Mount Pleasant Magazine March/April 2016

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as he did when he rowed for Philadelphia’s big-time rowing
clubs. He said he now travels to compete in five to six races
a year. Currently, no races are held in the Charleston area.
Over the years, D’Italia has competed at venues
including the Head of the South Regatta in Augusta,
Georgia; the Head of the Hooch
Regatta in Chattanooga; the First
Coast Head Race in Jacksonville,
Florida; the Tail of the Tiger in
Clemson, South Carolina; and the
USRowing Southeast Regional
Championship Regatta. His
dedication to the sport of rowing
has taken him to the Detroit River,
Long Island Sound, the Connecticut
River, Miami and various other
venues along the East Coast.
How long will he continue to
row? When is he going to retire from
the sport that has been his passion
since he left high school?
“When I can’t pick up my boat
and put it in the water,” he said.
Blyth, just as dedicated to the
sport, isn’t thinking about trading in his racing scull for a
rocking chair anytime soon either.
“I stress to all these kids that rowing is a great way to
get in shape and have fun outdoors,” he said.
Rob D’Italia, now 62, said he will continue to row until he is
unable to pick up his boat and put it in the water.
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