don’t want to row competitively, Shea says that the sport is a great workout for strength and conditioning. “Rowing is exceptional physical training for kids who also play football since it engages 85 percent of the muscles in your body,” he says. “But rowing is also a great alternative sport for kids who aren’t interested in playing football because it’s a different type of team sport, with kids all rowing together in a boat in a competitive environment.”
Both SORA and Lake Nona Youth Sports are passionate about helping kids learn sports skills along with discovering important life lessons through sports that will help them become successful adults. “I’m looking forward to this partnership with SORA and having our Jr. Lions get the opportunity to participate in rowing,” says C.R. Dunnavant, president of Lake Nona Youth Sports. “Both of our organizations want to help kids learn teamwork, develop socially and physically, and enjoy the camaraderie of sports.” So, even if you don’t know the difference between bow and stern, or sweep and sculls, come out to Moss Park and watch the young rowers practicing their craft.
Valerie Sisco lives in Lake Nona and is the author of the blog gracewithsilk.com.
