Whatcom Rowing Association’s Junior Program introduces youth ages 12 to 17 to the sport of rowing in a safe, supportive, and challenging environment. We offer coached classes for athletes of all skill levels, led by experienced coaches dedicated to helping each rower build confidence, develop technique, and succeed—both on and off the water.
Our program focuses on teaching proper rowing techniques while building overall strength and conditioning. In addition to time on the water, athletes participate in land-based strength and cross-training sessions to enhance fitness and prevent injury. Winter training is primarily land-based.
No prior rowing experience is required—new rowers are welcome to join at any time.
Questions? Visit our Junior Parent Handbook. or email juniors@whatcomrowing.org for more information.
First time users need to create a “Parent of Rower” account and then add a “Youth Rower”.
Youth ages 12 to 17 who are new to rowing are invited to attend Youth Learn-to-Row classes offered during the summer. Athletes are encouraged to complete all three two-week sessions (six weeks in total) before transitioning to Junior Team sessions. Each two-week session costs $185.
With coach approval, participants in the Learn-to-Row program may be eligible to compete in the Greenlake Summer Extravaganza Regatta in Seattle on Saturday, August 2, 2025. An additional fee for the regatta is estimated at $150 – $200.
SESSION 2
7/21 – 8/1
Monday through Friday: 9:30 – 11:30 am
(Regatta: Greenlake Summer Extravaganza 8/2)
SESSION 3
8/4 – 8/15
Monday through Friday: 9:30 – 11:30 am
Our Middle School program aims to teach the fundamentals of rowing with an emphasis on fun! This program is designed to instruct young athletes on the basics of rowing and foster a positive social environment. On-water rowing time will be balanced with land training and team building.
Open to new athletes in Grades 6-8, no experience necessary.
FALL 2025
9/15 – 11/7
Mondays and Wednesdays
4:30 – 6:00 pm
If you are between the ages of 12 and 17 and have completed a Learn-to-Row course, you are eligible to join our Junior Team sessions. These sessions offer the opportunity to build experience, improve rowing technique and continue to grow as an athlete.
During the summer, we offer four two-week sessions (eight weeks total). These sessions will include Saturdays where we will aim to get anyone and everyone involved in the club down to row. The cost for each two-week session is $185.
All Junior Team members are invited to row with us at the 2025 Summer Extravaganza Regatta on Greenlake in Seattle Washington on August 2, 2025.
SESSION 2
7/7 – 7/18
Monday through Friday: 7:15 – 9:15am
Saturdays(ALL CLUB) 7:30 – 9:30am
SESSION 3
7/21 – 8/1
Monday through Friday: 7:15 – 9:15am
Saturdays(ALL CLUB) 7:30 – 9:30am
SESSION 4
8/4 – 8/15
Monday through Friday: 7:15 – 9:15am
Saturdays(ALL CLUB) 7:30 – 9:30am
Our Junior Novice program aims to teach the fundamentals of rowing with an emphasis on fun and race preparation! This program is designed to instruct athletes on the basics of rowing and foster a positive social environment. On-water rowing time will be balanced with land training and team building.
Athletes in this program are welcome to race with us in Fall Regattas.
Open to new athletes in Grades 7-12, no experience necessary.
NOVICE JUNIOR
9/2 – 11/21
Monday through Friday:
4:00 – 6:00 pm.
Experienced rowers are ENCOURAGED to join us in fall racing! Our schedule is yet to be determined, but below is a list of some of our likely fall regattas and their dates.
October 5, 2025
Tail of the Lake – Seattle, WA
November 2, 2025
Head of the Lake – Seattle, WA
Questions? Email juniors@whatcomrowing.org
Our Junior Experienced program aims to build the fundamentals of rowing with an emphasis on fun and race preparation! This program is designed to continue bettering athletes on the basics of rowing and foster a positive social environment. There will be a clear focus on training, race preparation, and goal-setting. On-water rowing time will be balanced with land training and team building.
Athletes in this program are encouraged to race with us in Fall Regattas.
Open to athletes in Grades 7-12 with prior rowing experience.
NOVICE JUNIOR
9/2 – 11/21
Monday through Friday:
4:00 – 6:00 pm.
First time users need to create a “Parent of Rower” account and then add a “Youth Rower”.
Whatcom Rowing Association provides need-based youth and adult financial support. Financial Aid funds are awarded based on financial AND the participant’s ability to meet attendance and participation expectations. If awarded financial aid, athletes must:
With the help of our donors, we set aside thousands of dollars for financial aid every season to ensure that no one is turned away from rowing regardless of income. WRA has provided over $13K in scholarship assistance to rowers in need.
Partial and full aid is available. The information you provide will be treated confidentially, and will be used only for eligibility determination. Funding awarded on a case by case basis.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Please fill out the program information form to learn more and connect with us at WRA.