Be honest: rowing is one of those Olympic sports you probably only think of every four years. A new program in Marina del Rey is trying to change that.
L.A. Lions — with roots in Loyola Marymount University’s rowing community — is expanding to include opportunities for local high school students and adults. And no prior experience is required.
“Some people want to learn a new skill. Others are just looking for fitness,” said Ryan Stewart, assistant coach and men’s team captain. “Whether we’re winning races or not, the goal is to put forward an effort we’re all proud of.”
That accessibility is part of what makes rowing unique. Unlike many sports, there’s no rigid pipeline starting in childhood. Many athletes discover it later in life — sometimes after other sports or even while recovering from an injury.
Head coach Aaron Bosgang says the group’s mission is simple: grow the sport locally and build a strong, inclusive rowing community on the Westside.
“It’s about introducing people to rowing and creating a passionate group of athletes of all ages and experience levels,” Bosgang said. “We want people to love the sport and help the program grow.”
In just two short years, LA Lions has already attracted the attention of the sport’s biggest names.
Recently, the group hosted members of the LA28 Olympic Planning Committee, members of the United States under-23 national rowing team, and the New Zealand national rowing team. International connections like these mean that expertise is more easily accessible to members at every level of the program.
“We want to create a boathouse where everybody is welcome and can share their experiences and their knowledge,” continued Bosgang. “The younger rowers can learn from the adults and the college athletes and vice versa.”
And then there are the social benefits.
“It’s hard as an adult to make friends in a city like L.A.,” Stewart said. “You have to actively find your people — and for a lot of us, this team is that ‘third place’ outside of home and work.”
While rowing has long been established on the East Coast, the sport has never quite exploded in Los Angeles, despite its ideal conditions.
“There’s so much untapped potential here,” Stewart said. “We have great weather year-round, great water, and millions of people who could be introduced to the sport.”
The club is continuing to expand. Alongside its adult teams, L.A. Lions is launching a junior program for ages 13–18 in August, beginning with learn-to-row camps followed by a competitive team.
Looking ahead, the team plans to compete in major fall regattas including the Head of the Marina, San Diego Fall Classic, Head of the American, and the prestigious Head of the Charles in Boston.
Still, Bosgang emphasizes that success goes beyond results.
“What I love about coaching is developing people, not just athletes,” he said. “Yes, we want to compete — but more importantly, we want to help people grow.”
For more information or to join, visit lalions.org or contact info@lalions.org.