• ROWING - YOUTH

    Vancouver Lake Rowing Club was founded with the intent of supporting the youth of our community through positive educational activities on water. VLRC serves the youth of our community, adaptive rowers, at risk individuals, and adult rowers and paddlers by teaching rowing technique, water safety, teamwork, and stewardship of resources.

    Why rowing?

    Why get up before the sun, sometimes in the cold and rain, to work out on the lake? Rowing is a team sport, where you work together with up to eight other rowers to glide in perfect rhythm across the water. It’s also an individual sport, where each stroke you take is an exercise in mental and physical strength and discipline. Rowing combines the collaboration and accomplishment of team sports with the beautiful PNW outdoors—stunning sunrises, abundant wildlife, and views of the surrounding mountain peaks.
    Winter Season Overview
    Dates to know:
    • 12/1: Start of winter season
    • 2/13 End of Winter Season
    • 1/25 - Stumptown Sprints: Indoor Erg Event @ Lewis and Clark Collage
    • 1/31 - Scrimmage Seattle, WA (select crews only)

    Focus:

    Rowing for the Vancouver Lake Youth Rowing program is a transformative experience for student athletes. Athletes learn life skills through teamwork, perseverance, competition, skill development and fitness building. Fall rowing can be compared to cross country in the fall which prepares athletes for track in the spring (aka sprint racing)! Emphasis of fall season on:

    • Technique, aerobic endurance, strength training, and building lasting frendships and community
    • Mostly indoor rowing and biking with additional focus on plyometrics and weight training
    • Weekend water sessions
    Spring Season Overview
    Dates to Know:
    • Start of Spring Season 2/16
    • VL Scrimmage #1- 2/21 @ Vancouver Lake
    • VL Sprints - 3/7 @ Vancouver Lake
    • Swiftwater Sprints- 3/22 @ Vashon Island
    • Covered bridge Regatta 4/11-4/12 @ Eugene,OR
    • Brentwood Regattan4/24-4/26 @ Mill Bay, B.C.
    • NW Regional Championships May 15th-May 17th @ Vancouver Lake
    • Last Day Spring Season 5/29
    • Youth National Championships June 11th-14th @ Sarasota, Flordia

  • 2026 Spring Season Groups

    Winter Season: December 1st- Febuary 13th

    Spring Season Febuary 16th- May 29th

    Monday - Friday 4:15 PM - 6:30 PM

    Saturday 8am-11am
    8612 NW Erwin O Rieger Memorial Highway, Vancouver, WA 98660

    Spring Red Group – 5‑Days-a‑Week [Racing and Fitness Focus]

    Practice schedule: M-F 4:15pm-6:30pm (Saturday practices 8am-11am)

    • Who?
    • Ages 12-19
    • Ideal for athletes wanting to make rowing their main sport
    • New athletes (novices) will have racing opportunities along with returning rowers
    • Which Red Group am I?:
    • Red Varsity Rowers -- athletes who have rowed in the past for one season or more
    • Red Notive Rowers -- athletes brand new to the sport (including those who've completed Summer rowing camp)
    • Focus areas:
    • Continued development of sculling and sweep disciplines
    • Experience in multiple boat classes
    • Strong race preparation
    • Endurance work
    • Water sessions with specific technical skill coaching and video review
    • Additional strength and ergometer work
    • Education on nutrition, hydration, and stretching -- the foundations of athletic development
    • Athletes do not have to race, but participation is encouraged
    • Cost::
      • Spring: 5-day-a-week program is $250 a month

    Spring Racing Schedule Red Group (5-day a week athletes)

    • VL Scrimmage #1- 2/21 @ Vancouver Lake
    • VL Sprints - 3/7 @ Vancouver Lake
    • Swiftwater Sprints- 3/22 @ Vashon Island
    • Coveredbridge Regatta 4/11-4/12 @ Eugene,OR
    • Brentwood Regattan4/24-4/26 @ Mill Bay, B.C.
    • NW Regional Championships May 15th-May 17th @ Vancouver Lake
    • Youth National Championships June 11th-14th @ Sarasota, Flordia
    • Please reference our youth information HUB for additional information on our programs.

