Summer Learn to Row Camps

CAMPS FOR GRADES 6 - 12: MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETES

2024 Learn To Row Summer Camps

The Summer is the perfect time to learn to row. Oakland Strokes Camps are the best place for youth to try rowing in the Bay Area!  The camps are great for those completely new to rowing or athletes who want to improve their rowing skills. 

If you are interested in rowing with the Strokes during the school year, our Summer Programs are a great opportunity to try the sport before the fall. Our Summer Programs are open to all athletes, including those outside the Oakland Strokes school year programs.

Camp is open for athletes 11 - 18 years old (as of the start of camp), who will be entering grades 6 - 12. We offer camps in June at San Pablo Reservoir in Orinda, and in July at the Tidewater Aquatic Center in Oakland. Details, dates, and a link to register is below.

Please choose the incoming grade of your athlete (2024-25 school year):

Athletes who are interested in rowing multiple weeks this summer should do at least one Level I session if they are brand new to the sport - and then Level II for any additional sessions.

Which Level is My Athlete?

Level I is for “Beginners” who have never rowed crew before! Don’t worry, we will teach you everything you need to know. We also recommend rising 6th graders who have done only 1 school year session or 1 week of summer camp to participate in the Level I camp again. Level II “Advanced” athletes are everyone else - athletes who have done at least 1 week of Learn to Row camp and/or a school year .

Athletes who have completed at least 1 year of Novice or Varsity high school rowing should refer to the Varsity Development Camp.

Times:

Middle School (Beginner and Advanced) Rowing: 8:30am - 11:00am

High School (Beginner and Advanced) Rowing: 11:30am - 2:00pm

DATES:

Rowing Camps in orinda at San Pablo Reservoir

Location: San Pablo Reservoir (Click Here for Directions)

Session #1 Monday June 17 - Friday June 21
Session #2 Monday June 24 - Friday June 28

Rowing Camps in Oakland at Tidewater

Location: Tidewater Aquatic Center (Click Here for Directions)

Session #3 Monday July 15 - Friday July 19
Session #4 Monday July 22 - Friday July 26
Session #5 Monday July 29 - Friday August 2

cost

$550 per 1 Week Session

Registration

Registration is open! Please reach out with any questions to information@oaklandstrokes.org

• Waitlist registrations will be processed in the order received on the Active Registration site, space permitting. Updates will be communicated via email.

• Athletes who are interested in rowing multiple weeks this summer should do at least 1 Level I session if they are brand new to the sport - and Level II for any additional sessions. Athletes can sign up for as many weeks as they’d like.

Sign up for email updates on future programs:

Volunteer Opportunity for Experienced Rowers & Coxswains

Athletes who have completed at least two prior weeks/sessions of rowing can volunteer at the Level I camps. In addition to participating as campers for the morning Level II camp, athletes will stay for the Level I camp and help row/steer the boats of new rowers.

Send us an email prior to the Friday before camp if your athlete is interested in volunteering and in order to receive a $75 credit off of your Level II camp registration. Please note which week(s) you plan to volunteer for. Attendance at the full week of camp for Level II and Level I camps is required (8:30am-2pm). The credit is applicable only to the same week of Level II camp, space permitting.

FAQs

Which Level is My Athlete?

Level I is for “Beginners” who have never rowed crew before! Don’t worry, we will teach you everything you need to know. We also recommend rising 6th graders who have done only 1 school year session or 1 week of summer camp to participate in the Level I camp again. Level II “Advanced” athletes are everyone else - athletes who have done at least 1 week of Learn to Row camp and/or a school year program, and beyond. Athletes who are interested in rowing multiple weeks this summer should do at least 1 Level I session if they are brand new to the sport - and Level II for any additional sessions.

What type of rowing boats will be used at camp this summer?

Learn to Row athletes are going to be doing sculling in singles and quads, and rowing in sweep team boats (fours, eights, etc).

Coxswains

Athletes interested in being coxswains should sign up for the camp that is appropriate for their experience with the sport. The coaches will poll for coxswains at the beginning of camp. Typically, we encourage athletes to row for their Level I week and then be a coxswain for any subsequent Level II weeks. Either way, they will learn all the basics of the sport. are highly encouraged to row at the summer camps, in order to learn about the sport.

Age Groups

Camp is open for youth athletes 12 years old and up (as of the first day of camp). While our camps are designated by rowing experience, we also know that an athlete entering their 6th grade year is very different than an athlete entering their 8th grade year.  We try to pair athletes with other rowers of their grade, ability and size to make for the best experience possible.

What to wear and bring

In order to assure the best experience we recommend that athletes dress in layers, wear running shoes and come ready to workout every day! Spandex shorts or leggings are best.. Extra baggy, long shorts will get caught in the seat. A fleece or wicking long sleeve is nice to have as it can be cold in the morning. Athletes are required to arrive in a mask. Bring a water bottle, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, AND make sure everything that is brought to the boathouse is labeled with your name.

Covid Prevention Protocols

Strokes continues to comply with the latest state and local guidelines (Alameda & Contra Costa Counties).

Do you have scholarships?

We understand that this is a challenging time and have worked to keep the costs as low as possible. We continue to provide financial aid for those who need it. Click Here for Financial Aid details and application.

More FAQs about Rowing & Our Program

More details About the first day of camp will be emailed out to registered athletes