Youth Rowing

We believe that our youth rowing programs foster positive and cooperative relationships between kids from all walks of life and supports development of life-long leadership, personal accountability and team-building skills. Rowing is the platform for personal growth, self expression and the exploration of the body and mind in a supportive and team oriented environment. We think that no other athletic endeavor for kids is as effective in combining these facets of personal growth so intimately or compellingly.

Recreational Programs are for ages 12-18. Learn to Row is an introductory noncompetitive class in which participants have an opportunity to try rowing in a fun and safe environment. Rowers take turns in every seat (including the coxswain seat) to help their classmates navigate and pull together on the river safely. Once rowers complete Learn to Row, they can continue in the Youth Crew League or Summer Recreational clinics depending on the time of year.

Intermediate Development Rowing aims to be the "bridge" between recreational and competitive rowing for athletes ages 12-17 with rowing experience. The coaching staff will challenge and foster the growth in athletes to build and refine their technical skills, increase overall strength and mobility, and advance their ambitions in the sport.

Competitive Programs are for ages 13 to 19: The Competitive Boys and Competitive Girls teams require no previous rowing experience. Kids from the recreational program are encouaraged to continue their rowing careers as well as athletes who have never taken a stroke (rec program rowing is not a pre-requisite for tryouts). The teams host tryouts in the fall and spring for Novice rowing - the first year of competitive rowing for all rowers.

COMPARE PROGRAMS and pathways to learn about CRI's youth programs and offerings.

Youth Learn to Row - Spring/Fall

Youth Learn to Row is offered spring, summer and fall. It's an introductory, coed, non-competitive program offering youth aged 12 to 18 a chance to try the sport of rowing. Learn to Row participants are introduced to the basics of the sport in a fun, engaging, safe environment. After Learn to Row, kids have a chance to progress to Crew League (spring/fall) or summer skills (summer).

Crew League - Spring/Fall

Youth Crew League is a recreational, noncompetitive, coed program for rowers who have completed Youth Learn to Row. Crew League builds upon and continues to develop and refine the basic skills acquired in Learn to Row.

Intermediate Development Rowing

This program aims to be the "bridge" between recreational and competitive rowing for athletes ages 12-17 with rowing experience. The coaching staff will challenge and foster the growth in athletes to build and refine their technical skills, increase overall strength and mobility, and advance their ambitions in the sport.

Competitive Youth

CRI Youth Competitive Rowing sets an unparalleled standard for personal and physical development. Rowers learn the art of rowing while developing life-long skills of accountability, leadership and teamwork.

Summer Youth Recreational Programs

Summer is great time to experience rowing on the Charles River. Our youth recreational summer programs offer boys and girls the chance to learn rowing for the first time or to continue to develop their rowing skills.

YETI - Middle School Indoor Rowing Championships

YETI (Youth Erg Trials International) is the hallmark event for CRI's middle school and high school indoor rowing program! CRI serves over 60 middle schools and over 4,000 kids annually - YETI is the culminating event for these young athletes to race for individual success and school pride.