Early morning Saturday, December 7th, the air at CrossFit Sea Dog was already buzzing with anticipation. Rowers from across North Palm Beach Rowing Club — middle school novices, seasoned high-school competitors, masters athletes, and even a few brave parents — took their places at the erg machines for one of the club’s most spirited traditions: the Ergathon.
For two hours, dozens of athletes rowed side by side, pushing for distance, endurance, and bragging rights as they raced to log the most meters. But behind the sweat and friendly rivalry is a mission that stretches far beyond the wall of ergs. The Ergathon has become one of NPBRC’s most important fundraisers, helping the club maintain equipment, invest in new shells and oars, and continue working toward its long-term goal of establishing a permanent state-of-the-art boathouse.
“This event is really about momentum—on the machines and in our community,” said organizers, who emphasized that every donation directly supports the athletes and the future of the program. “When people give, they’re not just supporting a row. They’re supporting opportunity.”
A Club Built on Grit, Gratitude, and Growth
North Palm Beach Rowing Club began with just a handful of rowers determined to bring the sport to their local waterfront. What started as a grassroots effort on the Intracoastal has grown into a vibrant multisquad program representing athletes of all ages and ability levels — from middle school beginners to national-caliber teens and masters rowers who prove that passion for the sport never fades.
Today, NPBRC is recognized as one of the region’s most inclusive and community-centered rowing programs. Alongside competitive youth squads, the club supports adult masters, adaptive athletes, and families who have made rowing part of their everyday lives. The Ergathon reflects that spirit: everyone rows, everyone cheers, and everyone contributes.
“We’re not just building a state-of-the-art boathouse,” said one board member. “We’re building confidence, character, and a legacy for the next generation.”
How to Get Involved
The Ergathon welcomes both club members and supporters from across the community.
- Club members who want to fundraise and receive credit toward their individual goals can join the team on the Givebutter event page. Each rower can share customized links with friends and family. Community supporters can participate by simply clicking Donate to contribute at any level HERE.
Suggested giving levels range from $25 — “every stroke counts” — to $1,000 and above for donors who want to invest in the club’s long-term facilities and future of the state-of-the-art boathouse. But organizers are quick to stress: no amount is too small. Every gift helps keep boats on the water and athletes on the path to success.
More Than a Fundraiser — A Vision for the Future
As the Ergathon begins on Saturday, the rhythmic hum of ergs will echo the values at the center of the club: teamwork, discipline, and the belief that steady effort builds extraordinary outcomes.
At its core, NPBRC aims to cultivate athletes who learn to lead — on the water, in the classroom, and in their communities. Funds raised this weekend will help the club continue doing just that.
Because with every stroke pulled and every donation made, the future of North Palm Beach Rowing Club moves one beat closer.
Honoring a Coach Who Helped Shape the Club’s Future
This year’s Ergathon carries a special meaning for the NPBRC community. The event is being dedicated to Coach Scott McKee, the club’s highly respected head coach who passed away on October 28, 2025. A former U.S. National Team rower and veteran collegiate coach at Rutgers and Columbia, McKee joined NPBRC in 2024 and immediately transformed its youth program — leading athletes to state championships, national qualifiers, and a renewed belief in what they could achieve. Known for his ability to see potential in every rower, McKee championed a coaching philosophy rooted in effort, humility, and heart. His impact on NPBRC was profound, and the memorial service held by the club in December drew athletes, families, and alumni determined to honor his legacy. As club members pull through each meter of this year’s Ergathon, they do so in memory of the coach who taught them not only how to row harder, but how to believe in themselves.
The Team’s mantra: Together, we row stronger. Together, we build our future.
