Middle School Rowing
Fall 2026
Middle School Programs (Grades 5–8)
We’re excited to welcome our middle school athletes to the water this fall! Litchfield Hills Rowing Club’s Middle School & Development programs are designed to introduce athletes to rowing in a fun, confidence-building environment while creating a clear, developmentally appropriate pathway for continued growth in the sport.
LHRC has developed a streamlined pathway to help your young athletes develop in the sport of rowing!
Saturday Development → Middle School Foundations → Middle School Skills → Middle School Racing
Please review the program options below to determine the best fit for your athlete. If you have questions or would like guidance on placement, contact Coach Holly at coachholly@litchfieldhillsrowing.org.
Program Start Dates
Middle School Racing Team: Monday, September 7th, 2026
Middle School Fundamentals: Monday, September 1st, 2026
Middle School Skills: Monday, September 1st, 2026
Saturday Development Program: Saturday, September 12th, 2026
All athletes must be USRowing members. Sign Up HERE! The Development Basic Membership will be sufficient for Middle School athletes this fall. The LHRC Club Code is PPCCS.
Middle School Racing Team
The Middle School Racing Team is designed for athletes who are ready to apply their rowing skills in a team environment and begin learning how to train and race together. This program serves as a bridge between introductory rowing and the High School program. This program caters to 8th-grade athletes; for athletes in 7th grade who are interested in the racing team, please contact Coach Holly.
Program Focus
Teamwork and accountability
Applying skills in a team-boat environment
Structured, age-appropriate training
Learning to race with confidence and purpose
Training Schedule
3 days per week
Built-in flexibility for school and extracurricular conflicts, with clear communication expectations
Occasional Saturday practices and local regattas
Racing
Athletes compete in local, low-stakes regattas, with racing framed as a learning experience focused on execution, communication, and growth—not rankings or results. The emphasis is on how athletes race, not where they finish.
This program prepares athletes for a confident transition into the high school pathway when ready.
Middle School Racing Team — Fall Season Details
Dates: 9/7 – 11/14
Schedule: M/W//F 3:40–6:10pm
Occasional Saturday practices 8:00–10:30am (communicated in advance)
Attendance & Flexibility
This program includes built-in flexibility for school and extracurricular conflicts. Athletes may miss an occasional practice when needed, with clear communication expectations.
Program Fee: $560
Regatta fees are not included in the program cost*
Parent Association dues will be added to regatta costs
Financial Aid
If you plan to apply for financial aid, please use this link (do not register above).
Regatta Schedule
Selected athletes may be invited to race at the Head of the Fish | Saratoga Springs, NY | October 24th - October 26th*
*Race fees are not included in program costs.
Regattas are subject to change.
Regatta Refund Policy Disclaimer
Please note that regatta entry fees are non-refundable. As regatta organizers do not issue refunds for scratched events, Litchfield Hills Rowing Club is unable to provide refunds for any scratched races, regardless of the reason, including illness, injury, or event cancellation due to weather or other circumstances beyond our control.
Middle School Fundamentals
Middle School Fundamentals is for athletes who have completed Skills (or have prior experience) and are ready for greater technical refinement and independence.
Athletes will:
Improve technical precision and efficiency
Row in smaller boats with increasing responsibility
Develop aerobic fitness and stroke consistency
Begin structured workouts and pacing awareness
This program bridges the gap between learning to row and racing. Athletes gain consistency, discipline, and a deeper understanding of boat speed and rhythm.
Middle School Fundamentals — Spring Season Details
Dates: 9/1 – 10/1
Schedule: T/Th 5:00–6:00pm
Program Fee: $175
Financial Aid
If you plan to apply for financial aid, please use this link (do not register above).
Middle School Skills
Middle School Skills is designed for athletes in grades 6–8 who are new to rowing or continuing to build their base skills.
Athletes focus on:
Proper rowing sequence and body mechanics
Balance and boat control
Boat safety and equipment care
Introductory sweep and/or sculling skills
General athletic development
Athletes may train in different boats or learning environments based on skill readiness rather than age. This allows for individualized development while maintaining a positive, social experience.
There is no formal racing requirement for Development athletes. Internal scrimmages or short race-style pieces may be used occasionally as learning tools only.
Middle School Skills — Fall Season Details
Dates: 9/1 – 10/1
Schedule: T/Th 5:00–6:00pm
Program Fee: $185
Financial Aid
If you plan to apply for financial aid, please use this link (do not register above).
Saturday Development Program
The Saturday Development Program is ideal for athletes in 5th or 6th grade who are brand new to rowing and water sports. Using stable barge-style boats, athletes are introduced to the basics of rowing in a safe, supportive, and confidence-building environment.
Athletes will:
Learn basic rowing terminology and water safety
Develop coordination and teamwork
Practice proper rowing sequence and timing
Build comfort and confidence on the water
Development Program — Fall Season Details
Dates: 9/12 – 10/10
Schedule: Saturdays, 10:45am–12:00pm
Program Fee: $100
Financial Aid
If you plan to apply for financial aid, please use this link (do not register above).
Fall Training Expectations
All athletes must arrive at practice ready to train. Rowing is an outdoor, on-water sport, and athletes should be prepared for variable fall conditions.
What to Wear & Bring
Fitted athletic clothing (no loose or baggy items)
Layers appropriate for unpredictable fall weather
A bag with dry clothes for after practice (this is a water sport—you will get wet)
Essentials to Pack
A post-practice snack
Hat, sunglasses, and sunblock
At least 1 liter of water in a bottle (covered by a sock to protect equipment)
Note: LHRC does not have running water on site.
Litchfield Hills Rowing Club is a 501(c)(3) organization, serving our community with the sport of rowing.
We are an independent USRowing Club. Youth from Lakeview High & Forman School can earn Varsity letters, and our club welcomes all youth and adults who wish to pursue the sport of rowing in all of Litchfield County and our surrounding communities.