One of the great spots in Hooksett is tucked behind the District Court and the Hooksett Dog Park, alongside the newly completed Hooksett Riverwalk Trail. Here you can find the Amoskeag Rowing Club boathouse. On any given day, between sunrise and sunset, rowers will be setting their oars and rowing along a lovely 5 mile stretch of the Merrimack.
Why do people do this? There are many different answers – for exercise, comradery, competition, or just fun. Kevin Galeaz, a Hooksett resident and recent retiree, took up rowing as a bucket list item. “Rowing is a low impact aerobic sport that provides superb physical and mental health benefits. Rowing north of Hookset Dam, the Merrimack River features minimal power boat traffic and turning relative to other places across the US I have rowed. The instructors and members of the Amoskeag Rowing Club are welcoming, and always willing to help. Truly a gem!”.
Here is Hooksett resident and Amoskeag member Lynne McDermott: “Deciding to learn how to row 2 years ago was about more than just picking up a new sport. I wanted to find a way to make the most of the river, meet new friends, and embrace a healthy lifestyle…plus, there’s something incredibly peaceful about gliding across the water, feeling the rhythm of the oars, and being part of a club with others that also want to get out there on the water.”
Rowing is for everyone. At the Amoskeag Rowing Club, a non-profit organization, our mission is to show you how great rowing can be - from youth competitive teams to weekend get togethers, and from serious competitors to casual rowers. Many start young, but over half of our membership have come to us through learn-to-row programs. And once you have learned, you can choose from any of our club singles and doubles to row whenever your schedule permits.
So come and see us – any day between dawn and dusk, from May to October. And why should you row? As another Hooksett member, Jacqui McCartin says, “because it’s beautiful!”
To learn more about the Amoskeag Rowing Club, summer learn-to-row classes, or the free National Learn-to-Row day held this year on June 7th, go to amoskeagrowing.org, or email us at memberhip@amoskeagrowing.org. We are also on Facebook and Instagram. Hooksett residents and employees receive a 20% discount on membership.
