About

Why join RITA?

The Association is in a unique position to serve as a leader in the rowing community, and you know our community has issues that require the type of leadership RITA can provide.  Whether we’re speaking with one voice on how rowing needs to develop higher standards for safety, or we’re creating innovative approaches to cross-promotion in the indoor rowing space, you can have a seat at the table.  Over the coming years, RITA’s ability to speak with a singular voice from the industry will influence everything from racing on the world stage to encouraging middle-school kids to start indoor rowing.  Join us at the $700 level and vote on which initiatives we pursue, or join us at the $3500 and steer RITA’s strategic focus for years to come.

• Join RITA because you are future-focused and believe rowing requires mature stewardship in order to thrive.
• Join RITA because we’re building a future for our sport, a future that is focused on growth through safe operation and inclusivity.
• Join RITA because you want to see our industry develop professionally and create business opportunities.
• Join RITA to ensure your brand is aligned with RITA’s values and our commitment to safer and more inclusive rowing communities.
• Join RITA because it’s a community of entrepreneurs, owners, and professionals that are taking steps to shape the evolution of rowing.
• Join RITA because we’re having the conversations that need to happen – whether we’re brainstorming on finding value in the vendor booth or building a tighter relationship between indoor and competitive rowing, we’re having the conversations that matter.
• Join RITA because you want to be a stay up to date on what is happening across our community, from events and venues to equipment and insurance – gain an understanding of what is happening outside of your own customer base and region.
• Join RITA to better serve your customers and their needs by establishing relationships across the industry.

What We’re Doing Now

In 2023, RITA has (or is in the process of):

• Securing the services of a European focused consultant to support the recruitment of additional companies, better serve RITA members located in Europe and work with World Rowing.
• Learning from World Rowing about their market review and effort to foster the evolution of rowing, as well as how RITA can support their Development efforts worldwide.
• Attend the Rowing Canada Aviron Conference, the Head of the Charles and the World Championships.
• Established a Coastal working group to address the concerns of boatbuilders and equipment providers in the coastal community.
• Building a website designed to capture the interest of the ‘rowing curious’ and invite them into the broader world of rowing (awareness of all methods to participate).
• Apply for another US Coast Guard safety grant in partnership with US Rowing and the Foundation for Rowing Education.
• Host a Job Fair at the Head of the Charles Regatta, working in partnership with the CRCA, IRCA and US Rowing.
• Working with US Rowing to help spread awareness of Coastal rowing and racing.

What RITA Has Accomplished So Far

Prior to 2022, the Trade Association created a support network for business working through the COVID pandemic, crafted a set of best practices for Vendor Management at regattas, provided funding to US Rowing to support the establishment of SafeSport, and sponsored speakers focused on safety at the Rowing Canada Aviron Conference.

In 2022, RITA established a governance committee and built an official working relationship with World Rowing, attended and reported on the World Rowing Congress and ‘Builders’ meeting in Prague, began serving on the US Rowing Safety Committee, and doubled the number of RITA members. The Association held 9 roundtable meetings online, gathered members together to build strategies for growth, and filed grant applications for safety awareness in the US.

Join Us

Become Part of The Rowing Industry Trade Association (RITA).

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