Rainbow Row 2019: A look back

This past Friday, more than 60 rowers joined us for our first annual Rainbow Row. Part regatta and part parade, Rainbow Row allowed us to kick off Pride Month in our own unique way: by bringing together LGBTQ+ rowers and allies alike for a special row down the Charles, outfitted in bold Pride colors to show our unconditional support, respect and love for all members of our community.

“So much of what we do here at Hydrow is designed to help people feel connected to a broader community through rowing," said Bruce Smith, Founder & CEO, Hydrow. “Rainbow Row was a unique opportunity for us to engage and celebrate the beautifully diverse rowing community that exists here in the Boston area. An enormous part of feeling connected to your community is feeling valued and supported — we hope that this event was (and continues to be) a reminder to people everywhere that their presence matters, and that together, we create a stronger and more complete community."

Nearly a dozen different boats -- including 8-person and 4-person boats, doubles and single sculls -- pushed off together Friday morning from Community Rowing, Inc. (CRI), rowing together for more than an hour before docking and enjoying a celebratory breakfast.

We’re grateful for the support of our event partner, CRI, and for support from both the Gay + Lesbian Rowing Federation, and Boston Gay Rowers, without whom this event would not have been possible. A special thank you also goes out to Elemental Beverage Company and Blackbird Donuts, who provided us with post-row goodies.

Here’s a look at some of our favorite shots from Rainbow Row.

Want to see more shots from Friday’s Rainbow Row? You can check out our photo album here, or search #RainbowRow2019 on Instagram to check out all the shots posted during the event from our rowers and volunteers.