» Photo gallery: Rowing at Lake Lemon

Northwest of Bloomington, you can find peaceful and serene Lake Lemon. People find use of the lake for a number of activities, but to the Riddle Point Rowing Association, it’s all about rowing.

Riddle Point Rowing Association is a community outreach organization that provides opportunities for individuals and families of the Monroe and Brown County area to learn, develop and excel in the sport of rowing.

Rowing is an olympic sport, and often referred to as crew. Rowing isn’t just for competition; many use it for fitness.

A common misconception about rowing is that it just utilizes your arms. An avid eight-year rowing veteran, Shirley Beheler strongly disbands that myth. “A lot of people think you use mainly your arms, but you mostly use your legs,” she said. “It’s an excellent exercise, it exercises everything, and uses all your muscles groups.“

In fact, your legs serve as 90 percent of your stroke; it’s where your stroke comes from.

Rowing also serves as a great cardiovascular workout. What Beheler enjoys most about rowing is the exercise and sociability.

Rowing can be done by yourself or with others—two, four, or a maximum of eight people. Some say the more the merrier because of the camaraderie and synchronization in the boat.

Rowing is a sport where, if it’s more than one person, you all have to be on the same page or paddle, because if one person off, then everyone is off.

While out on the lake, not only is it a beautiful sight, but it’s no telling what animals you may see. Beheler said you can see, “anything from eagles, ducks, egrets, and swans.”

Rowing just isn’t a physical sport for fitness, but also sharpens the mind. It involves concentration. Riddle Point Rowing Association member Leanna Crecelius said, “It’s a good mix of mental and physical. You concentrate so hard on the stroke and all aspects of the stroke.“

Beheler said it’s never too late for anyone to learn. “It’s a great sport anyone can get into at any age.”

The Riddle Point Rowing Association has 32 members, ranging from ages 18 to 75.

Members usually take to the water every day. Due to daylight savings, they tend to row during the evening with some morning practices.

All ages and athletic abilities are welcome to join the group.

Riddle Point offers a free 90-minute “Discover Rowing” session at Lake Lemon to learn about the sport, equipment and terminology. There’s even a chance to get in a racing shell for the first time. No registration is needed.

Learn to Row is an informative introductory two-week course. Completion of the class allows you to join, and row for the season. Cost is $75.

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DIRECTIONS TO LAKE LEMON FROM BLOOMINGTON:

Drive east on Ind. 45 (10th Street out of Bloomington) about seven miles to Tunnel Road and turn left. The new boathouse is located about 2.7 miles down Tunnel Road on the right. The right turn will be a small, gravel road just before getting to Riddle Point Park. If you get to Riddle Point Park, you have gone about 1/2 mile too far.