Junior Team

Junior rowing at ARC is open to student-athletes age 12 to 18. Athletes gain strength, perseverance, and passion for the sport as they are coached to perform their best and perhaps discover that their best far exceeds their original expectations.

Competitive Racing

Many ARC athletes have competed at USRowing's Youth National Championship and have gone on to row in college at the Division I level. ARC competes in many regattas (rowing races) including:

• Mercer Sprints (near Princeton NJ)
• Saratoga Invitational
• New York State Scholastic Championship
• Pittsford Regatta
• Independence Day Regatta (Philadelphia)
• Overpeck Sprints
• Head of the Hudson
• Mohawk Fall Classic
• Head of the Housatonic (Shelton CT)
• Head of the Charles (Boston)
• Head of the Fish
• Head of the Schuylkill (Philadelphia)

But, ARC's Junior team is also appropriate for those looking for less-competitive, recreational activity (summer only).

Novice vs Varsity

All rowers in their first year of rowing are considered novices, regardless of age. Novice coaching focuses on improving technique and developing general fitness and strength. Rowers are assessed regularly and evaluated for moving into the varsity group. The varsity group includes those who have achieved criteria set by the Head Coach, including demonstrating competitive erg scores, technical skill and a high level of commitment.

Modified Program vs Junior Team

The Modified Program is open to 12 to 14 year olds interested in learning how to row with the possibility of joining the junior team. The modified program is a way to get introduced to the sport of rowing in a fun, safe, and supportive environment. Modified rowers can attend 3 practices per week, typically Monday, Wednesday & Friday when two coaches are scheduled. Modified rowers may struggle to keep up with varsity atheltes, so they cannot attend varsity practices when only one coach is scheduled, typically Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

The Junior Team is open to athletes in grades 9 - 12 who have developed beyond the modified program and are interested in competitive racing. The junior team is similar to a varsity sport but athletes can choose to participate in any or all of our seasons (see below). Those who commit to a season are expected to practice 5-6 days per week and participate in scheduled regattas (2-3 in the Spring, 1-2 in the Summer and 2-4 in the Fall).

Coxswains

ARC also offers students the opportunity to learn coxswain skills. The coxswain is an essential part of sweep rowing, as essential as the rowers themselves. The job of the coxswain is to steer the boat, help the crew keep the cadence, call out instructions from the coach and provide encouragement during races. The coxswain must be a good communicator.