65°
John Hartmann is new to the region and seeking recreational activities. He may have found one at the Norwalk River Rowing Association. Hartmann, of New Haven, was one of the guests at NRRA's open house last week and can see rowing himself rowing on the river.
"As long as I can figure out a schedule, I think I'd love to do it,'' says Hartmann, who recently moved from New York City. The Open House is an ideal vehicle for people looking for new recreational outlets. Running, biking, tennis and softball are popular recreational activities in Fairfield County, but rowing also provides opportunities to become fit.
"I was speaking with a physician and he told me about a heart patient who found it very helpful,'' Hartmann said. "I've done some cross country skiing, but this seems like you can do it a lot more during the year." Many rowers work out year-round, and move indoors during the winter. Still there are times when recreational rowers hit the water in all kinds of temperatures and conditions.
Hartmann figures it will be a good exercise to help achieve his fitness goals. "I'm in a range where I don't want to get any heavier, and this could definitely help,'' Hartmann says. A teacher at the University of New Haven, Hartmann enjoyed seeing other people giving consideration to rowing. "It's great to see the mix of people that want to try this,'' Hartmann says. "You see people from all over the community."
The NRRA conducts open houses each month in the spring and summer to offer potential rowers an opportunity to "try before they buy." The organization, the region's oldest community-based rowing club, offers weekday and weekend programs for rowers of all ages and abilities.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Norwalk and receive free news updates.
