Middle School
Young people who are interested in rowing can join our programs as early as the summer going into their 6th grade year. Middle school (grades 6 through 8) is a great time to get involved in an activity that encourages physical development, mental discipline, social connection, personal responsibility, and sense of capability, all while getting outside and learning how to maneuver a vessel – backwards!
NRRA believes in the holistic development of our athletes, prioritizing and actually committing to the longterm health and goals of each participant. Our youth Learn to Row programs are focused on safety, fun, and learning the basics in a relaxed, non-competitive environment. Once they’ve got the hang of the basics, middle school athletes can move into the Intermediate program to continue developing their skills in a recreational atmosphere, or if they are ready, can begin exploring the competitive side of the sport at an age-appropriate level with the Competitive Development program.
We welcome and encourage any youth interested in learning about rowing to come try it with us, regardless of fitness, size, (perceived) athletic ability, or financial means. Our mission is to share the unique sport of rowing and to enable and encourage you in pursuit of your goals, whether they include learning a new skill, building strength, finding calm, making friends, or winning a race. Whatever your aim, it all starts with the first stroke!
Fall 2026 Schedule
Learn to Row (No prior experience)
No experience necessary! If you have never rowed before (or maybe only been in a boat once or twice), this program is for you. Come learn the basics of how to move your body, how to handle, use, and care for the equipment, and the words and terms used in the sport. Explore, discover, and see if rowing might be the sport for you!
Weekday Session (Fall 2026)
Mondays and Wednesdays
6:00pm – 7:30pm
August 31 – October 28
(No practice Labor Day 9/7 or Columbus Day 10/12)
Registration coming soon!
Weekend Session (Fall 2026)
Saturdays and Sundays
10:30am – 12:00pm
September 12 – November 1
Registration coming soon!
Youth Intermediate (Experienced recreational)
Participants who have completed one season of Learn to Row (or equivalent experience at the discretion of the Director of Rowing) may choose to continue rowing in a relaxed, non-competitive program that works on building strength, skills, confidence, and friendships. The focus of this program will be to build upon the foundation set in Learn to Row and exploring further into the world of rowing. Athletes can use this program as a launching pad into the competitive side of the sport, or may continue in this recreational program for as long as they wish.
Youth Intermediate (Fall 2026)
Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays
6:00pm – 7:30pm
August 31 – October 28
Registration coming soon!
Youth Competitive Development (Experienced semi-competitive)
Participants who have completed one season of Learn to Row (or equivalent experience at the discretion of the Director of Rowing) AND are in the 7th grade or above may choose to begin exploring the competitive side of the sport. The focus of this program is on building successful athletic habits (both on and off the water), cultivating a healthy mindset toward training, competition, and performance, and having fun learning to go fast! Program participants will work toward developing their technique, expanding their knowledge of rowing equipment, improving their physical strength and endurance, and laying the foundation for a long, safe, and healthy relationship with the sport and themselves. Athletes who are deemed ready may be invited to participate in one or more rowing race (regatta) during the season.
Youth Competitive Development (Fall 2026)
Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays
4:00pm – 6:00pm
August 24 – November13
(No practice Labor Day 9/7 or Columbus Day 10/12)
Registration coming soon!
For more information, contact Director of Rowing Scott Branscomb scottb@norwalkriverrowing.org
For those seeking financial assistance to participate in a program, you can find the request form here.
Please consider adding a donation to the Matthew Zucker Memorial Fund which provides outreach programs and financial aid for athletes who need the support. Give another athlete the chance to row.