Taylor Hebble, 17, coaches younger kids on rowing. Hebble also competes in regional competitions. She belongs to the Rowing Association of Naples.

The Rowing Association of Naples (RAN) offers instruction and coaching to all ages of rowing enthusiasts. About 30 members utilize the 10 boats and loads of encouragement offered at RAN.

Director Dave Curry and President Chuck Roth supervise the youth program and offer their combined experience. "I retired down here and I'm kind of a fanatic rower," said Roth. "I've been rowing for about 100 years. Dave's been rowing about 150 years."

Several of the older kids in the youth program coach the younger kids and compete in statewide competitions.

"This is my third summer," said Taylor Hebble, 17, who coaches and competes.

"Her favorite part is racing, right, Taylor?," said Roth, only half joking.

Alex Casement, a junior at Naples High School, just competed in the 2006 Southeast Youth Rowing Championships in Tampa.

Adult programs are open to anyone interested. Roth and Curry will start newcomers off in small learning boats.

"Depending on their skills they move up," said Roth. "It's very low-key."

The benefits of rowing include cardiorespiratory health, muscular strength and endurance. Sliding seats in rowing shells work the entire body without weights to build lean muscle and core strength, while simultaneously providing a cardiovascular workout.

During the winter, Curry is passionate about the RAN program that offers rowing to kids from the nearby River Park community. Those children live close to the Gordon River, where RAN holds practices, yet they rarely get a chance to be on the water. RAN offers them that chance.

For more information call 254-8889.

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