Program Descriptions

Youth REC Program - Middle and High School 

**Tryouts are NOT required for the REC program. No experience needed.

Our Youth Rec program offers a fun, safe introduction to rowing for middle and high school students. Meeting just twice per week, it’s designed for youth who want to experience the sport without the rigor of a competitive training schedule. Rowers learn the basics of sweep and sculling, practice safe boat handling, and enjoy time on the water with teammates in a relaxed, supportive environment.

Rec is a great fit for students who are younger and for youth whose schedules don’t allow for competitive rowing and simply want to explore and enjoy a lifelong sport at their own pace. Attendance is important but is not critical. Some youth join competitive rowing their first season, some join Rec, and some participate in Rec indefinitely, while others later choose to move into a competitive pathway - all options are supported, depending on each rower’s individual goals and availability. 

  • Fee: REC $660 County resident / $680 non Fayette county resident
  • Dates: 2/3/26 - 5/23/26
  • Session Schedule: 2x week, TUE 4:45pm-6:45pm & SAT 10:30am-12:30pm
  • Mandatory orientation meeting, February 3rd, The Bridge 6pm

Youth DEV Program - Middle School through 9th Grade

**Tryouts are NOT required for the DEV program.

Designed for motivated middle schoolers and 9th grader athletes, Dev provides the structured path toward earning a place on our competitive crews.The Dev program gives developing athletes a close-up training experience to demonstrate commitment to fitness and the competitive rowing culture while building the technique, strength, and fitness needed for future Green and Gold crews. Rowers train in both sweep and sculling boats, with opportunities to demonstrate a committment to develop solid training habits, and progress with peers who share the goal of competing at the next level. Attendance is a critical component to remain on track with fitness and technical training.

  • Fee: DEV $1080 County resident / $1100 non Fayette county resident
  • Dates: Spring 2026 Youth REC 2/3/26 - 5/23/26
  • Session Schedule: 3x per week, Tue, Wed at 4:45pm-6:45pm, Sat 10:30am-12:30pm
  • At least one racing opportunity in local scrimmage as approved by supervising coach(es)
  • Mandatory orientation meeting, February 3rd, The Bridge 6pm

Youth Competitive Tryouts - Athletes pursuing Green and Gold Crew placements

Tryouts - Green & Gold Competitive Crew - 8th - 12th No experience needed, we train! 

Overview:
Tryouts will be held from 1/12/26 - 1/30/26 Monday through Friday, and Saturday. 

    Our Competitive Program is for athletes who are ready to train with intensity, learn advanced rowing skills, maintain top fitness, and race against top crews throughout the region. Tryouts allow coaches to evaluate each athlete’s potential, work ethic, and readiness for the demands of competitive rowing.

    What We Look For at Tryouts

    • Consistent effort, measurable progress in fitness and rowing metrics, demonstrated intent to become a formidable competitor, with a positive, coachable attitude 
    • Ability to handle and progress using our structured training and technical instruction
    • Demonstrated committment to exceptional fitness condusive for competitive rowing
    • Demonstrated commitment to exceptional attendance and contributor to teamwork. This is the ultimate team sport. 

    Athletes who are successful in Tryouts are considered for placement in one of our highly competitive squads: 

    • Green — for competitive and advancing rowers who are progressing toward Gold level competition. These athletes must demonstrate committment to mastering technique, contributing to the team to ensure success, and maintaining individual top fitness and overall conditioning. Every racing seat must be earned and lineups will change daily based on the performance of each athlete. 

    • Gold — This is our Varsity crew with top performing and highly competitive athletes who are seeking to compete at the highest level. They must work to achieve top fitness, conditioning, technique and overall contributions to advancing the team results. Fitness and constantly progressing in technique and output are foundational to the sport. Every racing seat must be earned and lineups will change daily based on the performance of each athlete.  

    Both squads include training in sweep and sculling, seat-earning opportunities, and preparation for regattas in the Southeast and beyond.

    Who Can Try Out
    Tryouts are open to youth in grades 8–12. Any participant younger than 8th grade must request in writing an exception to participate in Tryouts by emailing headcoach@rowgeorgia.com. Coaches will consider based on roster size, individual history and performance assessments. Tryouts are a very short session and resources are allocated to be maximized for the competitive Green and Gold crews. For younger athletes interested in pursuing competitive crews, the DEV program provides a pathway. For a younger than 8th grade student, email headcoach@rowgeorgia.com to request a written exception to participate in Tryouts. Do not proceed with registration payment unless you've emailed the Head Coach and have received his written approval for an exception, otherwise, a refund less a $50 administrative fee plus all applicable credit card fees will be issued within 60 days.

    Athletes who earn a place in the Competitive Program commit to regular practice attendance, steady effort, and being responsible and contributing members of a high-performance team. In return, they gain a pathway to racing opportunities, long-term development, and the shared experience of training with a motivated and focused crew. Collegiate recruiting guidance is provided upon request. 

    Who Should Attend?

    • Youth athletes 8th-12th grades wishing to Tryout for Spring Competitive Gold (Varsity) and Green (Novice) Crews. No experience necessary. Rowing is not a sport that begins in earlier ages, so you're in the right season! Due to the mental and physical strenghth and maturity required in the sport, this is a perfect transition for athletes from other sports who are ready to reach their full potential. For a younger than 8th grade student, email headcoach@rowgeorgia.com to request a written exception to participate in Tryouts.
    • New and returning athletes - tryouts are mandatory for all participants in our competitive Gold and Green programs. Maintaining top fitness is critical for competitive athletes. Bring your commitment to fitness, positive attitude and willingness to train hard and grow. Spring competitive season culminates into qualifying races for an opportunity to compete in USRowing's Youth National Championship.  Our goal is to excel at USRowing Nationals. Competitive rowing is not a participation sport. If your youth is not prepared for the rigor, we recommend you do not continue with registration. Our professional coaches will guide athletes on how to obtain opportunities for competitive success for collegiate opportunities and beyond. 
    • Participants under 16 years old may be considered for the GOLD Crew on a case-by-case basis by the coaching staff. 
    • For participants who advance to Gold or Green crews, the Tryouts fee will be deducted from Spring Dues.
    • Weekday sessions: 4:45PM – 7:15PM
    • Saturday sessions: 8:00AM – 11:00AM
    • No sessions on Sundays
    • Wednesdays are early release 6:30pm.
    • Attendance and progress matter greatly

    MASTERS ROWING - Adults 

    Our Masters program welcomes adults of all backgrounds - whether you’re returning to the sport or stepping into a shell for the first time in years. Practices focus on skill development, safe rowing, and consistent on-the-water improvement in a supportive group environment.

    Participants must be comfortable rowing a single; those who are not yet ready can schedule a private lesson and assessment with a coach before joining the group.

    Masters train three times per week (Monday, Wednesday, Saturday, 6:30–8:00 a.m.), with coached sessions running season by season throughout the year. Attendance is flexible, and rowers may participate as their schedules allow. Some adults train for recreation, others prepare for occasional racing, and many simply enjoy being part of an active rowing community - your goals determine your path.

    Pricing varies by season length, and punch-card options may be available during shorter seasons. Registration is first-come, first-served and is complete only when payment and required documents are submitted.

    Our Masters rowing community includes teachers, pilots, retirees, parents, and professionals—a welcoming group of adults who value fitness, camaraderie, and time on the water.

    We're here to help, for official program contacts, click here for contact names and emails.