About Oakland Strokes

We Build Student Athletes

Established in 1974, the Oakland Strokes rowing club welcomes middle and high school students from across the Bay Area to our youth rowing club on the Oakland Estuary.

Nationally recognized college coaches seek our rowers based on the strength of our community and our passion for instilling the best values of rowing. Yes, we make boats go fast, but our larger goal is to build character and commitment in the young men and women of Oakland Strokes.

Oakland Strokes Mission

Our mission is to provide student athletes of all backgrounds and abilities the opportunity to row, develop and commit to a team that competes at a national level. Our program fosters strength of character, a strong work ethic, self confidence, and a respect for others.  

Community Focus

The Oakland Strokes is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization with a mission of teaching rowing to the youth community of Oakland and the surrounding areas. We offer need-based scholarships for all of our programs and have developed a community outreach program by which we reach out to the local community to find individuals who will benefit from our club.

A life changing experience

We’ve sent scores of student athletes to prestigious college rowing programs across the country. Our alumni tell us again and again that the self-confidence, determination and lifelong friendships they forged at Oakland Strokes are among the most important treasures of their lives.

The Oakland Strokes provides rowing opportunities for student athletes from across the East Bay to learn to row and race in a team environment amid a culture of great performances and excellent teammates.

Major competitions

Our boats consistently place and win at regional, national and world championships and are invited to prestigious international rowing events such as the Henley Royal Regatta on the River Thames in London and the Head of the Charles in Massachusetts. The Strokes have won 23 National Championships and countless Southwest Regional Championships. We are looking for individuals who are hungry to compete!

National Championships:

Strokes Programs

The Oakland Strokes currently offers for rowing and racing for youth athletes. Our various teams and camps are designed for athletes that are new to the sport up to those that have raced at the National Championships. Click below for more information: