Brian Wants a Barge!

Let No Rower Be Left Behind!

Hello! I’m Brian Goforth, spokesman for the Ann Arbor Rowing Club (AARC), alongside my mother, Paula Goforth, a program coach. I’ve been a rower for nearly a decade, and it has been an incredible source of joy and teamwork for me.

Now, we have a chance to bring that experience to even more athletes—but we need your help!

AARC has secured a training barge—a stable, 25’ x 10’ floating platform that allows up to eight rowers to train at once, with a coach guiding from a central walkway. This barge enhances safety, accessibility, and learning for new and experienced, challenged and able-bodied rowers alike.

To ensure no athlete is left behind, we need $5,000 by the fall of 2025, to finalize the purchase.

Why is the training barge so important?

• Expanded access: More adaptive rowers can train together safely and confidently.

• Better instruction: Coaches can provide hands-on guidance, even when verbal cues aren't enough.

• Community engagement: On National Learn to Row Day, newcomers can experience rowing within minutes.

• Improved learning: Our Learn-To-Row classes can progress faster with fewer volunteer instructors.

Your support ensures that current and future athletes get the chance to row, race, and thrive.

Thank you for your generosity!