Join us on the water!
Women on the water is a FREE rowing & maritime skills program for women, nonbinary, and gender non-conforming people of all ages!
Our weekly sessions focus on learning maritime skills like rowing and navigation, building community with other women, and enjoying time on the water!
Based in Tacoma, Washington, this program is a collaboration between the Foss Waterway Seaport and Tacoma Boat Builders. WOW was created to inspire and empower women through maritime education and experience. WOW provides unique access to mentorship and opportunities to develop maritime skills such as rowing, sailing, and navigation, increase physical fitness and confidence, and build teamwork and leadership abilities on the water. The program aims to create a compassionate and resilient community where women can share experiences and support each other's growth. Beyond individual benefits, WOW increases women's representation and participation in the traditionally male-dominated maritime world. Through this program, women will gain confidence and expertise, contributing to safer, more inclusive maritime communities.
The vessel:
Vérité is a 38' Bantry Bay Gig, a replica of 18th-century French Naval vessels with ten oars, three masts, and a dipping lug rig. The Vérité was built in 1998, here in Tacoma, Washington. This is a traditional wooden boat that can be rowed and sailed, and has no motor. This vessel has great historical and contemporary significance and is used for the international competition of seamanship, Atlantic Challenge.
When: Tuesdays, 5pm
- Sign up in advance to receive updates about meeting times, location, weather, etc.
SIGN UP: https://forms.gle/mNDbEw5PY2VxGXiD9
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Who can participate?
WOW welcomes women, nonbinary, and gender non-conforming individuals of all ages who are interested in learning maritime skills and being on the water. No prior experience is required!
Can I bring my kids?
Absolutely! Youth ages 16+ are welcome to join us independently (we still require parent/guardian signature on waiver). Kids ages 12-15 must have supervision but are welcome to join us! Please contact Cori directly if you would like to bring kids ages 11 and younger - this is certainly possible, we just want to make sure they can join us safely.
Important info for youth participants: They must be adequately supervised (by parent or guardian), able to follow safety instructions onboard the vessel, and must wear a life jacket at ALL times. The oars are up to 13 feet and are heavy, so young or small children may not be able to row. If you want to bring your kids but are not sure they’re able to row, please contact Cori directly.
Do I need to have any rowing or sailing experience?
No experience is necessary! Our instructors and mentors will guide you through the basics of rowing, sailing, and navigation.
What skills will I learn?
Participants will gain hands-on experience in:
Rowing techniques
Maritime skills like knots, navigation, on the water safety, docking, etc.
Teamwork and leadership on the water
Sailing fundamentals
How often does the program meet?
WOW holds weekly sessions, allowing participants to build their skills and confidence over time while forming strong connections with others in the program.
Where does the program take place?
Sessions are held in Tacoma, WA, in collaboration with Foss Waterway Seaport and Tacoma Boat Builders. Specific locations will be shared upon registration.
How much does it cost?
WOW is completely FREE thanks to the support of our community partners, including Tacoma Creates, the Names Family Foundation and the Tom and Meg Names Foundation.
What should I bring?
Participants should wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and closed-toe shoes. If you own a life jacket, please bring it, otherwise we have plenty to lend out. All other necessary equipment will be provided.
How do I sign up?
For registration and more details, please fill out the form: https://forms.gle/mNDbEw5PY2VxGXiD9
Why is this program important?
WOW aims to increase representation and participation of women, nonbinary, and gender non-conforming individuals in the maritime world. By developing skills and confidence on the water, participants contribute to a more inclusive and diverse maritime community.
For any additional questions, feel free to contact us at cori.shooter@fosswaterwayseaport.org or call at 253-272-2750, ext 106.
We look forward to seeing you on the water!