Summer Learn to Row Camps
Summer Learn to Row Camps
Important Information about Camp Location
Normally we run our Summer Camps in two locations: the Tidewater Boathouse in Oakland and the San Pablo Reservoir in Orinda. However, due to the emerging threat of an invasive mussel species, the San Pablo Reservoir is not available for Summer Camps in 2025. Therefore all of our Summer Camps will be held at our Boathouse in Oakland. We apologize for the inconvenience and plan to return to San Pablo as soon as we are able.
CAMPS FOR GRADES 6 - 12: MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETES
2025 Learn To Row Summer Camps
The Summer is the perfect time to learn to row. Oakland Strokes Camps are the best place for youth to try rowing in the Bay Area! The camps are great for those completely new to rowing or athletes who want to improve their rowing skills.
If you are interested in rowing with the Strokes during the school year, our Summer Programs are a great opportunity to try the sport before the fall. Our Summer Programs are open to all athletes, including those outside the Oakland Strokes school year programs.
Camp is open for athletes 11 - 18 years old (as of the start of camp), who will be entering grades 6 - 12. We offer camps in June at San Pablo Reservoir in Orinda, and in July at the Tidewater Aquatic Center in Oakland. Details, dates, and a link to register is below.
Lifejacket Requirements for 12 year old athletes. Due to California law, anyone in the Summer program who is under the age of 13 will be required to wear a life jacket while rowing, no matter their swimming ability.
Please choose the incoming grade of your athlete (2024-25 school year):
High School Beginning & Advanced
Level I and Level II
Rowing Summer Camps
The High School Learn to Row Programs are for athletes who have not rowed before, or have experience from our Middle School programs who will be entering 9th thru 12th grade in the fall. Designed for rising freshman thru seniors, this is the perfect camp for athletes who are interested in rowing and may want to join our Racing Team in the fall and spring.
Middle School Beginning & Advanced
Level I and Level II
Rowing Summer Camps
The Middle School camps are for rising 6th thru 8th grade athletes of all experience levels. These camps are focused on teaching fundamental movements of the rowing stroke in a fun and engaging atmosphere. Our camps give young athletes the tools they need to continue to pursue rowing in our Middle School Programs during the fall and spring.
Athletes who are interested in rowing multiple weeks this summer should do at least one Level I session if they are brand new to the sport - and then Level II for any additional sessions.
Which Level is My Athlete?
Level I is for “Beginners” who have never rowed crew before! Don’t worry, we will teach you everything you need to know. We also recommend rising 6th graders who have done only 1 school year session or 1 week of summer camp to participate in the Level I camp again. Level II “Advanced” athletes are everyone else - athletes who have done at least 1 week of Learn to Row camp and/or a school year session.
Athletes who have completed at least 1 year of Novice or Varsity high school rowing should refer to the Sumer Varsity Camp.
Times:
Middle School (Beginner and Advanced) Rowing: 8:30am - 11:00am
High School (Beginner and Advanced) Rowing: 11:30am - 2:00pm
DATES:
Rowing Camps in Oakland at Tidewater
Location: Tidewater Aquatic Center (Click Here for Directions)
Session #1 Monday June 23 - Friday June 27
Session #2 Monday July 7 - Friday July 11
Session #3 Monday July 14 - Friday July 18
Session #4 Monday July 21 - Friday July 25
Session #5 Monday July 28 - Friday August 1
cost
$625 per 1 Week Session
Registration
Registration will open on February 3rd at 10am. Please reach out with any questions to information@oaklandstrokes.org
Waitlist registrations will be processed in the order received on the Active Registration site, space permitting. Updates will be communicated via email.
Athletes who are interested in rowing multiple weeks this summer should do at least one Level I session if they are brand new to the sport - and Level II for any additional sessions. Athletes can sign up for as many weeks as they’d like.
Sign up for email updates on future programs:
Volunteer Opportunity for Experienced Rowers & Coxswains
Athletes who have completed at least one prior Club or Competitive Middle School session and are moving to the High School team can volunteer at the Middle School Level I camps. Athletes will attend the morning Middle School Camp to help row/steer the boats of new rowers, then attend the afternoon High School camp session.
Send us an email prior to the Friday before camp if your athlete is interested in volunteering and in order to receive a $75 credit off of your High School camp registration. Please note which week(s) you plan to volunteer for. Attendance at the full week of camp is required (8:30am-2pm). The credit is applicable only to the same week of High School camp, space permitting.
FAQs
Which Level is My Athlete?
Level I is for “Beginners” who have never rowed crew before! Don’t worry, we will teach you everything you need to know. We also recommend rising 6th graders who have done only 1 school year session or 1 week of summer camp to participate in the Level I camp again. Level II “Advanced” athletes are everyone else - athletes who have done at least 1 week of Learn to Row camp and/or a school year program, and beyond. Athletes who are interested in rowing multiple weeks this summer should do at least 1 Level I session if they are brand new to the sport - and Level II for any additional sessions.
What type of rowing boats will be used at camp this summer?
Learn to Row athletes are going to be doing sculling in singles and quads, and rowing in sweep team boats (fours, eights, etc).
Coxswains
Athletes interested in being coxswains should sign up for the camp that is appropriate for their experience with the sport. The coaches will poll for coxswains at the beginning of camp. Typically, we encourage athletes to row for their Level I week and then be a coxswain for any subsequent Level II weeks. Either way, they will learn all the basics of the sport. are highly encouraged to row at the summer camps, in order to learn about the sport.
Age Groups
Camp is open for youth athletes 12 years old and up (as of the first day of camp). While our camps are designated by rowing experience, we also know that an athlete entering their 6th grade year is very different than an athlete entering their 8th grade year. We try to pair athletes with other rowers of their grade, ability and size to make for the best experience possible.
What to wear and bring
In order to assure the best experience we recommend that athletes dress in layers, wear running shoes and come ready to workout every day! Spandex shorts or leggings are best.. Extra baggy, long shorts will get caught in the seat. A fleece or wicking long sleeve is nice to have as it can be cold in the morning. Athletes are required to arrive in a mask. Bring a water bottle, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, AND make sure everything that is brought to the boathouse is labeled with your name.
Does my 11yo or 12yo athlete really need to wear a life jacket?
Yes! This is the law in California and does not have any exceptions for swimming ability.
Do you have scholarships?
We have worked to keep the costs as low as possible and continue to provide financial aid for those who need it. Click Here for Financial Aid details and application.
More FAQs about Rowing & Our Program
More details About the first day of camp will be emailed out to registered athletes