THANKS TO THESE 2024 ALLIES WITH OARS SPONSORS:

promoting inclusion and accessibility for all rowers, regardless of gender identity.

Since 2022, Steady State Network has raced as Allies with Oars to promote inclusion and accessibility for all rowers, regardless of gender identity. We do this by pulling together competitive lineups for major regattas including USRowing Masters Nationals and Head of the Charles. In 2024, Allies with Oars crews also participated in Race Around the Rock, an 88k coastal relay race around Salt Spring Island in British Columbia, Canada.

The Allies with Oars initiative is part of our larger mission to disrupt and expand the narrative about rowing culture. USRowing awarded Steady State Network the 2023 Anita DeFrantz Award which recognizes an individual or organization achieving measurable success in expanding diversity opportunities in rowing.

Scroll down for information about rowing with us – or boating your own Allies crew – in 2025.

Be an Allies With Oars
Partner Crew in 2025

Form your own Allies With Oars crews for events with the support of Steady State Network!

We know you’re out there – non-binary and trans rowers, parents and family members of trans and non-binary athletes, and of course, allies. It’s always a good time to show your support of racing opportunities that challenge the gender binary in rowing.

Check back here in early 2025 for more details.

What it means:
In your club or with your favorite fellow rowers, form a “mixed” boat lineup of 2, 4 or 8 for an upcoming regatta.  Your whole crew signs our agreement that you will promote and support the mission of Allies With Oars. 

What you get:

  • A custom survey on your “why” to use for social media and promotion

  • Promotional materials

  • Graphic deliverables to use/post before and during the event (posters, flyers, social media graphics) plus guidelines

  • Social media coverage from SSN

  • Access to the Allies with Oars online store + a HeadSweats hat for each crew member

Learn about gender inclusion policy

  • Dr. Mary O'Connor

    Fighting to Save Women’s Rowing

    LISTEN

  • Coach Ann Strayer

    On Inclusion and Self-Worth in Rowing

    LISTEN

  • Coach Kevin Harris

    On the Importance of Embracing Diversity

    LISTEN

  • Challenging the Binary

    Making a New Lane in Rowing

    LISTEN

MAKING WAVES. GETTING NOTICED.

In 2022, our first Allies with Oars crew took on the Directors’ Challenge Mixed8+ at the Head Of The Charles Regatta. It was comprised of trans, nonbinary, gay, queer, and straight ally athletes. Our mission caught the attention of VICE News, which produced a segment about us for Queer Sports. Click play above to watch the video, which is part of a longer episode about queer athletes and the power of activism.