Boat clubs that have historically catered to binary athletes, are struggling to put out a welcome mat for trans, and gender non-conforming athletes. Scholastic, collegiate, and masters programs – along with USRowing – are slowly adopting new policies and opportunities for trans rowers, but there’s a lot to learn and a long way to go. Cillian Mullen and Liam Mirada share their experiences as trans athletes and how the rest of us can create a welcoming boathouse environment.

Daniela Nacházelová was just 10 when she learned to row on the Vltava River in Prague, Czech Republic. She went on to row at Washington State University and collected medals at World Cups and world championships, and chased an Olympic dream. She fell in love with rowing, but also ended up hating it. We talk with her about her new book Women’s Voices in Rowing, and are joined by two of the women featured: Michelle Carpenter, CEO of Rowing Ireland; and Judy Geer, 2x Olympian and part of the owner-operator family at Concept2 and Craftsbury Outdoor Center.

We head North of the border to check in with Halifax Rowing Club in Nova Scotia. Despite a global pandemic that wreaked havoc on rowing programs everywhere, the Halifax team spirit remained intact, rowing continued, training pivoted, and they ended the season with a virtual awards ceremony. We're enamored with the club's resilience, motivation, and dedication.