Middle School
Middle School Programs
2026 - 2027 Middle School Rowing
Program Overview:
Oakland Strokes has been introducing young athletes to rowing on the Oakland Estuary for 50 years. The Middle School program is where most of our rowers begin — and where a lot of them fall in love with the sport.
We offer three program options for athletes in 6th, 7th, and 8th grade. No experience is required to get started. Athletes must be at least 11 years old. All programs are based out of Tidewater Boating Center on the Oakland Estuary.
New for Fall 2026
8th grade athletes in the Middle School program may now try out for our High School Racing Team in the fall. Visit our High School page for more information.
Three programs. One team.
Club
Open to any athlete in 6th, 7th, or 8th grade — no experience needed. Athletes learn to scull (two oars), sweep (one oar), and cox, getting real on-water time within the first week. Our boats are stable and forgiving, so athletes build confidence quickly and safely. Practices meet twice per week.
Competitive Development
For 7th and 8th graders ready to make a bigger commitment. Athletes must have completed a minimum of two Club sessions (or equivalent summer camp experience) and be approved for advancement by the coaching staff. The program meets three days per week throughout the season and is designed for athletes who want to race and develop seriously.
Sunday Sculling
Open to 7th and 8th graders who have completed at least one Club or Summer Learn to Row session. Athletes row single sculling wherries — stable boats that are ideal for developing sculling technique. One session per week, on Sundays.
Not sure which program is the right fit? Send us an email and we’ll help you sort it out.
What to expect at practice
Athletes work on rowing technique, boat handling, and fitness — on the water and on land. Practices are structured and coached, but the environment is genuinely fun. Our coaches have rowed and coached at the national, international, and Olympic levels, and they know how to make learning to row both challenging and enjoyable.
One note for younger athletes: California law requires anyone under 13 to wear a life jacket while on the water, regardless of swimming ability.
Location:
Tidewater Boating Center, Oakland
Practice Schedule:
Club (2 days/week)
Club 1: Mondays & Wednesdays, 4:30–6:30pm
Club 2: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 4:30–6:30pm
Club 3: Mondays & Thursdays, 4:30–6:30pm
Competitive Development (3 days/week)
Development 1: Tuesdays, Fridays 4:30–6:30pm & Saturday 10:00am–1:00pm
Development 2: Wednesdays, Fridays 4:30–6:30pm & Saturday 10:00am–1:00pm
Sunday Sculling (1 day/week)
Sculling 1: Sunday, 9:00–11:00am
Sculling 2: Sunday, 11:30am–1:30pm
We practice in the rain. For most Monday federal holidays, we do hold practice as scheduled — any exceptions will be communicated by email at least two hours before practice starts. Emergency cancellations (high AQI, etc.) follow the same process. We are unable to accommodate custom schedules.
2026–2027 Session Dates
Club and Sunday Sculling Sessions
Session 1: September 14 – October 18, 2026
Session 2: October 19 – November 22, 2026
Session 3: February 1 – March 7, 2027
Session 4: March 8 – April 11, 2027
Spring session dates are subject to change. Final Spring dates will be announced in late fall before Spring registration opens.
Competitive Development Sessions
Fall: September 8 – December 20, 2026
Spring: January 12 – April 25, 2027
Scrimmage Days
Each session wraps with an optional scrimmage at the boathouse — a chance for athletes to race and for families to come watch. Scrimmages run 10am–12pm at Tidewater.
Sunday, October 18, 2026
Sunday, November 22, 2026
Sunday, March 7, 2027
Sunday, April 11, 2027
FEES STRUCTURE
Club - $625 per session
Competitive Development - $1,600 per session
Sunday Sculling - $400 per session
Financial aid is available — apply here. We are committed to keeping fees as accessible as possible and want great athletes on the water regardless of financial circumstance. You can also donate or get involved to support the program.
REGISTER
Club Session 1 registration opens July 29th at 11am. Sessions fill quickly, so signing up for our mailing list is the best way to stay ahead of registration dates.
Competitive Development registration is by approval only. Email us to express interest.
Spring registration opens in December.
For more about the middle school program, including summer options, visit our full program page.