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
ABOUT OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS
We have done all this entirely by the volunteer efforts of our board, whose members include:
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!
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.
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.
Job Openings for 2025!
