CHANGING LIVES, ONE STROKE AT A TIME

East Bay Rowing Club is committed to building a rowing community that authentically reflects and celebrates Oakland's vibrant diversity. We actively create an environment where every individual feels genuinely welcomed, valued, and empowered to fully participate, regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, ability, socio-economic status, or background. Through intentional practices, ongoing education, and the removal of barriers to access, we ensure that diversity is celebrated, equity is prioritized, and inclusion is woven into the fabric of everything we do—from our programs and events to our daily interactions. While we acknowledge that growth is a continuous journey, we hold ourselves accountable through regular assessment and community feedback, striving to be "the home of community rowing in Oakland and the East Bay" where every member can thrive in an atmosphere of mutual respect, safety, and belonging.

COMMUNITY

Community

At EBRC, we welcome everyone to experience the transformative power of rowing, from complete beginners to experienced athletes. Our programs serve both youth and adults, with financial support available to ensure rowing is accessible to all members of our community.

COACHES

Community

Our dedicated coaching team works individually with each rower to achieve their personal goals. Through varied programs, our ten experienced coaches create environments that optimize personal growth and athletic development at every level - from learning basics to competitive racing. If you are interested in coaching for us, please reach out!

FACILITY

Jack London Aquatic Center

Located in the heart of Oakland's waterfront, we row from the Jack London Aquatic Center (JLAC), a City of Oakland facility built in 2002. Our protected cove on the Oakland Estuary features a 120-foot dock and public boat launch. The adjacent Estuary Park is being transformed into one of Oakland's premier waterfront spaces, with plans for new shower and storage facilities for rowers.

EQUIPMENT

Equipment

We maintain a high-quality fleet of racing shells and oars, primarily standardized on Vespoli equipment. Our diverse inventory includes:

  • Sculling: Singles, doubles, and quads
  • Sweep rowing: Pairs, fours with cox (4+), and eights with cox (8+)

Rack space is available for members to store their personal boats.

COACHES + Staff

Sorin Koszyk

Juniors and Masters Coach

Natalie Erb

Natalie Erb

Masters Coach

Ailis Paplau

Ailis Paplau

Masters Coach


Morgan Jackson

Morgan Jackson

Juniors and Masters Coach

Maya Sun

Maya Sun

Juniors  and Masters Coach

Glen Cullings

Glen Cullings

Juniors and Masters Coach


Frank Clayton

Frank Clayton

Juniors Coach


Dave Timby

Dave Timby

Masters Coach

Carla Jourdan

Carla Jourdan

Community Learn to Row Coach

Jackson Rud

Masters Coach

Magdalena Johnson

Masters Coach

WE ARE HIRING!

Masters and Junior Coaches!

Leadership

Heather Krakora, Executive Director

Heather Krakora became East Bay Rowing Club's Executive Director in June 2024, after joining the club as a member in 2019. Before moving into nonprofit leadership, she spent 25 years building an entrepreneurial career in the arts, running her own creative studio and working across design, photography, and business development.


Heather's rowing career started when she was 15 at Mendota Rowing Club in Madison, Wisconsin, and continued collegiately at the University of Minnesota, where she competed nationally until an injury forced her off the water. She returned to the sport at EBRC in 2019 and now races as a competitive masters sculler and sweep rower, medaling at the Head of the Charles in 2022. Since taking the helm, she has led the teaching of nearly 400 people through EBRC's community, youth, and masters Learn to Row initiatives. She recently closed out a two-year effort to bring sanctioned rowing to Oakland high schools through a new OAL/OUSD Juniors partnership, and has become a leading public voice on the state of the Oakland Estuary, advocating for cleaner and safer conditions for the public.


Heather believes rowing should be for everyone, regardless of race, ethnicity, age, or socioeconomic background, and that commitment to community is what drives her work every day. She's committed to building a club where athletes at every level, from first-time scullers to national-caliber competitors, have a place on the water.

Board of Directors

President: Mark Yolton
Vice President: Oliver O'Reilly
Treasurers: Amy Omand
Secretary: Laura Reeve
HR / Membership: Rhonda Nelson
Fundraising: Open Seat!
OUR Parent Liaison: Elena Flowers
At-Large:  Carlos Blythe
At-Large: Fred Norton
At-Large: Brian Ellefritz 
At-Large: Carson Young
Coach Liaison: Patti Buck  
Executive Director: Heather Krakora

Financial Assistance

At East Bay Rowing Club, we believe that everyone should have the opportunity to experience the joy of rowing. Our goal is to make rowing available to all interested rowers, and we are committed to serving as socioeconomically diverse a group as is financially feasible.


Common Questions:

Do applicants need to submit tax information?

Yes. In the rare case that tax returns are not available, the committee will work with the rower to find an alternative method of documenting income.


Is there a budget for financial aid?

Yes, EBRC has a financial aid budget. We do our best to support as many rowers as possible.

Need more help?

If you have any further questions about financial assistance or the application process, feel free to reach out to us directly. We're here to help you get on the water!

AFFILIATIONS

QUESTIONS, COMMENTS

Send us a message on any topic. We'll get back to you as soon as possible.

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