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Our Story
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OPRA was founded in 2007 by John Halberg. John's vision was to support youth on the Olympic Peninsula by presenting rowing and the skills associated with rowing to youth, allowing them to build lifelong values and skills.
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Our Mission is to serve and develop a diverse community of technically skilled rowers of all ages and capabilities in a coached setting that is safe, fun, and nurtures the teamwork, motivation, perseverance, responsibility and stewardship of resources needed to be successful on the water and in life.
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Our current Vision supports and expands upon Johns' original vision:
OPRA provides our community an inclusive organization with excellent facilities, coaching and equipment that provides sustainable, adaptive, recreational and competitive rowing in a northwest marine environment.
Our Coaching Staff
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Deborah Swinford
Head Coach
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Coach Debby is a former Syracuse University and Vesper Boat Club rower, with 20+ years of coaching experience. Debby became the Head Coach of the Olympic Peninsula Rowing Association in 2015. The OPRA Junior program, and OPRA membership, have grown in size and reputation under Coach Debby’s leadership. Her OPRA athletes have medaled at Northwest Regionals and qualified for Youth National Championships. Coach Debby is the Head Coach of the Junior and Masters programs. Coach Debby provides a supportive coaching environment and expects her athletes to work hard and take the steps to perform well at races.
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Calum Swinford Novice Coach and Assistant Varsity Coach
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Coach Cal started coaching in 2012 at Saint Andrew Rowing Club, in Atlanta, and joined the Olympic Peninsula Rowing Association as a coach in 2015. During his time at OPRA, Cal’s athletes have medaled at Northwest Regionals on multiple occasions. Calum is an AmeriCorps Coach with Up2Us Sports. His coaching responsibilities at OPRA are Head Novice Coach and Assistant Varsity Coach. He also overseas some organizational aspects of the Recreational Program.
Cal’s practices are expected to be challenging, yet fun, and sometimes ice cream is included.
Cal’s practices are expected to be challenging, yet fun, and sometimes ice cream is included.
Sam Helmick-Schwarzmiller
Recreational Coach and Assistant Varsity Coach
Bio is coming soon
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Maria England
Volunteer Recreational Coach
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Coach Maria started with the Olympic Peninsula Rowing Association Junior Program. During her years as a junior, she medaled at races throughout the Northwest Region. Maria has returned as a volunteer coach and to give back to the program she enjoyed as a High School Student, and share her positive experience with OPRA's youngest generation of rowers in the Recreational Program.
