Stories / Features and news
Athlete features, regatta recaps, and announcements, straight from the Estuary.
Watch
Race film from the 2026 season. More lands here as crews and coaches send it in, from both squads.
Features
The people behind the speed: who they were when they walked in, and who they became.
“The first time I was on the water I was like, oh my god, I absolutely love this feeling.”
Drew
Started the summer before eighth grade, came up through the middle school competitive program, and is on the high school squad this fall.
Watch on Instagram: Drew →“We put in a lot of hard work, and it always pays off.”
Ryan
He keeps showing up because of the people, and because the work pays off.
Watch on Instagram: Ryan →“I felt a little bit intimidated and scared on my first day. But as I continued showing up, I met a ton of really great people.”
Alexis and Ayumi
Both describe the same first week, and what it turned into. What made it fun, in one word: friendship.
Watch on Instagram: Alexis and Ayumi →“I didn’t necessarily enjoy it at the start, but I stuck with it, and I’ve formed the strongest bonds I have in high school.”
David
Nobody has to row. Every athlete at Tidewater got there because they decided to.
Watch on Instagram: David →“It’s totally normal to be nervous. I was too.”
Annika
Her advice for anyone thinking about trying rowing, from the middle of her two week trial with the high school squad.
Watch on Instagram: Annika →“Karate was so individual. As you cross the finish line or do a goal together, it feels like we all put in that hard work together. It wasn’t just you doing something on your own.”
Kiara
Almost nobody here started as a rower. They came from swimming, soccer, karate, band, or nothing at all.
Watch on Instagram: Kiara →“It’s the ultimate team sport, and you’re always backed up by your best friends. The focus is never on just one person.”
Amelia
The reason kids stay is the boat: everyone has to do the same thing at the same instant or it does not move.
Watch on Instagram: Amelia →“A family that I could go to every day.”
Cosmo Hondrogen
What it meant to him to be part of Oakland Strokes in high school.
Watch on Instagram: Cosmo Hondrogen →“The only way to figure it out is to just do it.”
Matthew Boranian
An alumni interview on trying something new.
Watch on Instagram: Matthew Boranian →“A once-in-a-lifetime learning experience.”
Alina Van Eeghen
Her time at the Strokes, and advice for anyone thinking about taking the next step.
Watch on Instagram: Alina Van Eeghen →“An opportunity for everybody.”
Jack Hume
His years at the Strokes, and exceeding his own expectations.
Watch on Instagram: Jack Hume →