    Register Here

    Spring Blue Group – 3‑Days-a‑Week [Development Focus]

    Practice Schedule: M/W/F 4:15-6:30pm (rowers may attend alternate days pending coach approval)

    • Who?
      • Ages 11-18
      • No experience required.
      • Ideal for athletes just joining the sport of rowing or those juggling multiple after school activities and who cannot attend five days a week
    • Which Bue Group am I?:
      • Blue Varsity Rowers -- athletes who have rowed in the past for one season or more
      • Blue Notive Rowers -- athletes brand new to the sport (including those who've completed Summer rowing camp)
    • Focus areas:
      • Athlete development and learning the skills and technique involved with rowing
      • Learning the sport of rowing
      • Learning rowing technique in sculling and sweep disciplines
      • Delevoping proper calisthenics movement patterns (excellent conditioning for all Spring sports)
    • Cost:
      • Spring 3-day-a-week program is $175 a month

    Spring Racing Schedule Blue Group (3-day a week athletes):

    • VL Sprints - 3/7 @ Vancouver Lake
    • Swiftwater Sprints- 3/22 @ Vashon Island
    • Coveredbridge Regatta 4/11-4/12 @ Eugene,OR
    • NW Regional Championships May 15th-May 17th @ Vancouver Lake
    • Please reference our youth information HUB for additional information on our programs.

    REGISTER HERE

  • Summer Experienced Rowing 2026

    Sessions from June 15th-July 24th

    7:30am-9:30am

    (Athletes can complete strength sessions on their own after water is complete at 9:30am)

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    Summer Rowing 2026

    • Program description:
    • Designed for experienced rowers seeking intentional training and technical development ahead of the fall racing season, this camp provides a highly focused environment centered on small-boat work and competitive lineup preparation. Athletes will train with an emphasis on technical refinement, movement efficiency, connection, and the ability to sustain boat speed under pressure.

    Participants will leave camp with measurable gains in:

    • Aerobic engine development through structured threshold and steady-state work
    • 2k and 6k speed progression using individualized split targets
    • Technical efficiency at the catch, drive sequencing, and run between strokes
    • Strength and power transfer from gym to boat/erg
    • Small Boat focus
    • Mental performance habits including race focus, confidence, and recovery discipline

    Who It’s For:

    This camp is ideal for:

    • Experienced junior rowers
    • Multiple sport athletes that are wanting to see what competitive rowing is like
    • 1 week of learn to row is required to participate
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    Training Elements

    On-Water / Technical Sessions

    • Blade work and connection drills
    • Catch timing and front-end suspension
    • Drive sequencing and leg-body-arm connection
    • Ratio and rhythm development
    • Starts, high-rate transitions, and finishing pieces
    • Small boat skill refinement

    Ergometer Performance Sessions

    • Threshold intervals
    • VO₂ max development pieces
    • 2k pace progression workouts
    • Team relay and pressure sets
    • Technical rate ladders

    Strength & Movement

    • Rowing-specific posterior chain strength
    • Knee extension power and drive speed
    • Core stiffness and posture control
    • Mobility for hips, ankles, thoracic rotation, and shoulders
    • Injury prevention circuits

    Rowing Education

    • Fueling high training loads
    • Sleep and recovery strategies
    • Race visualization and confidence routines
    • Data review: splits, stroke rate, and efficiency metrics
    • Goal setting for season benchmarks
    • Video review

      Sample Daily Schedule

    Morning

    1. Dynamic mobility + activation
    2. On-water technical session or erg threshold
    3. Video review

    Midday (help with LTR)

    1. Strength training
    2. Athlete education workshop

    Summer Goals/Focus

    • By the end of summer, athletes should expect:
    • Faster baseline aerobic splits
    • Improved technical consistency at race cadence
    • Better ability to hold rhythm under fatigue
    • Increased confidence in race plans
    • Clear individualized training focus for spring
    • Stronger team culture and lineup cohesion

  • YOUTH ROWING SEASONS

    2026

    SPRING 2026

    Febuary 17th- June 12th

    Spring is sprint season. Rowers race between 1,500m-2,000m at spring regattas.

    Athletes will have the opportunity to race across the PNW and at our Regional Championships.

    We work on the water out of Vancouver Lake boathouse and will also lift throughout the season.

    Athletes that qualify for National Championships will train through the first week of June to compete at Nationals in Sarasota, FL.

    New athletes are welcome to join at any point in our spring season!

    SUMMER 2026

    Summer camp is a great place to learn how to row in a fun low-stakes environment that focuses on fun, teamwork, and skill development.

    Summer Camps for our 2026 Season will begin in early June and will run through the first week of August.

    June 16th- July 24th

    FALL 2026

    September 2 - November 25th

    -Pre season training camp

    Aug 24th-28th for returing athletes

    Fall is long distance Head Race Season, where races range from from 4,000m-6,000m in length.

    Athletes have the opportunity to race across the PNW.

    Most of our workouts will be on the water with a mix of additional strength training.

    This is a great time of year to focus on technique and skill development, try new things, and increase aerobic capacity.

    New rowers are welcome anytime through our fall season!

