Middle School Rowing
Spring 2026
Middle School & Development Programs (Grades 6–8)
We’re excited to welcome our middle school athletes back to the water this spring! 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.
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, March 23, 2026
Development Program: Tuesday, May 5, 2026
All athletes participating in a program longer than 3-days must be USRowing members. Sign Up HERE! The LHRC Club Code is PPCCS.
Racing athletes must have a Championship Membership
Development athletes may use a Basic Membership.
Free Learn-to-Row participants will be asked to sign a USRowing waiver; a US Rowing membership is not required.
Free Learn-to-Row Days (Middle School)
LHRC will be offering Free Learn-to-Row Days for middle school athletes this spring. These sessions provide a low-pressure opportunity to try rowing, meet our coaches, and experience the boathouse before committing to a program.
Dates
Middle School Racing Team (Grades 7–8)
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.
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
4 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 — Spring Season Details
Dates: 3/23 – 5/22
Schedule: M/T/Th/F 3:45–6:00pm
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.
Includes
Litchfield Hills Fitness membership through April 15th
Program Fee: $650
Regatta fees are not included in the program cost*
Parent Association dues will be added to regatta costs
Installment Plan: LHRC offers the option to pay program fees through pre-set monthly installments rather than a single full payment. Please click the button below to learn more and enroll in this option.
Financial Aid
If you plan to apply for financial aid, please use this link (do not register below).
Regatta Schedule (Middle School Racing Team)
May 6th: Rumsey Scrimmage (Bantam Lake, CT)
May 15th -17th*: USRowing Northeast Championship (Mercer, NJ)
June 11th - 14th: USRowing Youth National Championship (Sarasota, FL) *In order to row at Nationals, you need to earn a spot at Northeast Champs
*For middle school athletes, we understand that school obligations, field trips, or other conflicts may arise. Any potential conflicts with the USRowing Northeast Regionals in Mercer, NJ (May 15–17) should be communicated to the coaching staff as soon as possible so we can explore possible options. The ideal situation, however, is that all athletes competing are on site by Friday, May 15 at 1:00pm.
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.
Development Program (Grades 6–8 | Foundations & Skills)
The Development Program is open to 6th–8th grade athletes and combines our Foundations and Skills groups into one cohesive, skill-based program. This option is ideal for newer rowers or athletes who are continuing to build confidence, coordination, and technical understanding before committing to a racing pathway.
Program Focus
Rowing fundamentals and on-water safety
Balance, coordination, and boat feel
Confidence, teamwork, and enjoyment
Fun, engaging practices that challenge athletes without overwhelming them
Training Schedule
2 days per week
Short, engaging sessions with high feedback and varied activities
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.
Development Program — Spring Season Details
Dates: 5/5 – 6/4
Schedule: M/W 4:00–5:30pm
Program Fee: $185
Financial Aid
If you plan to apply for financial aid, please use this link (do not register above).
Spring 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 spring conditions.
What to Wear & Bring
Fitted athletic clothing (no loose or baggy items)
Layers appropriate for unpredictable spring 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.