We had the good fortune of connecting with Bobbie Smith and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Bobbie, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
Love of the sport. Rowing is a sport that people are passionate about. It’s something that is in your blood. In order to be successful at it, you need to be willing to work hard for yourself and for others. Sometimes it is thankless in that regard, but that means that you get to share your wins with your teammates. Some of those teammates become your friends for life. I have teammates I’ve known longer than my husband.
Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
The San Diego Crew Classic was the first real west coast regatta. It has grown from a three hour event to a three day event. It started with about 300 athletes and now there are more than 4000 athletes that come and compete over three days every year. Over the last 50 years, it has become the season opener for many collegiate, youth and masters teams. Hence our tagline, “The Rowing Season Starts Here.”™
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Assuming the person is a rower, I’d start with a row at the San Diego Rowing Club in Mission Bay, followed with breakfast at Olive’s. Later on in the day, I’d take them over to Balboa Park and explore the gardens and the Timken Museum, maybe even head over to the California Tower at the Museum of Man for a tour and a view from the top. Dinner would be at Davanti Enoteca in Little Italy. The next day, bike ride along the beach with breakfast at Mission on Mission. Then I’d take them to the USS Midway in the late afternoon and eat dinner at Ruth’s Chris. The next morning should be a Wednesday, so morning workout with November Project, followed by coffee and pastry at Genteel. Afternoon lunch at Liberty Market followed by a movie at the Lot at Liberty Station. That evening dinner on the beach at World Famous, hoping to catch the green flash. (It’s actually the only place I’ve ever been able to catch it.) Next day, another morning row, maybe out of ZLAC Rowing Club, the oldest women’s rowing club in the world, and have coffee on the patio afterwards. Head out to Julian to explore the rest of the day and get some great apple pie. Friday, workout at Performance 360 in the morning and grab Starbucks on the walk home. That afternoon head out to Cabrillo with a picnic and go for a long walk and explore the museum and lighthouse there. That evening, dinner and a concert at the Rady Shell.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Every athlete that I’ve ever coached. I have been blessed not to simply run a regatta, but to go to practice at the end of the day, everyday of the week, and coach a great group of young women. Over the years, I have probably coached close to 400 women and seeing them grow and succeed in life is my greatest joy.
Website: https://crewclassic.org/
Instagram: @crewclassic
Twitter: https://twitter.com/crewclassic
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/crewclassic/
Youtube: @crewclassic
Image Credits
Hope Wilkinson Pacific Photographic Society