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.

Covid-19 Update, Winter 2020: For the safety of our community in light of the Covid-19 pandemic, CRI will offer winter hybrid programs that enable safe, "team time" in small groups at the Harry Parker Boathouse and then coached, remote programs to join the program from home.  

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 (Winter/Fall/Spring) or Summer Recreational (summer) clinics depending on the time of year.

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.

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).

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Crew League - Spring/Fall/Winter

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.

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Competitive Youth - Fall/Winter/Spring

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. For information on our Competitive Youth Summer Programs, see Competitive Youth Summer Program.

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Intermediate Development Rowing - Fall/Winter/Spring

This program aims to be the "bridge" between recreational and competitive rowing for high school athletes with rowing experience. The coaching staff will challenge and foster the growth in these athletes.  We will build and refine their technical skills, increase overall fitness and mobility, and advance their ambitions in the sport.  

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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.

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