Youth Rowing
Spring 2025
We are very excited to return to the water this spring! LHRC seeks to introduce all of Litchfield County to the joy of sweep rowing and sculling. Our youth primarily race across the Northeast (expected for Varsity and Novice rowers), and we may earn the right to race in Sarasota, FL.
Scroll down for program details and please review the important policies below. Please read to determine which program fits you. Read carefully, and please contact Coach Drew with any questions (director@litchfieldhillsrowing.org).
Youth practice starts Wednesday, March 5th, 2025. 8th grade practice starts Monday, March 17th, 2025. Development program (Middle School Athletes) practice starts Tuesday, May 6th, 2025.
Youth (Varsity*/Novice): High school athletes (grades 9-12) of all experience levels are welcome, including first-year rowers (referred to as Novices in rowing). Practices run 6 days per week, M-F from 3:40 to 6:00 PM & Saturdays from 8:00 to 10:30 AM. Saturday practices will begin once we are back on the water. Athletes are expected to participate in all regattas, with the opportunity to compete at the USRowing Youth National Championship. Regatta fees are not included in the program cost.
*Rowing is a Varsity sport for Lakeview High School & Forman School. All athletes from these schools are eligible to earn a Varsity letter and honors at their school.
Youth Learn-to-Row Program: A one-week program ideal for the high school athlete who wants to give rowing a try before committing to a full season.
8th Grade Racing Team: For 8th-grade athletes who have completed the Development/Learn-to-Row program, or have received coach approval. Practices run 4 days per week, M/W/Th/F from 3:40 to 6:00 PM with occasional Saturday practices from 8:00 to 10:30 AM. Athletes will be informed of these instances in advance. Athletes are expected to compete in our Bantam Lake scrimmages, with the opportunity to qualify for the USRowing Northeast Regional Championship and the USRowing Youth National Championship. Regatta fees are not included in the program cost.
Development Program: Open to athletes in 6th and 7th grade, this program introduces the fundamentals of rowing through engaging practices that incorporate team-building, personal growth, and social-emotional learning. Designed to be both fun and challenging, it provides a strong foundation for future champions! Practices are held 2 days per week, T/Th from 4:00 to 5:30 PM.
Coxswain Clinic: Geared toward novices or those who want to address some foundational knowledge gaps designed to help improve your skills as a coxswain, helping those early in their career develop basic knowledge and confidence to speed up their progression as an asset in the boat. The clinic is hosted by LHRC alums that have moved on to cox for D1 programs with help from long-time coach and former 9th-seater Coach Holly Archibald.
All Athletes must be USRowing members. Sign Up HERE! Racing athletes must have a Championship level membership. Dev program athletes will be fine with the Development basic membership. Our Club Code is PPCCS.
Regatta Schedule*
*Subject to change.
April 12- 13: Mercer Lake Sprints (Mercer, NJ) [Youth]
April 27: Cooper Cup (Camden, NJ) [Youth]
May 4: Founder’s Day Regatta (Lake Warmaug, CT) [Youth]
May 10: Rumsey Scrimmage (Bantam Lake, CT) [Freshmen & 8th Grade]
May 16-18: USRowing Northeast Championship (Lowell, MA) [Youth & Select 8th Grade]
June 12-15: USRowing Youth National Championship (Sarasota, FL) *In order to row at Nationals, you need to earn a spot at Northeast Champs
Spring Training
All athletes must come to practice ready to train. Wear fitted athletic attire (no loose or baggy clothing) and dress in layers for unpredictable spring weather. Bring a bag with dry clothes for after practice—this is a water sport, and you will get wet.
Essentials to pack:
A post-practice snack
Hat, sunglasses, and sunblock
At least 1 liter of water in a bottle (covered by a sock)
Note: LHRC does not have running water.
Youth (Varsity/Novice)
3/5 - 5/30
*Includes a Litchfield Hills Fitness membership through April 15.
M-F 3:40-6:00pm & Sat 8-10:30am
Saturdays begin once we are back on the water.
Athletes who attend Lakeview High School: $795*
All other athletes: $995*
Financial aid If you plan to apply for financial aid, please use this link (do not register above)
New this year: Monthly installments are available for youth programming. Contact Coach Drew (director@litchfieldhillsrowing.org) for more info before signing up!
8th Grade Racing Team
3/17 - 5/30
*Includes a Litchfield Hills Fitness membership through April 15.
M/W/Th/F 3:40-6:00pm
Occasional Saturday practices will be held 8-10:30am. Athletes will be notified ahead of time.
Athletes who attend Region 20 Schools: $650*
All other athletes: $750*
Financial aid *If you plan to apply for financial aid, please use this link (do not register above).
New this year: Monthly installments are available for youth programming. Contact Coach Drew (director@litchfieldhillsrowing.org) for more info before signing up!
Dev (6th-7th Grade)
5/6 - 6/5
T/Th 4:00-5:30pm
Athletes who attend Region 20 Schools: $135*
All other athletes: $185*
Financial aid *If you plan to apply for financial aid, please use this link (do not register above).
Try It First! FREE Intro-to-Rowing Dev Sessions
Want to see if rowing is a good fit before signing up? Join us for one of our free introductory sessions this spring. These one-hour sessions offer a fun, no-pressure chance to get out on the water and try something new.
Free Session Dates:
Wednesday, April 16 (Spring Break) – 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM Register here! 6 spots left!
Thursday, April 17 (Spring Break) – 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM Register here! 9 spots left!
Wednesday, April 30 (Region 15 Half Day) – 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM Register here! 10 spots left!
Wednesday, May 7 (Region 20 Half Day) – 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM Register here! 9 spots left!
Please note: Each free session is limited to 10 registrants. Pre-registration is required.
Coxswain Clinic
Dates: April 1st, 8th, 15th, & 22nd.
Time: Tuesday 7:30-8:15 via Zoom
Cost: $100
Geared toward novices or those who want to address some foundational knowledge gaps. A 4-week program starting 4/1, running each Tuesday in April from 7:30pm to 8:15pm. This program is designed to help improve your skills as a coxswain, helping those early in their career develop basic knowledge and confidence to speed up their progression as an asset in the boat. The clinic is hosted by LHRC alums that have moved on to cox for D1 programs with help from long-time coach and former 9th-seater Coach Holly Archibald.
This program will be online & all Zoom meetings will be recorded so you can go back and listen.
Questions? Please contact Coach Drew at director@litchfieldhillsrowing.org
