Click “Request Team Info Here” above to leave us your information and a coach will reach out shortly to connect. Please note we receive significantly more interest than we have slots, and space is very limited.

Most Row New Yorkers row for free. Some Row New Yorkers, depending on household income, pay for a portion of their own rowing expenses.

In addition to training and equipment, all student athletes receive swim lessons (if needed), MetroCards, Student Support & Success activities, waived racing fees, racing accommodations, college trips, daily snacks/meals, college admissions support, SAT prep, and much more. 

Our Alumni and College Success Manager can connect students to resources related to financial aid and scholarships for college, even after high school graduation. Our social worker is available to all families and can provide mental-health counseling, and resources to those facing food insecurity, homelessness, or other socio-economic challenges. If there is anything you need (school supplies, athletic clothing, sneakers, etc.), let us know, and we will do what we can to provide it. 

If cost creates a barrier for you to join the team, please let a coach know or email youthrowing@rownewyork.org. 

Rowing is a challenging sport that requires commitment and teamwork. Each practice session helps to build strength and endurance through rigorous mental and physical training. We are looking for teens who are interested in becoming dedicated student-athletes, and who will make a big effort to listen to feedback from coaches. No rowing or swimming skills are required, just a willingness to work hard!

Row New Yorkers are expected to attend every practice session and Student Support & Success activity, so they can be their best selves at school and at home. We’re looking for dedicated athletes who can commit to all practices and student activities.

Want to join a team but don’t want to row? Tryout to be a coxswain! Coxswains do not row and instead lead the crew and steer the boat—they’re great leaders and quick thinkers. Good coxswains are critical to a team’s success and play a vital role in the boat.

Of course! Most of our rowers are new to the sport, so you’re not alone. Novice squads are specifically designed for participants with no experience.

We’ll teach you! Free swim lessons are available to beginners and those who cannot swim. All rowers will take a swim test and will be required to wear a life jacket until they pass the test. Your safety is our top priority, whether you know how to swim or not. 

Even if you are terrified of the water, you can still join the team and be a successful rower. We’ve seen it many times! 

You should wear an outfit that is comfortable for rowing, running, and stretching. All rowers will need running shoes, a sports bra (as needed), an extra outfit in case you get wet, a brimmed hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a water bottle. 

Avoid baggy clothing, such as long t-shirts and basketball shorts, which can get stuck in the rolling seat. Avoid clothing you do not want to ruin because you may get dirty at practice. 

In hot weather, you should wear clothing that helps you stay cool, such as tank top and shorts.

In cold weather, you should wear layers of clothing that help you stay warm such as a beanie, thick socks, long-sleeved shirts, a sweatshirt, a jacket you can move in, and long tights. 

In rainy weather, you should wear a waterproof jacket and remember to bring an extra change of clothes.

Athletic gear can be expensive. If cost is a barrier for you, please let a coach know or email youthrowing@rownewyork.org.

Our Student Support & Success (SSS) activities are designed to build skills to help you get good grades and get into college, and your teammates and coaches provide a network of support. Even though rowing practice will take up additional time in your schedule, your self-discipline and time management skills will improve. In fact, most of our student athletes see their grades rise while participating in our programs. Student athletes are required to attend all SSS activities.

Athletes must commit to the entire program, including all athletic and Student Support and Success activities.  

We’re looking forward to the spring racing season! Spring racing sometimes includes travel to upstate New York, Long Island, New Jersey, and the Philadelphia area. We rarely miss school for competitions as races are usually on Saturdays or Sundays.

Yes! We offer top-of-the-line academic services, including college guidance and admissions support. Rowers who show an athletic aptitude and deliver training results necessary may garner recruitment by college rowing programs, which may include scholarship offers.

The benefits far outweigh the challenges of rowing. You’ll become a skilled athlete and fierce competitor, make friends that last a lifetime, get fit, travel to new places, receive personalized academic support, and most of all, have fun! 

We get it, things happen. If you foresee any issues getting to practice, let your coach know as soon as you can. If you do not give notice, your boat mates may not have enough people to row, and they’ll need to stay on land.

Student Support and Success (SSS) activities provide mental health counseling, small-group tutoring, homework help, SAT prep, alumni support, and college admissions assistance to all student athletes. We also host workshops on topics ranging from positive body image to financial literacy. Each year, we visit 3-7 college campuses as a group to help students decide which college is the best fit for them. 

Based on feedback from athletes, we now offer additional virtual SAT prep for 11th graders, alumni support, and optional virtual tutoring beyond weekly SSS activities. 

Academics is still happening! We renamed the Academics program to Student Support and Success (SSS) to more accurately reflect that the program includes services beyond academic support. SSS activities include events, alumni support, college support, mental health support, health-related workshops, and more.