    WINTER 2026

    Winter 2026 December 1st-Febuary 13th

    Depending on the weather we try to get out on the water at the beginning of practice (with lights and appropriate gear).

    Athletes can expect cross training on the ergs/bikes along with circuit work and weightlifting.

    We teach the basic principles of weightlifting so that all athletes learn how to move their bodies and are able to establish proper body mechanics.

    New rowers are welcome anytime thoughout our winter season! This is a great time to get fit and increase strength and endurance.

  • Youth Rowing Scholarships

    Rowing for Every Athlete

    At Vancouver Lake Rowing Club (VLRC), we believe every young person who wants to row should have the opportunity to do so—regardless of financial circumstances.

    Our Youth Financial Aid & Scholarship Program is designed to remove barriers and expand access to the life-changing experience of rowing. Through this program, we offer both partial and full scholarships to support athletes and families in our community.

    What Scholarships Can Cover

    Financial aid may be applied toward:

    -Program registration fees (up to half)

    -Local regatta fees (up to half)

    Our goal is simple: to ensure that cost is never the reason a motivated athlete cannot participate.

    Partnership with the George Pocock Rowing Foundation

    VLRC is proud to partner with the George Pocock Rowing Foundation to support equitable access to rowing.

    Through this partnership:

    Scholarship applications are reviewed with guidance and support from GPRF

    Funding opportunities are expanded to reach more athletes

    We align with a shared commitment to inclusion, access, and youth development through rowing

    Together, we are working to open doors for the next generation of rowers—on and off the water.

    Who Should Apply:

    We encourage applications from:

    Families experiencing financial hardship

    Athletes who would not otherwise be able to participate

    Youth from historically underrepresented communities in rowing

    If financial support would make a difference for your family, we strongly encourage you to apply.

    How to Apply:

    Applying for financial aid is simple and confidential.
    https://www.pocockfoundation.org/athlete-support-retention-scholarships

    Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and awards are determined based on demonstrated need and available funding.

    Support the Scholarship Fund

    Want to help make rowing accessible for all?

    Your support directly impacts young athletes in our community—providing access to sport, mentorship, and lifelong skills.

    [Donate to Youth Scholarships] (BUTTON)
    https://givebutter.com/youth-rowing-scholarship-fund-q7vpw3

    Why It Matters

    Rowing builds more than athletes—it builds confidence, resilience, teamwork, and leadership. By investing in access, we are strengthening not only individual lives, but our entire community.



  • YOUTH INFORMATION HUB

    SAFETY

    All coaches are trained in

    • SafeSport
    • FirstAid
    • CPR
    • AED
    • Launch driving
    • On the water emergencies

    All coaches are

    • Background checked
    • Licensed boat drivers

    SWIM TEST REQUIRED

    All rowers (Adult and Youth) must pass a swim test. The test must be given at public swimming pools under the supervision of a Water Safety Instructor certified by the American Red Cross. The form must be signed, dated and turned in before starting practice.

    WHAT TO WEAR

    Tight fitting clothes that will not get caught on the oars or the sliding seat (e.g: spandex pants/shorts, shirts no longer than waist). Gloves are not worn for rowing. Bring spare clothes for after practice. We will row on the water through the winter, please dress accordingly.

    UNIFORMS

    If your rower chooses to race, we have unisuits that can be rented for $25 a season, or athletes can purchase their own for $70 Our team store will be open every fall and athletes can purchase racing gear for our fall, winter, and spring seasons then. 3-Day a week rowers can order a navy blue teck shirt in our fall gear order. We have extra gear on hand for thoses joining in winter or spring season. We will go over ger on back to rowing night september 6th.

    BEGINNERS GUIDE TO ROWING

    Get all the details!

     

    Learn More

    PARENT & ROWER HANDBOOK

    Both Parents and Rowers need to read and sign.

    Download and Sign

    REGATTA SCHEDULE & INFORMATION

    Get all the details!

    - Fall 2025

    • Tail of the Lake - October 5th,2025 -- Seattle, WA (Red Varsity Group Only)
    • Head of the Charles -- October 17th-19th, 2025-- Boston, MA (select crews only)
    • Portland Fall Classic --- October, 26t, 2025 Vancouver, WA (all Groups)
    • Head of the Lake -- November 2nd 2025 Seattle, WA
    • Head of the Lagoon -- November 16th 2025 Foster City, CA (select crews only
    VOLUNTEER SIGN UP

    Let us know how you can help!

  • COACHES

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    jamie

    HEAD COACH

    Youth Rowing,

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    Kyle

    ASSISTANT COACH

    Youth Rowing

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    Allegra

    ASSISTANT COACH

    Youth Rowing

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    Andrew

    ASSISTANT COACH

    Youth Rowing

  • CONNECT

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