Youth Programs
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.
High School Rowing Teams
High School Rowing TEams
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!
Fall 2026 Afternoon Sessions
September 1 – November 2, 2026
Monday through Friday
4:00 – 6:15 pm
Session Fee: $1500
Session fee includes all training and regattas.
Scholarships, fundraising opportunities, and monthly installments are available.
Fall 2026 Morning Sessions
September 8 – October 29, 2026
– Tuesdays 5:45 – 7:15 am
– Thursdays 5:45 – 7:15 am
– Saturdays 8:00 – 9:30 am
Session fee and registration available soon!
Fall 2026 Regatta Calendar
Sunday 9/20 – Pink Ribbon Row – Seattle, WA
Sunday 10/ 4 – Tail of the Lake – Seattle , WA
Sunday 10/25 – Head of the Bulltrout – Lake Stevens, WA
Sunday 11/1 – Head of the Lake – Seattle, Wa
Middle School Rowing Teams
Fall 2026 Middle School Team
Grades 6, 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.
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.
This team emphasizes:
- Team building and belonging
- Sportsmanship and respect
- General athletic development
- Confidence and leadership
- Healthy competition
- Fun, supportive training culture
Fall 2026 Afternoon Sessions
September 1 – October 26, 2026
Monday, Wednesday, Friday
4:30 – 6:15 pm
Session Fee: $500
Session fee includes training.
Scholarships and fundraising opportunities available.
A separate Regatta Fee will be available for athletes that are qualified to participate in the Bull Trout Regatta.
Fall 2026 Regatta Calendar
Sunday 10/25 – Head of the Bulltrout – Lake Stevens, WA
Special Fall Registration Incentives for Middle School Athletes
To encourage new and returning middle school rowers, we’re offering two special discounts for athletes who register by August 23.
Sibling Discount
- Families with two or more siblings that are middle school athletes registered for the Fall 2026 Middle School Program will receive 50% off siblings registered after their first athlete.
- Applies to both new and returning athletes.
- Both athletes must be enrolled in the Middle School program for the same Fall season.
- This offer does not apply to High School/Middle School combinations or consecutive programs.
Bring-a-Friend Discount
- If a current WRA middle school athlete brings a new athlete to WRA for the Fall Middle School Program, both athletes receive 25% off their Fall registration.
- The new athlete must be participating with WRA for the first time.
Summer Camps
2026 Summer Skills Camp
2-week Summer Skills sessions are for experienced rowers who already have learn to row experience at any high school or middle school team.
Summer Skills Camp Participants will receive:
- Comprehensive instruction in both sweep and sculling.
- A summer training plan alongside information about mental health, race prep, and nutrition.
- Participants may sign up for multiple sessions and will be grouped by age and skill throughout each session.
Location – Bloedel Donovan Park
Address: 2114 Electric Ave, Bellingham, WA 98229
Cost: $350
SESSION 3 Schedule:
Dates: August 17 – August 28
Monday – Friday 7:00 – 9:30 am
Green Lake Regatta:
Date: August 1, 2026
Cost: $150
Coaches
Sarah Jones
Sarah’s coaching draws on firsthand experience inside elite training environments, with an emphasis on technical precision, structured progression, and athlete education.
Sydney Bichsel
Sydney builds an environment that is challenging, supportive, and welcoming to any and all who wish to show up for both themselves and their boatmates.
Registration
You need a basic membership with USRowing, the governing organization for the sport of rowing in the United States. We rely on USRowing for your insurance.
- This step needs to be done only once.
- A basic membership costs $25 for the first year; $20 for a renewal.
- Whatcom Rowing Association’s membership club code is APFSD.
You need an account on iCrew, the app we use for scheduling and more.
- This step needs to be done only once.
- First time users need to create a “Parent of Rower” account in iCrew and then add a “Youth Rower”.
- Whatcom Rowing Association’s team registration code is 407746.
Questions?
For more information, email the coach at juniors@whatcomrowing.org or join our Mailing list.
Financial Aid
Financial Aid
Do You need support to Row?
Whatcom Rowing Association provides need-based youth and adult financial support. Financial Aid funds are awarded based on need 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.
Mission
We are dedicated to offering individuals of all ages the opportunity to learn the sport of rowing in a safe, fun, and beautiful environment.
Vision
WRA offers a variety of programs for all ages and experience levels.
Values
We believe the positive attributes of rowing are tangible across a lifespan and we are passionate about providing access to all.
Go Whatcom!
Whatcom Rowing Association (WRA) is a nonprofit community-based rowing club that has served Whatcom County since 2011. Whether you have previous experience or have never touched an oar, we have something for you.
Have Questions?
Please fill out the program information form to learn more and connect with us at WRA.