Launched in 2020
Brainerd Lakes Rowing Club has a two-fold mission:
Teaching youth the sport of competitive rowing
Teaching people of all ages rowing for exercise, recreation, and fun
Whether you’re a seasoned racer or just want to glide across the lake at sunset, come join the fun!
To contact us, fill out the form below.
Please let us know your interests and experience and how you’d like to get involved. Thanks for your interest!
Contact Us!
Find Us Here!
11266 Pine Beach Peninsula
Brainerd, MN 56401
Maddens Resort - Wilson Side Beach
As you pull into Maddens, park in the first big parking lot on the right.
Walk across the street, pass the fountain, to the beach.
If you have questions, text or call us at 218.833.2570.
ABOUT US
Known for 10,000 lakes, Minnesota is home to dozens of rowing clubs, some dating to the 1800s. But until 2020, its premier lakes area had no organized rowing presence; the closest general membership club was 100 miles away.
Yeah, we’re changing that.
In just one year, we have laid a strong foundation for our goals:
- Forming as a Minnesota non-profit corporation
- Obtaining 501(c)(3) status from the Internal Revenue Service
- Joining U.S. Rowing Association
- Securing a location sponsor (Madden’s Resort)
- Submitting grant applications and beginning to build a donor base
- Training coaches and seeking U.S. Rowing certifications
- Networking with other Minnesota rowing clubs and publicizing the club
- Working with Brainerd High School and other high school athletic leaders to involve the next generation
- Participating in our first race
OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS
We have done all this entirely by the volunteer efforts of our board, whose members include:
Rykken is an electrical engineering student at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana, where he is a varsity rower on Purdue Crew. Before college, Rykken rowed for both Yorktown High School and Thompson Boat Center in Washington, DC. With championship experience in both junior and collegiate rowing, Rykken serves as BLRC’s Vice President and as one of its rowing coaches.
Steffen Johnson grew up in the area and is a 1987 graduate of Brainerd High School. He was introduced to rowing when his two oldest children began rowing for Yorktown High School in Arlington, Virginia. He serves as BLRC’s board chair and is excited to see the sport take off in his hometown. Steffen is a partner at the law firm of Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, P.C. in Washington, DC and spends as much of the summer as possible in East Gull Lake.
Raised in Brainerd, Paul attended Central Lakes College before earning a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering with distinction from the University of Minnesota and a Master of Science in Operations Research from the Naval Postgraduate School. With 22 years of service in the United States Marine Corps and 28 years as CEO of PCC, Paul has dedicated 30 years to rowing throughout spring, summer, and fall and enjoys cross-country skiing during the winter months.
Brooke Watland was born and raised in the Brainerd Lakes Area. She graduated from Brainerd High School in 2017 and later attended the University of Minnesota in the Twin Cities, where she was introduced to competitive rowing. One of her passions is introducing newcomers to the sport!
Jon Kline grew up in the Brainerd Lakes Area, with a passion for water sports.
He rowed for the University of St. Thomas - Minnesota.
Jon is the owner of Navigator Home Inspections in Baxter, MN.
Peter Nordell has had a long family interest in rowing. He was part of a club in Appleton, Wisconsin during late 80s and early 90s Since that time he has been sculling in Minneapolis and now in Crosby-Ironton. He loves the sport for its cardio, its teamwork, and its peace and quiet.
Shelly Thelen is a native of the Brainerd Lakes Area and graduated from BHS in 1982.
When she worked out at fitness centers, she was always drawn to the rowing machine/erg.
In 2022 she joined the BLRC and learned to row on the water with other Masters women, and she was hooked!
Her passion for rowing comes from the camaraderie that is formed with other like-minded men and women who enjoy the water and have the desire to spread the interest in rowing throughout the community.
You can find her in the early mornings of summer out on the lake in her own rowing shell, enjoying the sunrise and tranquil waters.
K.C. Brekken is a member of BRLC's competitive women's team. Her background includes experience rowing with the Oakland Strokes and as a club sport at the University of Minnesota in 1999. She is a senior research analyst with the Institute for Corporate Productivity and holds a Ph.D. from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas' School of Public Policy and Leadership.
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