Sunday Sculling
One day a week. The easiest way to give rowing a real try without quitting the sport or activity you’re already doing.
- Sundays
- Two Sessions:
- 9:00 to 11:00am
- 11:30am to 1:30pm
- Grades 6 to 8
- $400 per session
Middle School / Grades 6 to 8
Learn to train
The coolest thing none of your friends have tried yet! Learn to move a racing shell on the Oakland Estuary, no experience necessary.
RegisterGet email updates →The program
An introduction to rowing
Middle school rowing is for athletes in 6th, 7th, and 8th grade. Athletes scull with two oars, sweep with one, and take turns coxing, so they learn every skill that makes a boat move. Nobody specializes early, and we believe technique is more important than strength at this stage.
Practices cover basic skills, rowing technique, boat handling, and fitness in a fun, supportive environment appropriate for new and experienced athletes alike. The beginner boats are stable and sturdy, so athletes get safe, practical time on the water in the first weeks and build confidence fast. Coaches on our middle school staff have rowed and coached at the national, international, and Olympic level.
The most important thing to learn at this level: A good teammate makes the people around them better.
Practice is at the Tidewater Boating Center, 4675 Tidewater Avenue, Oakland, CA 94601.
Get started
Three Middle School Programs
Start small and move up whenever you’re ready. Our friendly coaches will help every family find the right starting point.
New to rowing? Try a free Learn to Row Day first, open to grades 6 to 12. Next: Saturday, November 14 and Saturday, January 16. See the dates and sign up.
Club
Two afternoons a week, no experience necessary. Learn how to row in crew boats with all of your friends.
- Three Sessions:
- Monday and Wednesday
- Monday and Thursday
- Tuesday and Thursday
- 4:30 to 6:30pm
- $625 per session
Competitive Development
Three days a week including Sundays, for 7th- and 8th-grade athletes who have completed at least one session of club rowing or the equivalent summer sessions.
- Two Sessions:
- Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday
- Tuesday, Friday, and Sunday
- 4:30 to 6:30pm weekdays; 10:00am to 1:00pm Sundays
- $1,600 for the full fall season
In their words
“We stumbled upon Oakland Strokes during the sometimes frustrating search for summer activities to keep our middle schooler (then 6th grade) engaged and active. She had never rowed before but was open to trying it. She was on the water by day 2 and she loved it so much she went back for additional summer sessions and is now on the competition team. Try it! You might discover a new sport your kid loves.”
“Oakland Strokes has been an unexpected opportunity for our family. My 7th grader had never rowed until Middle School Sunday Sculling, and he’s embraced it with an open mind. The coaches are present and committed and the registration process was seamless.”
Program details
Club Middle School and Sunday Sculling run in sessions rather than one long season. Plenty of athletes start with one session and decide from there.
Fall 2026, Middle school session dates
- Sep 14 to Oct 18Club session 1
- Oct 19 to Nov 22Club session 2
- Sep 20 to Oct 18Sunday Sculling session 1
- Oct 25 to Nov 22Sunday Sculling session 2
- Sep 14 to Dec 19Competitive Development
Financial aid is available for every one of these. How financial aid works.
Each session ends with an optional scrimmage at the boathouse that families can watch from the dock. Sessions fill quickly, so register early. Join the list to be notified when new sessions open.
What to Expect from our Middle School Program (PDF, two pages).
California law requires any athlete under 13 to wear a life jacket while rowing, regardless of swimming ability. We provide them.
What comes next
Ready for the high school team
The middle school program is designed to be fun and enjoyable and to prepare athletes for high school rowing. It works best with friends, so bring your crew: three or four friends signing up together will have a great time on the water. Start with Club, then Competitive Development, then the 8th grade tryout for the high school U16 squads.
ClubCompetitive Development8th grade tryoutHigh school
8th grade athletes who are not placed on a U16 squad keep rowing with the Middle School Competitive Development team.
New for 2026
The 8th grade U16 pathway
Oakland Strokes opens spots on our U16 squads to 8th grade athletes ready to train and compete at the high school level. Selected athletes practice four days a week and race with the high school team.
Tryout windows
Late August and early November (see the official calendar page).
Practice schedule
Women’s U16
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday
4:30 to 7:00pm
Saturday
7:00 to 11:00am
Men’s U16
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
4:30 to 7:00pm
Saturday
7:00 to 11:00am
Questions about the 8th grade pathway? Email Allison Ray, Director of Rowing: allisonray@oaklandstrokes.org
Get on the water
Registration runs through Active.com. Nobody starts out good at this, which is exactly what makes it fun.
Stay in touch
Get on the email list
Trial dates, registration openings, and what the team is up to. A few emails a season.
Join the email list →Follow on Instagram
Photos of race mornings, first strokes, announcements and race results, plus pretty pictures of the boathouse at sunset.
Follow @oaklandstrokesrowing →Ask a person
We’re always available to answer your questions or schedule a visit:
Email or call:
information@oaklandstrokes.org
(510) 926-4100
Financial aid questions go to aid@oaklandstrokes.org.