About Dharma Voyage
Our Mission
We are a welcoming rowing community on the Westport River, where people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities — from first-timers to lifelong rowers — come together to find joy, reflection, friendship, and purpose. Through on-water programs, partnerships, and shared experiences, we honor the river, connect mind and body, and promote the profound physical and mental health benefits of rowing. Rooted in tradition and fueled by connection, we pass on the gift of rowing across generations.
Our Vision
To build a dynamic, intergenerational community where the river and the act of rowing foster connection, well-being, and a lasting sense of purpose.
Our Values
Belonging
We welcome every rower—whether racing, reflecting, or simply gliding in silence. Everyone has a place in our boats on the river.
Connection
We strive to row in harmony with anyone—whether racing or gliding together—finding joy through movement, trust, and shared purpose.
Stewardship
We care for our traditional wooden gigs and dories, our river, and the enduring heritage of rowing.
Community
We grow together through intergenerational learning, teamwork, and celebration.
Resilience
We embrace rowing as a practice that builds strength—of body, mind, spirit, and community.
Our Teams
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![A team of people rowing a long wooden boat on a body of water.]()
Adult Community Rowing
Guides and nurtures the core community rowing program—welcoming newcomers, offering gentle, high-quality coaching, and organizing casual to adventurous rows.
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![Wooden boat under construction in a workshop with tools, workbenches, and photographs on the walls.]()
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 docked on a grassy area near a lake with houses and fall foliage in the background.]()
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 boat with six people on calm water, one person at the front wearing a red jacket and a white hat, holding an American flag, during daytime with a background of houses and trees across the water.]()
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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![Group of people in a woodworking workshop assembling a piece of furniture, all wearing hearing protection and focused on their tasks.]()
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 flying on a boat on a body of water with distant shoreline and sky.]()
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 safety vest with the words 'Here to Help' on the back, holding an American flag, and wearing a white cap with mesh panels and sunglasses, standing 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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![A healthcare professional wearing a white coat with a stethoscope holding a pink breast cancer awareness ribbon.]()
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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![Disorganized scattered paper calendar date cards with numbers, days, 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 are lined up on a dock next to a body of 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.
Support our Mission and Values
We are a 100+ member, all-volunteer organization united by a shared love for rowing, community, and the transformative power of being on the water. Every program, event, and initiative is run by dedicated volunteers — including every board member, program coordinator, and coxswain.
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