Junior Program
Young athletes in the Pacific Northwest have the unique opportunity to choose rowing as a sport. Lake Union Crew offers a renowned, competitive junior program for experienced and novice rowers ages 12-18.
At Lake Union Crew, our junior program is geared toward athletes in grades 7-12 and focuses on developmentally appropriate goal-setting, training, and racing. We emphasize a strong foundation of rowing basics, upon which we build proficiency in sculling and sweep boats alike. At Lake Union Crew, rowers benefit from personal attention to each athletes’ rowing stroke, goals, and personal development. We understand the need for balance in our juniors’ lives between academics, social life, and athletics. Practices are designed to help with this balance as well as provide the time necessary to create competitive, strong rowers.
Spring Season
As LUC is committed to providing opportunities to train on and off the water for all levels, we offer three program options.
The Experienced (Varsity) Team is designed for experienced rowers with over 1 year of experience, who are committed to the sport and understand what it takes to make a team successful. This group is open to 8th-12th graders and practices 5 days per week in order to maximize time on the water and cross training opportunities, preparing for both local and national competitions.
The Novice Team is designed for those with less than 1 year of experience, including those with no previous rowing experience. This group is open to 8th-12th graders and practices 5 days per week, learning and improving rowing technique, developing speed and strength, and preparing to race at local Northwest regattas. Rowers will have opportunities to scull, row small boats (2x, 4x), and sweep row. Attendance at the majority of scheduled practices and participation in applicable spring regattas is expected. (Novice rowers are expected to attend practice at least 4 days per week. Also, Friday attendance is required, especially in March, April, and May. Please contact Coach Tiffany with any questions.)
The Development Team practices 3 days per week and is appropriate for younger rowers (7th-8th grade only), who are still feeling out the sport or balancing multiple commitments. This team is a great way to be exposed to rowing without racing and discover if it could be your sport! Practice occurs on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. The Development Program focuses on rowing technique and fitness. Rowing will mostly occur in large boats (4x+, 4+, 8+) and includes sweep and sculling.
Spring Practice Dates and Times
Monday, January 30th - Monday, May 21st, 2012
Experienced (Varsity) Team (8th-12th grade) Monday through Friday, 3:30-6:15pm
Novice Team (8th-12th grade) Monday through Friday, 4:00-6:15pm
Development Team (7th-8th grade only) Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, 4:00-6:15pm
Spring 2012 Regatta Schedule
Ergomania Indoor Regatta, Seattle, WA - Saturday, February 4th (optional)
Green Lake Spring Regatta, Seattle, WA - Saturday, March 17th
Spring 2K Regatta, Lake Stevens, WA – Saturday, March 24th
NW Sculling Regatta, Lake Stevens, WA – Sunday, April 15th
Brentwood Regatta, Victoria, BC - Friday, April 27th - Sunday, April 29th
NW Junior Regional Championship, Vancouver, WA - Friday, May 18th - Sunday, May 20th
In addition, selected varsity rowers may be invited to compete at:
San Diego Crew Classic, San Diego, CA – Saturday, March 31st-Sunday, April 1st
Opening Day, Seattle, WA – Saturday, May 5th
Youth Nationals, Oak Ridge, TN – Friday, June 8th-Sunday, June 10th
Spring Program Fees
Program Fees include all coaching and equipment fees.
Regatta Fees for Novice and Experienced Rowers are charged separately (please see registration form) and include entry fee, equipment and rower transportation, lodging, and food for traveling races.
Varsity rowers invited to compete at San Diego Crew Classic, Opening Day, and Youth Nationals will incur additional regatta expenses. Please refer to the registration material or talk to your coach for more details.
Spring Program Fees (Please see registration form for Regatta Fees):
Experienced Team $650
Novice Team $650
Development Team $575
Spring Parent Meeting: Wednesday, February 8th, 6:30pm at the Lake Union Crew Boathouse
Mandatory meeting for parents: Learn important information about LUC and the spring season!
Spring Registration
You can download the current registration form and mail, fax, email, or drop off completed paperwork with payment to Lake Union Crew. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.
Parent Handbook
LUC has compiled a Parent Handbook for download to help you navigate the sport of rowing. It includes regatta information, terminology, and expectations so you understand what your new rower is talking about. The handbook is very useful, but please contact us if you have any questions.