Since the pandemic, recreational rowing has taken off on the bay, with local resident Paul Irving leading the charge. After logging more than 10,000 miles sailing and paddling over the decades, Irving sought a faster way to explore the water and discovered the sliding-seat rowing shell. He soon connected with other local rowing enthusiasts, and the Baywood Rowing Club (BRC) was born.
BRC is an informal group of passionate rowers who typically meet on weekday mornings to enjoy the peace and beauty of early-morning rowing. Members relish the experience of gliding across the bay surrounded by otters, seals, sea lions, birds, and even coyotes on the sand spit—all while embracing the strong sense of camaraderie within the group.
Recently, the Baywood Rowing Club hosted its inaugural invitational event, welcoming rowers from the Monterey Peninsula Yacht Club, Bair Island Aquatic Center in Redwood City, San Luis Obispo Rowing Club at Lake Santa Margarita, and even a seasonal rower from the Riverside Boat Club on the Charles River in Boston. The Western Region Representative from USRowing, the sport’s national governing body, also participated. Guests enjoyed the full back bay experience, which included launching from Baywood, rowing to Shark Inlet, stopping on the sandpit for a hike up the dunes, passing through the oyster farms to Chorro Creek in Morro Bay State Park, and then returning to Baywood.
“One theme that emerged in conversations was the joy of rowing for fun in new and scenic locations,” Irving said. “While rowing is often associated with competition and exclusivity, BRC has focused on breaking down those barriers and putting enjoyment and inclusivity first.”
For those interested in joining the local rowing community, contact Paul Irving at paul@bigbigslo.com or visit the San Luis Obispo Rowing Club at slorc.org, where you can learn the sport and row on Santa Margarita Lake.
