Youth Rowing
The Start of Something Extraordinary
Whether you're an experienced rower or completely new to the world of water sports, we invite you to experience the gift of rowing.
Our unique year-round program welcomes high school students across all five boroughs, combining athletic training with rigorous academic support that is delivered at no cost to
most of our student athletes.
Overview
To join the team, student athletes must commit to
attend rowing practices and O.A.R.S. activities.
Youth Rowing at
a Glance
GRADES/EXPERIENCE 8 -12
DURATION - year round
COMMITMENT - 4-6 days/week
MISSION HIGHLIGHT
Making Rowing Accessible
for Young Athletes
Our primary mission is to bring the sport of rowing (and our accompanying services and programs) to young people who might not otherwise be able to access the sport due to financial barriers. We prioritize working with families whose annual household income is under $100,000. Therefore, we have a limited number of seats for participants who come from households with an annual income of over $100,000.
Participants with an annual household income below $100,000 row for free. All other participants pay on a sliding scale.
YOUTH ROWING & ACADEMIC SUPPORT
Building Champions on the
Water & in the Classroom
Row New York’s youth rowing program regularly produces competitive crews who medal in local, regional and New York State Championship races, and qualify for and compete at the USRowing Youth National Championships.
With the leadership of our Opportunities, Academics, Resources, and Supports (O.A.R.S.) team, student athletes receive access to college trips, small-group tutoring, workshops, career panels, SAT prep, mental health counseling, one-on-one college application support, alumni support, summer placement support, and more.
To join the team, student athletes must commit to attend rowing practices and O.A.R.S. activities.
See What’s Possible
STUDENT SPOTLIGHTS
Mariya Sergeeva
Class of 2024, Student at Fordham University
“I know that, for me, winning is not about who won the race because I know that my team and I won on the days we decided to show up when it was cold, dark, and raining, and we were there together.”
What to expect when you join
PROGRAM SEASONS
We offer year-round youth training — because greatness has no off-season. Student-athletes can train competitively year-round and participate in O.A.R.S. (Opportunities, Academics, Resources & Social Support) activities for experiences beyond the boathouse.
Fall Session
Every year we host tryouts from September to October and a parent info night for new participants. Student-athletes attend 3-4 regattas throughout October and compete regionally in Philly, Connecticut, Sarasota, and Boston.
In addition to racing, our SAT Prep program runs from November to March, and our general tutoring support extends through May to help students stay balanced as students and athletes.
Winter Session
We still row in the winter — just not on the water. Student-athletes train on the ergometer and do workout circuits with their peers. Each year, we attend one indoor regatta, one professional development day, and our Alumni & Associate board networking event in January.
Spring Session
Spring is one of our more hectic seasons. Student-athletes train 5 days per week and attend 5–7 regattas, with opportunities to compete at the state and national levels.
Events hosted by our O.A.R.S. staff for our high school students include: Row’d Map to College, Money Monday, Brilliance & Bravery, Professional Dinner, and more.
Summer Session
Keep up your skills with our summer sessions!
Rowing with your team each morning before the sun gets too hot is the perfect way to spend your summer.
Join The Crew
Rowing with us is a great way to make friends, connect with tutors, and learn from experienced coaches. Attend an upcoming recruitment session to learn more about Row New York, join a team, and practice the fundamentals of the rowing stroke on an ergometer.
No prior rowing or athletic experience is required, and all swim levels are welcome. All participants should bring workout clothing, sneakers, a cap, and a water bottle.
Tryouts are closed for the fall, but email us if you are interested in joining rowing.
Rowing Sites
All youth programming will be held at our Manhattan location through at least 2028.
Peter Jay Sharp Dock
3579 Harlem River Dr.
New York, NY 10034
Manhattan
The Novice Program is designed for enthusiastic student-athletes who are beginning their rowing journey. First-year rowers will gain a basic understanding of how to row safely, develop technical skills, enjoy being on the water, make friends, and build team camaraderie.
High School Novice Squad
The Development Program is designed for athletes who want to continue to build upon the fundamentals and focus on improving, but who are not interested in racing at Regattas. These athletes have demonstrated proficiency in all aspects of safety, balance, and the rowing stroke while in rowing shells.
Development Squad
The Competitive Training Program is committed to racing at the highest level. It is designed for athletes who have completed at least two seasons as a Novice and are interested in racing at Regattas. These athletes demonstrate a relentless dedication in the pursuit of rowing and racing excellence with five training sessions a week.
Competitive Squad
Prerequisites for Novice
None! This is for rowers who are new/have limited experience.
Fall & Winter
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday
4:30 - 6:30 pm
Schedule for Novice
Spring
5 days per week
Prerequisites for Development
At least 2 seasons (fall, winter, spring) in the Novice program.
Schedule for Development
3 days per week (TBD)
Weekdays: 4:30 - 6:30 pm
Prerequisites for Competitive
At least 2 seasons (fall, winter, spring) in the Novice program
Schedule for Competitive
5 days per week
Weekdays: 4:30 - 6:30 pm
WHAT IS O.A.R.S.
Opportunities, Academics, Resources & Social Support
O.A.R.S., or Opportunities, Academics, Resources and Social Support, staff provides rowers with the opportunity to receive academic support (tutoring, SAT prep, college essay writing support, etc.), college access assistance (college applications, FASFA, college visits), and developmental social support through our social work services. All rowers are invited to O.A.R.S. events, which will take place 1-2 Mondays per month in place of practice and cover the topics that fall under the O.A.R.S. acronym.
Prerequisites: None! This is an extension of programming for all teams.
Schedule: 1-2 Monday per month
What Opportunity Looks Like
Our Impact
When students are supported on and off the water, they can achieve more than they imagine possible. These milestones offer a glimpse of that impact.
44
Student-athletes earned
medals at
New York State
Championships in the past year.
100%
On-time high school graduation and college acceptance among graduating seniors in the six consecutive years.
30
Hour of college and career readiness programming each year
FAQS
Answers to Your Questions About Youth Rowing and More
Start Your Journey
Joins a community that will challenge you, support you, and help you discover what’s possible.
