Youth Programs
There are boats and performance levels for everyone and there are opportunities to get in a boat year-round! Take a look below for more information on our regular season Competitive and Development Teams, as well as our Summer Camps and Free Trial opportunities!
Typical Calendar Year:
* January: Registration for Spring and Spring practice begins
* March-May: Spring Racing for COMP and select DEV
* June: Youth Nationals for qualifying COMP boats, begin Small Boat Camps
* July: Learn-to-Row & Small Boat Camps
* August: Registration for Fall and Preseason Conditioning begins
* September: Regular season begins for COMP and DEV
* October: Fall Head Racing for COMP
* November: February: Indoor Winter Strength & Conditioning for COMP and DEV
Do you have a middle or high school student that is interested in rowing? Fill out our new rower questionnaire and our coach will be in contact with you to provide more information.
Regular Season Practice Locations
Our regular season is split into the Fall and Spring seasons. The Fall runs September - December and the Spring runs January - May. For both COMP and DEV teams, practices are held at Dexter Lake from September through November and March through May. Practices are at Ridgeline Rowing from December through February.
Development Team
Our Development Team (DEV) is an introductory program designed for all new rowers, including those from our Learn to Row camps. Open to 6th-12th grade rowers of all experience levels and abilities, this team focuses on teaching the fundamentals of rowing, introducing team dynamics, and building a strong foundation. Practices are held three days a week alongside our COMP team practices, from 4:30-6:30 PM. Attendance expectations are flexible, allowing rowers to explore other sports or extracurricular activities, but timely reporting of absences is required.
Within the DEV team, we have rowers on paths towards COMP as well as rowers seeking a more recreational experience. Our seasoned coaches make learning to row easy and enjoyable.
New rowers will be accepted onto the DEV team throughout the Fall and up until February for the Spring season. Any rowers looking to join after February should sign up for Summer Camps or the next Fall season.
Regular Season Practice Locations
For both COMP and DEV teams, practices are held at Dexter Lake from September through November and March through May. Practices are at Ridgeline Rowing from December through February.
Fall 2024
- Development Team practices will begin on Tuesday, September 9th.
- Practices will be held on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. Practice times are dependent on practice location.
Bridge from DEV to COMP
DEV rowers may be moved up into COMP team boats for practices and/or races, depending on the lineup needs of the COMP team. Athletes may move up to the COMP team permanently either mid-season or between the Fall and Spring seasons per the Head Coach’s discretion to include discussion and approval with athletes and parents.
Fall Season Price (August - December):
$695 or paid in 4 installments
+ regatta entry fees
Spring Season Price (January - May):
$695 - *subject to change for Spring 2025
+ regatta entry fees
Winter/Indoor-Only Season:
For those joining after the primary Fall racing season (thru November) and before the Spring season begins in January
Not required for those registered for Fall and/or Spring programs
Runs November - February and does not include training sessions at Dexter Lake.
$395
Competitive Team
The Competitive Team (COMP) is the flagship program of ERC for grades 8 to 12. Practices are typically held on weekdays in the late afternoon and early evening, and on Saturday mornings. Locations include Dexter Lake and Ridgeline Rowing off 3rd Ave in Eugene.
The COMP teams compete in a selection of local, state, and national races in the Fall and Spring. Eugene Rowing Club regularly sends representatives to the USRowing Youth National Championships. Our coaching staff includes former collegiate rowers and coaches with USRowing Coaching certifications, are trained in Safesport, and have completed First Aid, CPR and AED certifications.
While the focus is on providing a safe, supportive, and growth-oriented environment, the demands of a racing team require a higher time commitment, discipline, and dedication.
Due to USRowing’s age classifications, it is not expected that younger athletes be as strong, fit, or competitive as an older athlete, but we are primarily looking for athletes who are tall, strong, athletic, or tough enough to make up the difference for their age. A key factor in selection for the Competitive Team is ensuring that athletes can conduct themselves in a way that lends cohesion and smooth day-to-day practice operations both on land, but especially on the water.
Fall 2024:
- Registration and preseason training for COMP will begin on Monday, August 12th.
- Regular Fall season begins on Tuesday, September 3rd.
- Practices will be held Monday thru Friday, 4:30-6:30 PM and Saturday, 8-11 AM when at Dexter.
Sign up
Fall Season Price (August - December):
$975 paid in 4 monthly installments
+ required $200 gear pack (includes racing uni and other ERC gear)
+ regatta entry fees
Spring Season Price (January - May):
$975 paid in 5 monthly installments - *subject to change for Spring 2025
+ regatta entry fees
—
Fall 2024 Racing Schedule
Head of the Duck @ Dexter Lake - Sun, Sept 29
Head of the Charles @ Boston, MA (select boats) - Oct 18-20
Portland Fall Classic @ Vancouver, WA - Sun, Oct 27
Head of the Lake @ Seattle, WA - Sun, Nov 3
Free Trial
If you’re not sure if rowing is right for you, come and join us for a free week. Just sign up for our free trial to digitally sign your waiver and contact headcoach@eugenerowing.org to schedule your trial.
Summer Camps
Eugene Rowing Club offers Learn-to-Row Camps for rowers new to the sport and Small Boat Camps for experienced rowers to continue to hone their skills on the water. Summer camp information is generally announced in January so stay tuned for more information!
