Letter From Our CEO

Dear USRowing Members, 

I hope your 2025 is off to a strong start. For those of you in the LA area, our hearts are with you amid the catastrophic fires hitting the area. Our team is developing a matching program to connect those impacted with resources and support. Please stay tuned for more information. 

For all our members in the midst of winter training—the days only get longer from here, and spring racing will be here before we know it. I know folks battling frigid conditions in parts of the country might not feel that way, but we’ll get there! 

 I want to start the new year with a thank you—to our members, hardworking staff, wonderful board members, generous foundation trustees, as well as our partners, volunteers, referees, parents of rowers, retired rowers, coaches, and sports administrators. The list goes on and on. We’re all part of a vibrant ecosystem that makes up this incredible sport, where we’re all asked to be better together, to push harder each day, to find balance and rhythm together. We could not steward the sport without each of you, so thank you.  

There’s a lot to be proud of in our sport and from the governing body’s end in 2024, but I want to share one specific piece today. Many years ago, a well-respected program officer from a big NYC foundation asked me to share our budget and then asked why there was so little money allocated for a portion of our program. I didn’t have a good answer, and she told me something that has stuck with me: “Show me where you put your money, and you’ll tell me what you care about.” 

In 2024, to better ensure equitable access to camps, USRowing’s United We Row initiative provided $200,000 to athletes at all our Olympic and Paralympic Development and Selection Camps, and to coaches for continuing education, such as conferences, clinics, USRowing certifications, and ride-alongs. We also elevated the great work happening in the rowing community among a diverse representation of organizations and provided $70,000 to organizations that are growing access to the sport of rowing. For a glimpse into these amazing programs, please click here. 

So, what’s new for 2025? A few highlights. We’re pleased to share that our membership program will be adding more value at the same (if not lower) prices for our community. While our membership rates are flat or reduced, we’ve added a long-requested Learn-to-Row membership and a free regatta sanctioning option with insurance. We've also expanded professional liability insurance for all our USRowing-certified referees and coaches with Championship membership. Insurance isn’t an exciting topic but can have some peace of mind that you have the appropriate coverage in place. 

These flat or reduced costs are possible because you all have been strong partners in increasing the focus on safeguarding best practices with us. Insurance carriers have taken note of this, and we’ve gone from being almost uninsurable in late 2023 to having multiple carriers competing for our business in 2025. This was no small hurdle. And, of course, even more impactful than costs is the fact that we’re, together, keeping rowers safer—on the water and off. We’re passing on these savings to our members, but more importantly, we all feel good about creating a safer experience for all rowers. 

I hope many of you, if you haven’t already, will take advantage of the new courses added to our online learning platform, The Launch. Coaches can benefit from specialized training in supporting athletes with diverse needs, including mental health challenges, neurodiversity, and cancer recovery. We also have a new course on partnering with parents as well.  

Last, but not least, we have released our strategic and comprehensive four-year plan designed to position Team USA for success at the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles. The 2025-2028 High Performance Plan is built upon a forward-looking vision that emphasizes identifying the most talented athletes through active scouting, retaining them by offering a clear pathway with dual career opportunities, and supporting their transition to life beyond sports. USRowing will establish a state-of-the-art program that operates independently of geographic location and delivers a comprehensive and intentional approach to athlete development. 

Whether you’re still on the water in a warmer climate or hitting the weights and rowing machines indoors, enjoy the training and please stay in touch. I’m always eager to hear from our members and can be reached at amanda.kraus@usrowing.org.   

All best, 
 
Amanda