Overview

 

— Overview —

Cultivating lifelong practices that liberate the great potential of the mind and body—at any age.

 

Mission Statement

We are a community united by a shared love of rowing on the beautiful Westport River. Together, we seek connection—through laughter, silence, storytelling, and movement—while honoring the river that carries us. Open to all, we welcome rowers of every age, background, and ability, from those who train to race to those who row for reflection and joy.

Through inclusive programs, intergenerational learning, and shared experiences, we strive to grow a vibrant, compassionate, and adventurous rowing community—one that embraces the power of nature, community, and the healing rhythm of the oar.

Our Mission

We are a welcoming community of rowers brought together by the beauty of the Westport River. In our boats, we find joy, reflection, friendship, and purpose. Whether racing, meditating, storytelling, or simply gliding in silence, we honor the river and one another.

Through inclusive programs and partnerships, we share our love of rowing with people of all ages and backgrounds. Together, we protect this place we treasure and pass on the gift of rowing to future generations.

Our Vision

We envision a thriving, inclusive rowing community rooted in connection—to the river, to one another, and to the traditions that shape our coastal heritage. Dharma Voyage is more than a rowing program; it’s a space where people of all ages and backgrounds can experience the joy of being on the water, the power of shared purpose, and the strength of community.

As we look ahead, we are growing our reach through new and dynamic initiatives:

  • Our Youth Rowing Program, in partnership with the Westport Recreation Department, introduces young people to the river through skill-building, teamwork, and the joy of outdoor activity.

  • The Head of the Westport Regatta, launched in collaboration with Spindle Rock Club, brings together rowers from across the region to celebrate competition, tradition, and camaraderie.

  • Our Boatbuilding Program, led by master boatbuilder Bob Fuller of South Shore Boatworks and boat designer David Wilkins, offers students and community members a hands-on opportunity to construct a traditional 32-foot pilot gig—honoring craftsmanship, learning, and maritime heritage.

  • Recovery on Water (ROW), a compassionate rowing opportunity for individuals whose lives have been touched by cancer, supporting physical healing and emotional resilience through movement and community.

  • Expanded outreach and partnerships to serve a wider and more diverse community—we are reaching out to a cross section of communities including veterans, students from Our Sister School, marginalized youth, and others who may not traditionally have access to rowing and water-based experiences.

Through these efforts and more, Dharma Voyage is building a culture of curiosity, care, and creativity—on and off the water. We believe rowing teaches us more than technique; it teaches us how to move forward—together.

Our History

Dharma Voyage began with a simple idea: to bring people together on the water, connecting mind and body through the rhythm of rowing. That idea took root and grew into a vibrant community centered around the Westport River.

As our organization has evolved, so too has our vision. Today, we are in a new chapter—one defined by inclusivity, shared leadership, and a deepening connection to both water and community. We embrace a wide range of experiences on the river: competitive racing and regattas, meditative rows, storytelling, collaborative learning, and the stewardship of the place we call home.

While we honor our early beginnings, we now move forward with renewed purpose and openness. This is a place shaped by all who step into the boat—a living, growing community guided by shared purpose, mutual respect, and the joy of moving forward together and this gives our participants lifelong practices that offer increasing rewards as skills develop.