ALICE KERBER
ARC Volunteer Recruiter
ATLANTA ROWING CLUB, Marietta, GA
Rowing is a great equalizer. It doesn’t matter your career, background, or the other labels that define you in your life. You meet a wide variety of people who enjoy being out on the water and quickly find connections.
How did you get started with rowing and the Hooch?
We went to the 1996 Olympics at Lake Lanier – my first in-person regatta experience.
I was introduced to the Hooch through Riley (my daughter), when she began competing for St. Andrew’s Rowing Club (SARC) in 2013. For years it was just us (me and husband Tom) as spectators at regattas, but at the Hooch, we have served in a variety of volunteer positions on and around the course supporting both SARC and the Hooch.
Even though I had been around rowing as a volunteer and spectator for a while, it was my daughter who encouraged (forced?) me to try it. She literally drove me to National Learn to Row Day in 2017 and dropped me off with a “Just give it a try.” I’ve been rowing ever since.
One of the coaches early on suggested I learn to cox: so I did. I have had a variety of coaches, coxswains and crews over the years and learned from each of them.
I started volunteering at the Atlanta Rowing Club (ARC) in Communications. It was my creative outlet and I had so much fun that when I was nominated for Board Secretary, I told them I’d only run if I could keep the newsletter! It was also a great way to get to know more people.
I competed for the first time ever in the 2021 Hooch Virtual Regatta. In the 2022 Head of the Hooch Regatta, I coxed for two crews and actually got to see the course and win a medal! That was really something, especially after hearing about it for years from Riley. It was great to experience the start, pass the island, go through the bridges and listen to the cheers at the finish line, but also a little intimidating.
What does the ARC Volunteer Recruiter do?
Leading up to the Hooch, I send out information and start talking about volunteer openings. I am very active with ARC and have learned to appreciate the depth of talent and interests of the members. This makes me well suited to help guide individuals to a job they might enjoy.
When I start talking to people about volunteering, I want them to be comfortable with the jobs they pick. Volunteering should be fun and interesting. Having done many of the jobs at the Hooch and other regattas myself, I guide people in considering what they might like to try. It takes 3,000+ volunteers to put on an event like the Hooch, so we want volunteers to have fun and come back.
We have updated the volunteer job descriptions to be more engaging to both rowers and non-rowers. Many volunteer positions can be filled by non-rowers, so we are encouraging everyone to come out and join in the fun!!
Favorite part of the Hooch?
All the people coming from everywhere, the inclusiveness. Some of them it’s their first time at a regatta, others it’s their twentieth. There’s a connection among us all. It’s a big event. It’s not just the rowers, it’s the participants, the spectators and the volunteers that make it fun.
Any pre or post Hooch rituals?
We go up early, before the Hooch starts and walk around. Watching everything get set up and seeing things start, is the best. Then we like to stay after everything is done and watch the event disappear. The Hooch tries its hardest to leave no trace and honestly, does a pretty good job of it.
What has rowing meant to you in your life?
Rowing is a great equalizer. It doesn’t matter your career, background, or the other labels that define you in your life. You meet a wide variety of people who enjoy being out on the water and quickly find connections.
Rowing is (an analogy for) Life – to spin off a Ted Lasso quote.
Rowing is about the journey: working together, making mistakes, making corrections and still keeping on. I went into it and didn’t think I could ever do it; I’m too short, too old, not strong enough, not whatever. We are all coming from different places and have different strengths and weaknesses, but on the water - in that boat – troubles can be left behind.
In my work life, I was an Oncology Nurse Specialist and even though I’m retired, I’m still a resource to many. It’s nice to get out on the water and know that the biggest worry I have is to bring my blade all the way in at the right depth or keep my crew safe – those things aren’t life and death. It’s nice to have that.
Connection with people is what I love most.
Big changes of the last few years or upcoming changes to look forward to?
The focus on environmental sustainability is growing. We have partnered with TVA. The Friends of the Hooch are giving registration discounts to teams that participate in waterway clean ups. We will also have filling stations available this year, as part of our effort to reduce single use plastic water bottles and to leave no trace once the event is done.