(GHRC)  is a non-profit organization founded in 1988 to promote rowing within the greater Houston metropolitan area. The club's mission is to provide facilities, equipment, and training for all levels of rowing ability from athletes training for regional and national regattas to complete beginners willing to give the sport a try. The founding members chose Oyster Creek in Sugar Land as home. It is a long, protected, navigable waterway close to Houston. The creek provides more than 5000 meters (3.5 miles) of uninterrupted rowing and can accommodate four boats abreast in some areas. The surrounding homes and trees provide a good break from the wind and with no power boats allowed on the waterway, it is a very safe place to enjoy rowing.  Since acquiring the first racing shell handed down from the Austin Rowing Club, GHRC has purchased several shells to accommodate more members and improve the boat fleet.  Operating costs for equipment and maintenance are met with dues, assessments, donations, and training class revenues. The club offers beginner classes open to anyone who is curious about the sport. The Club participates in regional and out of state regattas, head races in the fall and sprints in the spring, as well as the Marathon Rowing Championships (a 26 mile head race) in Nachitoches, Louisiana. Members have participated in the Head of the Charles in Boston, Massachusetts, the Pan Am Games, and younger members have joined college crews across the country. GHRC is governed by a group of officers selected by its members. Officers volunteer their time to carry out the business and operations of the club. Need to contact us? info@greaterhoustonrowingclub.com Commodore: David O'Hara Vice President: Paula Galloway Treasurer: Dave Anthony Secretary: Jose Rodriguez Athletic Director: Marty Pedowicz In 1980, the United States Maritime Academy donated an old rowing shell to a group of interested rowers in Austin, Texas and a year later the Austin Rowing Club was formed. Since then Towne Lake has grown into one of the premier rowing spots in the country. Late in the 1980's, several former Austin Rowing Club members relocated to the Houston area and started a satellite of the Austin club. Interest grew and GHRC was founded in August of 1988. Shortly thereafter, the club received it's charter and was formally recognized by the USRowing. The tradition continues today as more and more rowers relocate to this area and want to participate in the sport and our club. Other rowing clubs have been established in the area, although GHRC remains the closest club to central Houston. Neighboring clubs include Bay Area Rowing Club in Clear Lake and the Rowing Club of the Woodlands. Colleges and universities in Texas with organized crews are: Baylor, Rice, SMU, Texas A & M (Galveston), and UT Austin. Collegiate programs continue to expand and spread in Texas every year. GHRC Early Years: Click to enlarge & read August 2, 1990 clipping.