YOUTH ROWING

We believe that our youth rowing programs foster positive and cooperative relationships between kids from all walks of life and supports development of life-long leadership, personal accountability and team-building skills. Rowing is the platform for personal growth, self expression and the exploration of the body and mind in a supportive and team oriented environment. Each program is designed to encourage youth athletes to discover and develop individuals skills whether recreationally or in the competitive arena.

Program details can be found in the Store.

2026 SUMMER YOUTH ADVENTURE SERIES

2026 SUMMER YOUTH ADVENTURE SERIES

Great Beginnings Youth Sculling
Recreational & Introductory Sculling for Middle & High School Students

Explorers (Introductory/Noncompetitive)
Explorers is an introductory, noncompetitive class designed for first-time rowers. Participants have the opportunity to learn to row in a fun, safe, and supportive environment. Students will learn proper sculling (rowing with two oars) technique and navigation skills while touring the scenic Detroit River and Lake St. Clair waterfront—including secret island cuts, canals, and bridges!
Note: All first-time rowers must complete this introductory session to advance to other programs.

Navigators (Intermediate Recreational)
For students who have completed the learn-to-scull series, private lessons, or have already rowed recreationally. Novice scullers will continue to develop their fundamental skills, building on their rowing technique. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of boat handling, river safety rules, local water behavior, navigation, and balance. Training takes place in flat, stable singles and advances to doubles, quads, and in some cases, elite single

·  Safety & Confidence: While sculling is intended for students to stay in the boat, there is always a small risk of a boat capsizing or a rower falling out. To ensure our students are "water-ready," we teach them exactly how to get back into their boat safely.

·  The Adventure Day: On a weather-appropriate day with calm, warm water, we venture to the Grosse Pointe shoreline for a "flip test" and swimming. It’s a highlight of the program that the kids absolutely love!

·       Want to Race? Individuals interested in testing their skills may be invited to join our Wednesday Race Days (additional fee).

Program Highlights

·       ✨ Focus on Adventure: Exploring Detroit’s water ecosystems.

·       🎥 Video Analysis: To help students visualize their progress.

·       🎓 Individualized Coaching: Low coach-to-athlete ratio ensures safe, personalized attention.

Program Focus: Technical training, navigation, water safety, environment, and wildlife identification.

SCHEDULE: 6 Successive 1-Week Sessions

·       Time: Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

·       Session I: June 15-19

·       Location: 383 Lenox Street, Detroit, MI 48215 (The historic Lawrence Fisher Mansion property

·       Contact: Coach Renee | Email: dwra.org@gmail.com | Website: www.dwra.org

FEES

·       Program Fee: $370 per session

·       Registration: $30 (one-time fee)

·       Reservation: $50 (Non-refundable, applied to total camp fee or future DWRA services)

SPECIAL SAVINGS

·       Multiple Session Discount: Save $25 off each additional session when you register for two or more weeks.

·       Sibling Discount: Families registering two or more children receive 10% off the total program fees.

·       Direct Pay Savings: Save on credit card processing fees by paying via Zelle or check.

DWRA YOUTH ROWING TEAM age 12-18

2025

Participants should be able to launch and row a single rowing shell and feel comfortable completing at least 60 minutes of steady state in a single practice. It is expected that the rower can maintain or will work to maintain boat speed with the rest of the crew and are dedicated to skill development and all aspects of race training. All athletes enter this program with the knowledge and intention to attend all practices, scrimmages and regattas. Practices are generally 3+ times per week, rain or shine.

Schedule: 6:30 - 8:15AM M / W / F Wednesday is Weekly Race Day
No practice July 4

Regattas: Participants will compete locally

Note: This is NOT a learn to row or scull program.  Acceptance into this program is at the discretion of the coach.
*Program Details can be found in the Store.