High School Racing Team
High School Racing Team
2023-2024 SEASON:
Our High School Racing program runs throughout the school year for athletes who are 14 and older, up to grade 12. The season starts in early September and runs through early May, culminating with the Southwest Youth Championships. Depending on our results at the Southwest Youth Championships, athletes may qualify for the Youth National Championships in mid-June.
Our athletes compete in local, state and national races, and the Oakland Strokes regularly sends competitors to the Youth National Championships. Our coaching staff includes former Olympic, International and Collegiate rowers, coaches, and coxswains, all with extensive experience in developing high school athletes in a safe, supportive and challenging environment. While the focus is on providing an enriching experience across a range of abilities, the demands of a racing team require a higher time commitment, discipline and dedication than our other programs.
No rowing experience is necessary to become a part of Oakland Strokes. In order to make sure that rowing is a good fit, new rowers are invited to try rowing for 2 weeks free of charge. We offer a 2 Week Trial period at the beginning of the Fall season. Because it is very close to our spring racing season, in January we offer a 2 Week Tryout so that new rowers can feel confident heading into competition. If athletes are not ready to join the team after the January 2 Week Tryout, then we encourage them to join us for camps in the summer or to register for the start of the next fall season.
If you miss the trial or want to try rowing once your Fall sport has ended, please use the Contact Us form and we can arrange for a later trial period.
The Oakland Strokes High School Racing Team comprises of four squads during the Fall Season:
Men’s Varsity Squad (OSVM)
Women’s Varsity Squad (OSVW)
Women’s Novice Squad (OSNW)
Men’s Novice squad (OSNM)
Who is a Novice athlete? A Novice athlete is defined as any first year participant who is over 15 by USRowing Rules. A Varsity athlete is a participant who has completed a Novice season, either at Oakland Strokes or with another rowing program.
What is considered Over 15? Athletes are considered over the age of 15 if they turn 15 during the 2023 calendar year. This is based on the age group definition created by US Rowing. Athletes who turn 15 during the 2023 calendar year, but are still in the 8th grade, may request to participate in the Under 15 Rowing Program; however, they may not be able to participate in some racing activities in the Spring due to their age.
After the Fall Racing Season we will reorganize the squads into Age Group Categories to align with the racing categories used in the Spring season. The two main age group categories are Youth (high school seniors and those under the age of 19) and Under 17. The ages are based on the 2024 calendar year.
Rowers are free to register and compete for the team that best supports their gender identity. Coxswains are eligible to compete for either the Men’s or Women’s squads regardless of any stated gender identity.
If you have any questions regarding which squad to register for, please use the Contact Us form and we will do our best to respond quickly.
2024-2025 Racing Team Dates & Practice Schedule
Fall Season:
Novice First Practice & 2 Week Trial Start - Mon August 19th thru Sat August 31st, 2024
Varsity - First Practice - Tues September 3rd, 2024
Novice Late Start - Tues Nov 12th, 2024
Last Fall Practice - Novice & Varsity - Sat December 21, 2024
View Regatta Dates on our Calendar
Spring Season:
First Practice - Mon January 6th, 2025
Novice 2 Week Try Out - Mon January 6th thru Sat Jan 18th, 2025
Last Day - May 4, at the Southwest Regional Championships Regatta
Select athletes will continue to train for USRowing Youth National Championships which occur June 5-8th in Sarasota, FL
View Regatta Dates on our Calendar
Practice Schedule - All Squads:
Days: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday (Friday & Sunday Off)
In the Spring semester, we will add a session of training to accommodate the racing schedule.
Weekday Times: 4:30-7:00pm
Saturday Times: 6:30-11am
Location: Tidewater Aquatic Center, Oakland
Refer to our Calendar for a list of important dates and competitions as they are confirmed.
Fees
Programs |
Fees |
| Returning Varsity Athletes (per semester) | $2700 |
| Novice Athletes (per semester) | $2700 |
| Novice Late Start: November 14th** | $450 |
| Two-week trial period for Novices | Free |
**The Novice November Start is an opportunity for athletes to join the novice squad at the conclusion of their Fall sports season. Please inquire for details. The first official day of the season is in August but athletes can join throughout the Fall season and early Spring season.
Oakland Strokes continues to provide one of the country’s best rowing programs with top level coaches and up to date, well maintained equipment. Our fees are reviewed annually to ensure that we are fairly compensating our staff and covering our operating expenses. Strong and generous community support provides our athletes with high quality equipment to build strength and technical ability, and helps us maintain strong emphasis on safety both on land and on the water.
Fees are due at the beginning of each semester: Fall (Sept-Dec) and Spring (Jan-May). Reduced fees are available for those who start rowing after a Fall sport or activity. Financial Assistance is available. Find out more about our Financial Assistance Program HERE.
Fees include travel to all races in the Bay Area. Team travel to regattas beyond the Bay Area is not included in the fees structure.
Register
Registration is entirely online, hosted on Active.com. If you are an experienced rower looking to join Strokes, email the coaches for the Varsity team.
About Oakland Strokes
As the oldest and most accomplished youth rowing team in the East Bay, 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.
We’ve sent scores of student athletes to prestigious college rowing programs across the country. Our alumni compete in Division I, Division II, and Division III NCAA and IRA programs. Our athletes 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. These alumni have gone on to compete at Collegiate National Championships and multiple Olympic Games.
The Oakland Strokes provides rowing opportunities for student athletes of all backgrounds and abilities from across the East Bay to learn to row and race in a team environment amid a culture of great performances and excellent teammates. Our program fosters strength of character, a strong work ethic, self confidence, and a respect for others. Click Here to learn more about our program.