Middle School Rowing
Our Middle School program is designed for young athletes in 7th and 8th grades. Athletes will learn the essentials of sweep rowing (one oar per person) with land-based training on rowing machines and in a boat on the Chicago River. The focus is on basic rowing skills and terms, with an emphasis on learning how to row as a crew of 8. You will have fun learning the basics of the sport and improve your overall fitness level and you will meet other middle schoolers from all over the Chicago-land area!
Seasons
Rowing is a year-round sport with CRF's middle school program offering instruction on the water in the Fall and Spring and indoor instruction in the Winter. Middle School rowers are encourage to participate in the 2-week summer camp session each summer.
On the last day of practice of the Fall and Spring seasons, we have the rowers compete in a scrimmage at the WMS Boathouse. This is a fun and exciting race for our young rowers, as well as the spectators.
Fall
Early September through mid-October
On the water in 8+ person boats, the season concluding with the ROWtoberfest Regatta.
Winter
January through February
Training takes place indoors on rowing machines (ergs) and the moving water rowing tank at the WMS Boathouse at Clark Park. Focus is on conditioning and technique.
Spring
April through June
On the water in 8+ person boats, the season concluding with the Back Channel Chase Spring Regatta.
Summer
2-week summer camp sessions, two sessions held each summer.