Orcas Island Rowing starts its fall season on Sept. 8.

The program is open to all teens on Orcas who are 13 years or older. OIR is an active rowing club with a boathouse and train on Cascade Lake in Moran State Park.

There are two seasons, a fall season starting in September and finishing in November and a spring season starting in February and ending in May.

OIR was founded in 1996 by Mike Reid and Dave Roseberry. They boot-strapped their own rowing careers and the club. Organizers say those two guys are still the backbone of the club. OIR has a dedicated set of volunteer coaches lead by head coach Tina Brown. Current parent volunteer coaches are Sam Blackadar, Becky Blackadar, Bob Nutt and Greg Bronn.

OIR also has small but active and growing adult rowing program. They encourage experienced rowers and beginners alike to get in touch. For more information, visit www.OrcasIslandRowing.org, email or phone Martin Taylor at martin@orcasdigerati.com or 376-6935.

The first practice is 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. at the boathouse on Sept. 8. Be prepared for a swim test and three-mile run, and bring all of the necessary forms from the website.