John Lind Youth Scholarship

Who was John Lind?

John coached rowing at Loyola University in California from 1962 to 1975. In 1975, he became the first women’s crew coach at the University of Washington. John Lind was also the co-founder of Clam Island Rowing. His love of rowing was obvious to any who met him, and if you did get a chance to talk with him, he had the ability to charm just about anyone into a boat.  

We all owe John a heap of gratitude for believing that we could make a club out of thin air and even more gratitude for actually making it happen. On hearing that John took on the job of head coach for a new club at the age of 80 (a club that when we started did not even have a boat or rowers, a rower said that he must have had incredible fortitude. He did, and I hope we all are inspired by him to have that courage now and when we are 80 to share what we love with the people in our community.


What is the John Lind Youth Scholarship?

In the spirit of sharing the love of rowing with others, Clam Island Rowing is offering youth scholarship for rowers in need. 

The John Lind Youth Scholarship will provide scholarships for CIR youth rowers for gear, dues, regatta fees, and development summer camps. It will also provide funds for youth who would like to pursue coaching. This scholarship will help ensure the sport of rowing can be experienced by the youth in our community and that money will not be a barrier to all who want to row. This fund’s goal will honor John’s motto “Rowing for All”.

2023 Recipients 🥇

Aaron L. - Coxswain Leadership Camp in Seattle, Washington

“There are many different things I hope to gain from this great camp, such as becoming a great leader, making better and smarter decisions in a limited amount of time, and gaining more technical knowledge. I want to learn how to motivate and encourage the rowers so we can make the boat move faster as a team. I think my experience would not only benefit me, but I will be able to bring valuable information and skills back to Clam Island Rowing.”

Abby H. - Olympic Development Camp in Chattanooga, Tennessee

“[…] I can't imagine my life without [rowing]. I fell in love with the sport my very first day. I love everything about it. I love the beautiful color of the water from the view of the shell, the noise the seat makes when you come up to the catch, and the blisters and sore muscles after a long row.

Rowing is not easy, but while I'm rowing, I feel most at peace and most myself. I am a rower.”

Griffin N. - Youth Development Camp (YDC) in Tennessee

“[rowing] has since become my greatest passion. As a member of Clam Island Rowing, I am dedicated to becoming the best athlete I can be and representing the team with pride.Despite having to drive over an hour to the club's home at the port of Silverdale, I have not let distance deter me from pursuing my passion. In fact, I have embraced the challenges of traveling to practice each day and have used them to fuel my determination to succeed.”

How do I apply for a John Lind Scholarship? 

Email: membership@clamislandrowing.com


How do I donate to The John Lind Youth Scholarship?

Every contribution marked JLY Scholarship will go completely to the John Lind Youth Scholarship to support current and future Junior Rowers.  Please consider becoming a Founding Donor by donating via PayPal using the following CIR Donation Link and noting ‘ JLY Scholarship’ in the optional note area