On the Willamette River, Rose City Rowing Club's middle- and high-school rowers soak in the sights and move in synchronicity, as their narrow boats glide across the water. Team manager Lynn Walton emphasizes that the focus is on the team, not just on star players. “If you sign up to row with us, you row as many days as you want, and you race in every event you go to.” Throughout the season, athletes’ participation in the low-impact, high-intensity aerobic sport helps to boost strength, endurance, balance, and coordination. Oarsmen and oarswomen broaden their social networks by befriending their teammates, who may be from different Portland area schools. One of the best parts of rowing is that it builds a healthy lifestyle that can last a lifetime. “When we go to regattas, we often see athletes who are still competing at 85 years, and typically they started rowing back in high school or college!"