The Columbia Rowing Club in Columbia, South Carolina is still standing on the banks of the Broad River after the massive flooding in Richland County on October 3, 4, and 5th, 2015. Approximately 7 feet of water rose into our boat house and slowly subsided over last week, leaving a lot of debris and a muddy mess behind. Clean up and damage assessment began on October 11. A few of our boats are damaged, but the biggest loss to the club is that we no longer have a dock. It was torn away from the banks of the Broad River in the flood waters and swept downstream.The Broad River has a very steep edge-- it drops straight down, so it's impossible to launch boats from the river's edge without a dock. We will not be able to row until we can replace our dock. Club members are pitching in to clean up our boat house and the land around it with sweat equity and personal funds. We are now looking for help and support from friends and the greater rowing community with the hope that we might be able to replace our dock by the end of the year.The Columbia Rowing Club rows at a site provided by Richland County. County representatives indicated last week that they have no funds to support the purchase of a new dock. The amount of $35,000 that we aspire to raise is based on an estimate provided by a local vendor who built our previous dock. This amount would enable us to build a dock just like the one we had before (with three ramps), using synthetic materials instead of wood. To build a sturdier dock (i.e., upgrading to concrete bulkheads and an aluminum frame) would cost upwards of $50,000.We have set a minimum goal of $35,000. Additional funds raised beyond this amount would enable us to consider further upgrades.The Columbia Rowing Club is an enthusiastic group of approximately 100 youth and masters. We love our club and feel so lucky to be able row on the most beautiful 4,000 meter stretch of the Broad River. We appreciate any support you can give that will help us get back on the water and we invite you to visit Columbia, South Carolina and row with us as soon as our dock is replaced!on Twitter @ColumbiaRCon Instagram @Columbiarowingclub* *