OBRC Winter Newsletter
Olden Bears Rowing Club
Olden Bears WINTER NEWSLETTER
Olden Bears Rowing Club has filled a gaping hole in our Cal Crew experience by providing ongoing racing opportunities, a vibrant community, and a way to support the university program that shaped us. As our club grows, we have formalized our organization and established the following goals:
- Promoting amateur rowing and physical fitness
- Fielding competitive crews in national and international events
- Providing education on rowing technique and athletic development
- Building an inclusive rowing community open to all participants
- Supporting rowing programs through charitable fundraising
- Advancing the sport of rowing without private benefit to individuals
We are pleased to introduce your new Board of Directors:
- Co-Presidents: Ken Creighton ('93) and Keely Commins Harty ('96)
- Treasurer: Arthur Ware ('94)
- Secretary: David Sides ('92)
- Vice Presidents: Teresa Oja Guthrie ('04), Mark Nelson ('92), and Matt Knutsen (‘94)
Upcoming Events
January 26 – February 1: 4702 Winter Erg Challenge (Virtual) $15
This week is critical; if 10 to 20 members compete, we enter a drawing for extra Head of the Charles entries. We are currently TWO people short of our 20 person goal. Please register on RegattaCentral (https://www.regattacentral.com/regatta/?job_id=10099) nad be sure to use your OlBRC affiliation. Use this as a benchmark to track your fitness. We are Olden Bears now, and our PR‘s are most likely behind us. If you want to be in our most competitive boats then give us a fast time, yet we strive to get all Olden Bears racing!
February 1 at 8:30 AM: Erg Party
Edwards Stadium Erg Room, Berkeley, CA
Join us to complete the 4702 challenge together at Edwards Stadium (Oxford at Allston). Thank you to VP Teresa Oja Guthrie and Liz Miles for securing the space. Coffee and pastries will follow.
February 8 at 9:00 AM: Erg Clinic
Jack London Aquatic Center, Oakland, CA
East Bay Rowing Club is hosting a clinic with former Cal Crew Coach Sarah Nevin. The focus will be on improving water technique, connection, and length. Contact Keely or Pauline for details.
March 27–29: San Diego Crew Classic
Mission Bay, San Diego, CA
We are fielding 9 lineups in 7 events for a total of 12 races with 41 athletes (26 women and 15 men). We look forward to defending our Club Mixed 8+ title. Look for us in the Mixed 8s, Women’s C, E, and F events, Men’s E and F events, and the Director’s Challenge Men’s Quad. We are very happy to see younger Olden Bears join in on the fun!!
Spring 2026: Local Practices & Socials
For Bay Area residents, we are holding boat practices at the Estuary and gathering for social events like hikes. Please check the SDCC spreadsheet to sign up for rows as a spare. We welcome everyone to join our outings even if you aren't racing on a space available basis. Look at our Olden Bears What’s App group to stay up to date!
Future Races
Start making travel plans and sign up NOW on the club spreadsheets in the WhatsApp chat for:
- July 10–12: Henley Masters Regatta (Henley, UK)
- September 9–13: World Rowing Masters Regatta (Bled, Slovenia)
- October 16–18: Head of the Charles (Boston, USA)
Volunteer Opportunities & Dues
We are seeking volunteers to assist with social media and event planning. Additionally, we are requesting an annual membership contribution (a suggested minimum $50, but pay more or less as you can) this calendar year to help with USRowing registration fees, and to ensure the club has funds for events and administrative needs. No contribution is expected from alumni who attend social events and/or workouts, but all donations are greatly appreciated. We are accepting donations with Paypal for now @oldenBearsRC but other options will be available soon.
Website & Gear
Visit our website for OBRC swag. Race gear orders for San Diego Crew Classic will be placed soon; stay tuned for ordering instructions.
2025 Recap
Last year saw continued growth for OBRC with participation in seven major races, including:
- San Diego Crew Classic: Winners of the Club Mixed 8+ Cup.
- Boats without Barriers: Victories in the Mixed Pair and Women’s 50s 4+.
- Henley Masters 2025 in the UK
- World Rowing Masters Championships in Banyoles, Spain
- Head of the Port: Crucial preparation for HOCR.
- Head of the Charles: Secured guaranteed entries for the Women’s 50s 4+ (finishing 7th from 32nd position) and the Men’s 50s 8+.
We look forward to an exciting year of racing!
Go Olden Bears!
xo Keely Harty
OBRC
OBRC, 34 Valley Rd #416, Montclair, United States
