Whatcom Rowing Association

Board of Directors

Paulette started rowing in college at PLU and then continued rowing competitively for another 7 years at the Minneapolis Rowing Club. She later moved to Bellingham and coached WWU Women’s Varsity Crew from 1988-1993. She was elected and served on the board of directors of the United States Rowing Association from 1994 – 1998. She has won multiple National Championships and is in the PLU Athletic Hall of Fame.

Paulette loves all types of boating and makes her living on the water as a Licensed Coast Guard Captain. In addition to teaching sailing and yachting, she has been facilitating team building on sailboats for over 10 years. Paulette is especially passionate about rowing and has witnessed the positive influence sport has on so many lives. She continues to both row and coach at WRA.

Melissa learned to row in 1996 while serving in the US Army. Throughout her rowing tenure, Melissa has focused on sculling and racing small boats. As an avid rower, Melissa can be seen on the water year-round, sometimes with ice on her oar locks.

Melissa raced for Lake Union Crew and College Club Seattle’s Masters Competitive Teams, winning several local and regional regattas to include Head of the Lake, Tail of the Lake, Falcon Four Miler, Opening Day, Row for the Cure and multiple Northwest Masters Regionals events.

When she’s not rowing, Melissa enjoys cycling, hiking, paddling and spending time with her wife (and doubles partner), Sandy, and their two dogs. Though Melissa is relatively new to WRA, she appreciates the club’s emphasis on community inclusion and rowing for all.

Becky saw her first rowing shell up close at the WRA boathouse during an open house event in June 2015 and was immediately intrigued. She learned that day that rowing isn’t just for exceptional collegiate athletes, and that being 5’4” and of a certain age are not barriers to fully engaging in and enjoying this amazing sport. Becky enjoys the teamwork and camaraderie of rowing in the larger boats as well the quiet solitude of a single scull and feels fortunate to be able to do it all on beautiful Lake Whatcom, winds permitting.

Joining the board in 2021, Becky hopes to use her 25+ years of non-profit management experience to support WRA’s continued efforts to provide inclusive and engaging Junior and Master programs, year-round coached sessions, a variety of racing opportunities, individual lessons and independent equipment use.

Lisa began with WRA in 2016 after signing up for Learn to Row, hoping to eventually learn to scull and with no thoughts of rowing as part of a team. Having been a competitive swimmer from the age of 5, getting involved in a true team sport was a new experience, but one that took hold quickly and hasn’t let go. She loves diving into the details of technique and figures the speed will come eventually. Lisa is looking forward to getting back in bow seat once we can can resume team rowing.

Lisa enjoys her time off the lake hiking with her dog Zeke, cross country skiing (when the border is open), finding other ways to be outside, and dreaming of travel to faraway places. Work days are spent as a Nearshore Program Manager for the non-profit Northwest Straits Foundation where she restores our marine shorelines for salmon, Orcas, and all the other critters that rely on healthy habitats.

Coming Soon…

“Double Bubble” Rules and Regulations:

Independent Adult Members (if interested) may self-select a double partner that they agree to row with.
Independent Members are only allowed ONE doubles partner at this time.
ALL members regardless of whether or not you are entering into a “Double Bubble” need to sign the COVID Participation Waiver and Sculling Protocols Agreement.
You will be prompted to enter the name of your 2x’s partner while filling out the agreement form.
You will receive confirmation that your Double Bubble has been approved once both rowers have completed the COVID Participation Waiver and Sculling Protocols Agreement.
It is critical that we have accurate records of when members are in the boathouse. This is already required when rowing without a coach but as a reminder: Whether you are rowing independently in a private boat, club boat, or in 2x you MUST sign in and out on the Sculling Logbook (located on the bulletin board).
2x rowers will need to use the reservation calendar, as with singles there are no “Drop-Ins” allowed at this time. 2x’s should default to red sculling oars as the others are rigged for 1x’s at this time. Coached programming is indicated on the reservation calendar to help with dock/equipment usage.
Please note additional protocols that need to be followed for ALL rowers utilizing the WRA boathouse listed in the agreement below.
ALL Rowers (parents/guardians) must complete the WRA COVID Participation Waiver and Sculling Protocol Agreement.

We are relying on your cooperation and adherence to the protocols listed above and in the agreement to keep everyone at WRA healthy and safe!

Board of Directors

Paulette Bergh

Melissa Bertocchini

Becky Hutchins

Lisa Kaufman

Mike Snyder

Amy Trowbridge

Sarah Witte

Sheila Vicic