The women's eight crosses the line with arms raised, orange caps and spray flying

Youth rowing on the Oakland Estuary / Est. 1974

Row with Oakland

Nationally ranked women’s and men’s crews, grades 6 to 12, no experience needed.

Try rowing

Our mission is to empower youth from all backgrounds to row and develop on a nationally competitive team.

The women's crew hoists a first-place trophy together at the awards dock, medals around their necks

High SchoolWomen’sWhere strong women are made

A men's rower pulls through the stroke in late afternoon sun on the Estuary

High SchoolMen’sWhere strong men are made

Pick your start line

Wherever you start, the road runs from first stroke through college.

High SchoolWomen’s and men’s teams racing U16, U17, and U19 at the national level. Grades 9 to 12.

Middle SchoolThe coolest thing none of your friends have tried yet. Be first. Grades 6 to 8.

SummerWeek-long Learn to Row camps. No experience needed, bring your friends.

Community ProgramsWe partner with Oakland schools and youth organizations so that young people across the city can get to the water.

The ninth seat

CoxswainThe one facing forward. They steer, call the race plan, and keep eight people rowing as one.All the rowing words lead the boat: steering, running the race plan, and executing the race strategy. Coxswains may compete for either the women’s or men’s squads; they are supported to pursue college opportunities alongside the rowers.

Ask about coxing →

An eight silhouetted against a violet and gold sunset on flat water

“This is the ultimate team sport. I learned to show up for myself and my teammates, and I became something I didn’t know I could be.”

Alumni rower, class of 2026, UC Berkeley

1974Founded

24National championships

250Rowers on the 2026-2027 team

The College Opportunity

Interested in Being A College Athlete?

College programs actively recruit from the Oakland Strokes and many of our athletes continue to row in college. The Oakland Strokes are represented at many of the top Division I, II, and III colleges, including those shown below.