Watercraft on Long Pond is diverse. Many folks in the adult age group prefer the stable pontoon boats, with comfortable seats and little danger of capsize. Other boaters find kayaks and stand-up paddle boards more suitable, but when the wind and waves come up, they may get wet. Fishermen prefer flat-bottomed boats with a small motor or kayaks to reach their quarry. There are a few who make circuits around the pond in canoes. But it has been years since we saw rowing shells on Long Pond.

Residents Tony and Jean Antin had a double scull crew shell several years ago. Tony was coxswain for Rutgers during his college days after WWII, so he knew the sport well. Tony has now passed away and Jean lives near family in New Hampshire.

This summer a homeowner on Blantyre Avenue is hosting a group of rowers who launch their boats from her waterfront home. Most of the rowers are women, several of whom are cancer survivors. The rowing program is called “Rowing to Recovery.” One of the intrepid rowers is blind, so she goes out in a double with a sighted teammate. The other rowers are all in single-scull boats.

Long Pond is nearly 1000 meters in length, which is the distance of some rowing races. The practice usually involves rowing laps around the Pond, rather than contests in a straight line.

If you see the rowers, please give them a friendly wave and keep your wake to a minimum.