Submitted by: David Frost, Board Member, Community Rowing San Diego

An exciting new venture and collaboration is underway between two non-profit organizations located in the border cities of Tijuana and San Diego. Community Rowing San Diego (CRSD) has been an innovative, recognized Live Well San Diego (LWSD) partner since 2018.

CRSD has partnered with Club de Remo Tijuana to pursue shared projects and mission steps to support and expand the sport of rowing by promoting good health, strengthening social connections, and encouraging community volunteering.

Club de Remo founder and businessman Leon Miranda is no stranger to rowing. He is an experienced referee for US Rowing and rises early to practice with his Master’s crews. He is a staunch believer in community actions that illustrate none of us are as good as all of us. You can witness his active engagement for the greater good in this Instagram reel.

CRSD’s president, Miriam Valdez, is also a working professional and Master’s rower. She asserts that innovative community-based organizations can and should engage across the most frequently crossed border in the world. Mexican youth, as well as able-bodied and adaptive adults, regularly commute north to practice and compete with their southern San Diego crewmates. One adaptive athlete, Francisco, recently medaled in the San Diego Crew Classic. Club de Remo was also represented at this past winter’s Indoor Rowing championship at the San Diego Rowing Club. CRSD participants during that event were honored to once again be rowing buddies.

The effort and collaboration between these organizations truly emphasize how they're working towards a healthy, safe, and thriving region. As rowing is a capital-intensive sport and activity, CRSD is honored to “pay it forward” with situational donations of gently used rowing shells and equipment to Club de Remo. Both clubs are currently training to participate in the Southwest Regional Regatta of US Rowing on Otay Lakes in June. To the best of its ability, CRSD extends its rowing lessons and summer camp sessions to all youth in the greater South Bay and border region.

Come see how these “buddy clubs” currently operate at the Unified Port District’s Aquatic Center in National City on Saturdays and Sundays in 2025. The center’s address is 3300 Pepper Park Place, National City, CA 91950. Contact CRSD at info@communityrowingsd.org or (619) 800-6449 to let them know you’re coming!