Youth Rowing Program

Whatcom Rowing Association’s Junior Program welcomes youth ages 12–18 into a positive, supportive environment where athletes grow through sport. Our program emphasizes teamwork, confidence and personal responsibility, helping young people build strong foundations both on and off the water.

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.

SPRING REGISTRATION NOW OPEN 

First time users need to create a “Parent of Rower” account and then add a “Youth Rower”. 

Spring 2026 Programs

Highschool Team
Grades 9-12

Our High School Spring Rowing Team is open to all athletes. Whether you’re brand new to rowing or an experienced competitor, our program provides a complete development pathway from foundational skills to high-level competitive racing.

Athletes will be taught everything from the fundamentals of the sport, including rowing technique, boat handling, fitness training, and teamwork, to advanced race preparation, strategy, and performance development.

Beginners learn in a structured, supportive environment, while experienced rowers are challenged through progressive training and competitive opportunities.

Our team competes at the local, regional, and national levels. We offer motivated athletes the opportunity to pursue high-performance goals while building confidence, discipline, and leadership skills.

This program emphasizes:

  • Inclusive team culture
  • Athlete development at every level
  • Strong technical foundations
  • Physical conditioning and mental toughness
  • Teamwork and accountability
  • Opportunities for high-level

If you’re looking for a sport that builds strength, character, and community, while offering a pathway to fun and challenging competition, WRA Rowing is your opportunity to get on the water and find your crew!

Practice Times:

Varsity: Mon / Tues / Thurs / Friday 4:00 – 6:15 PM Saturday 9:30-12 PM
Novice (new or first year athletes) : Monday – Friday 4:00 – 6:00 PM

Dates: March 2 – May 28

Fees:

Session Fee: $1200 
Regatta Fees: Depending on participation 
Scholarships and Fundraising opportunities Available

Important Dates: 

Athlete Parent Meeting – Feb 24, 2026 6pm 
Windermere Cup Spectator Trip – May 2, 2026 All Day 
End To End Row & Season Wrapup – May 28, 2026 4pm 

Regatta Schedule:

March 6-7th, 2026
Select Varsity Team
Vancouver Lake Spring Sprints
Vancouver, WA
 
March 22nd, 2026
Select Highschool Team
Swiftwater Sprints
Vashon, WA
 
March 28th, 2026
Scrimmage vs TBD – Home 
 
April 4th, 2026
Select Highschool Team
Husky Open
Seattle, WA
 
Novice Shirt Day – Apr 17, 2026
 
April 18th, 2026
Full Team
Lake Stevens, WA
 
May 15-17th, 2026
USRowing NW Youth Championships
Vancouver, WA
 
May 23-24, 2026
Delta, BC 

Middle School Rowing Program
Grades 7-8

Our Middle School Rowing Program is a beginner-focused, developmentally supportive introduction to the sport of rowing, designed specifically for 7th and 8th graders. No prior experience is required—this program is built to welcome new athletes and help them grow with confidence.

Athletes learn the fundamentals of rowing including technique, boat handling, water safety, fitness training, and teamwork, all in a positive and encouraging environment. The focus is on building strong foundational skills that prepare athletes for both recreational and competitive rowing pathways in the future.

This team also emphasizes:

  • Team building and belonging
  • Sportsmanship and respect
  • General athletic development
  • Confidence and leadership
  • Healthy competition
  • Fun, supportive training culture

Athletes will also have the opportunity to compete at skill-appropriate regattas. These events provide age-appropriate racing experiences focused on learning, confidence, and development.

Practice Times:

Varsity: Mon / Wed 4:00 – 6:00 PM

Dates: March 23 – May 28

Fees:

Session Fee: $375 
Regatta Fees: Depending on participation 
Scholarships and Fundraising opportunities Available

Important Dates: 

Athlete Parent Meeting – Feb 24, 2026 6pm 
Windermere Cup Spectator Trip – May 2, 2026 All Day 
End To End Row & Season Wrapup – May 28, 2026 4pm 

Regatta Opportunities:

 
April 18th, 2026
By Invitation
Lake Stevens, WA
 
May 23-24, 2026
By Invitation
Delta, BC 

If you’re looking for a sport that builds strength, character, and community, while offering a pathway to fun and challenging competition, WRA Rowing is your opportunity to get on the water and find your crew!

SPRING REGISTRATION NOW OPEN 

First time users need to create a “Parent of Rower” account and then add a “Youth Rower”. 

Financial Aid

NEED SUPPORT TO ROW?

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:

  • Attend 75% of practices
  • Volunteer 5 hours per season
  • Attend one community event per year

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.