About Dharma Voyage
Our Mission
To create an inclusive rowing community on the Westport River where people of all ages and abilities find joy, reflection, friendship, and purpose. Through programs, partnerships, and shared experiences, we honor the river, nurture connection, and pass on the gift of rowing to future generations.
Our Vision
To grow a vibrant, compassionate, and adventurous community rooted in the river, in tradition, and in one another—where rowing becomes a source of healing, belonging, and shared strength.
Our Values
Inclusion
We welcome every rower—whether racing, reflecting, or simply gliding in silence.
Connection
We seek joy and meaning through laughter, movement, storytelling, and shared purpose.
Stewardship
We care for our boats, our waters, and the heritage of coastal rowing.
Community
We grow together through intergenerational learning, teamwork, and celebration.
Resilience
We embrace rowing as a practice that builds strength—of body, spirit, and community.
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![A group of people rowing a wooden boat on a body of water, with each person holding an oar.]()
Adult Community Rowing
Guides and nurtures the core community rowing program—welcoming newcomers, offering gentle, high-quality coaching, and organizing casual to adventurous coastal rows.
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![Wooden boat under construction in a woodworking workshop, surrounded by tools, materials, and workbenches.]()
Boat Building
Oversees the hands-on boatbuilding program where volunteers mentor youth and community members in crafting seaworthy wooden boats from the keel up.
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![Several boats are anchored near a grassy shoreline with houses and trees in the background, against a body of water and a backdrop of colorful autumn foliage.]()
Race Training
Manages and coaches the Race Training Program, which welcomes adult rowers of all fitness levels—focusing on inclusion, technique, camaraderie, and opportunities to compete regionally
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![A rowing team on a boat with oars, sailing on calm water with a distant shoreline in the background. The boat is flying an American flag.]()
Westport River Regatta
Coordinates every step of the annual Regatta—from logistics, registration, sponsorships, swag, food, venue planning, to timing, music, prizes, and post-event follow-up.
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![A group of five people working on a woodworking project in a workshop, wearing safety ear protection and glasses, handling a piece of wood.]()
Youth Rowing Program
In partnership with Westport Recreation, this summer program for students entering grades 6–11 teaches rowing, navigation, water safety, coxing, and teamwork—building confidence, leadership, and lasting community ties.
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![American flag on a boat with water and shoreline in the background.]()
Special Events
Plans and runs unique seasonal rows like the July 4th Row, Moonlight Rows, “Head of Westport” or “Row to the Let”, adding memorable experiences to the rowing season.
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![A person wearing a neon green vest with the words 'HERE TO HELP' printed on the back, holding a small American flag, outdoors on a sunny day.]()
Fundraising
Drives fundraising efforts to support no-cost youth educational programs, building community support and financial sustainability.
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![Healthcare professional in white coat holding a pink breast cancer awareness ribbon, with a stethoscope around their neck.]()
Special Rows
Organizes excursion-style rows—like ROW (Recovery on the Water), a supportive rowing program for individuals whose lives have been touched by cancer—combining adventure, community, and tradition.
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![Scattered paper calendar date cards showing days, dates, and months on a wooden surface.]()
Scheduling
Oversees all row scheduling using Sign-Up Genius, maintaining fair and efficient access to rows and coordinating coxswain and boat assignments.
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![Multiple rowing shells with oars attached, docked at a wooden pier over calm water.]()
Coxswains
Trains and manages coxswains who steer the boats, arrive early to prepare docks and boats, and support about 15 rows per week during our active 6-month season.
What Our Rowers Say
Seriously! But don’t take our word for it, here are some things people have to say about us.
“Dharma Voyage is how I started my own voyage into the sport of rowing. Without being introduced to rowing, I would be missing out on the teamwork, lifelong friendships, and amazing opportunities that make me who I am today.”
He went on to reflect on how the Dharma Voyage medal symbolizes his personal development: “I strengthened skills in communication, patience, and perseverance, and I’ve built lasting friendships.”
— Aaron Sousa, a long-time youth rowing member
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Dharma Voyage Adult Community Rowing is a very important part of my life. I get a great deal of satisfaction steering a boat. When all the rowers are in sync making the boat move smoothly and speedily through the water, I feel as if I accomplished something very special.”
Reflecting on her journey from novice to confident coxswain: “During the past six years, I have gone from being a total beginner to a racer, and now as a coxswain.
— Wendy Goldberg, Race Training Coordinator
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I never rowed before, but it sounded perfect for me & I joined up. It was the best step I have ever taken.”
She continues: “The combination of exercise, teamwork, fresh air, blue skies & water... and of course, the number of new friends I made...
— Joanne DeMarco, member