Youth Rowing

Spring 2026

We are very excited to return to the water this spring! LHRC seeks to introduce all of Litchfield County to the joy of sweep rowing and sculling. Our youth primarily race across the Northeast (expected for Varsity and Novice rowers), and we may earn the right to race in Sarasota, FL.

Scroll down for program details & please review the important policies below. Please read to determine which program fits you. Read carefully, and please contact Coach Drew with any questions (director@litchfieldhillsrowing.org).

Youth practice starts Wednesday, March 4th, 2026. 8th grade practice starts Monday, March 23rd, 2026. Development program (Middle School Athletes) practice starts Tuesday, May 5th, 2026.

  • Youth (Varsity*/Novice): High school athletes (grades 9-12) of all experience levels are welcome, including first-year rowers (referred to as Novices in rowing). Practices run 6 days per week, M-F from 3:45 to 6:00pm & Saturdays from 8:00 to 10:30am. Saturday practices will begin once we are back on the water. Athletes are expected to participate in all regattas, with the opportunity to compete at the USRowing Youth National Championship. Regatta fees are not included in the program cost. Parent Association fees are included in the program cost.

    *Rowing is a Varsity sport for Lakeview High School, Westover School, & Forman School. All athletes from these schools are eligible to earn a Varsity letter and honors at their school.
    *Rowing is a club program at Pomperaug High School.

  • 1-Week Intro-to-Rowing Program: A one-week program ideal for the high school athlete who wants to give rowing a try before committing to a full season.

  • 8th Grade Racing Team: For 8th-grade athletes who have completed the Development/Learn-to-Row program, or have received coach approval. Practices run 4 days per week, M/T/Th/F from 3:45 to 6:00pm with occasional Saturday practices from 8:00 to 10:30am. Athletes will be informed of these instances in advance. Athletes are expected to compete in our Bantam Lake scrimmages, with the opportunity to qualify for the USRowing Northeast Regional Championship and the USRowing Youth National Championship. Regatta fees are not included in the program cost.

  • Development Program: Open to athletes in 6th and 7th grade, this program introduces the fundamentals of rowing through engaging practices that incorporate team-building, personal growth, and social-emotional learning. Designed to be both fun and challenging, it provides a strong foundation for future champions! Practices are held 2 days per week, M/W from 4:00 to 5:30 PM.

All Athletes must be USRowing members. Sign Up HERE! Racing athletes must have a Championship Level Membership. Development Basic Membership will be sufficient for Dev Program athletes. The LHRC Club Code is PPCCS.

Regatta Schedule

  • April 18th - 19th: Mercer Lake Sprints (Mercer, NJ) [Youth]

  • April 26th: Cooper Cup (Camden, NJ) [Youth]

  • May 6th: Rumsey Scrimmage (Bantam Lake, CT) [Freshmen & 8th Grade]

  • May 9th: Watuppa Sprints (Fall River, MA) [Youth]

  • May 15th -17th*: USRowing Northeast Championship (Mercer, NJ) [Youth & Select 8th Grade]

  • June 11th - 14th: USRowing Youth National Championship (Sarasota, FL) *In order to row at Nationals, you need to earn a spot at Northeast Champs

*All athletes racing at USRowing Northeast Regionals in Mercer, NJ from May 15th to May 17th must be at the course by Friday, May 15th at 1:00pm. No exceptions.

Regattas are subject to change.

Spring Training

All athletes must come to practice ready to train. Wear fitted athletic attire (no loose or baggy clothing) and dress in layers for unpredictable spring weather. Bring a bag with dry clothes for after practice— this is a water sport, and 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)

Note: LHRC does not have running water.

Youth (Varsity/Novice)
3/4 - 5/29
*Includes a Litchfield Hills Fitness membership through April 15th
M-F 3:45 - 6:00pm & Sat 8:00 - 10:30am
Saturdays begin once we are back on the water.

  • $1,325 (Varsity athletes)
    Parent Association dues are included in program cost
    Regatta fees     are not included in program cost*

  • $1,425 (Novice/ new LHRC athletes)
    Includes uniform cost (1 rowing unisuit & choice of racing hat/ visor)
    Parent Association dues are included in program cost
    Regatta fees     are not included in program cost*

  • $1,425 (Westover Athletes)
    Includes uniform cost (1 rowing unisuit & choice of racing hat/ visor)
    Parent Association dues are included in program cost
    Regatta fees will be paid by Westover School.

  • Financial Aid: If you plan to apply for financial aid, please use this link (do not register above)

  • SIGN UP HERE

Important Note for Westover Athletes
Westover practices will run M/T/Th/F from 4:00 - 6:00pm, Wednesdays from 3:00 - 6:00pm, & Saturdays from 8:00 - 10:30am to accommodate the Westover school schedule. School activities and academic conflicts will be excused from practice and coordinated with Westover administration.

1-Week Intro-to-Rowing - Westover & Forman Athletes

Want to see if rowing is a good fit before signing up? Join us for a 1-week trial this spring. This session offers a fun, no-pressure chance to get out on the water and try something new.

3/23 - 3/28
M-F 3:45 - 6:00pm & Sat 8:00 - 10:30am

  • $95

  • SIGN UP HERE

  • If you decide to enroll in the full season, the $95 fee will apply to your season sign-up

8th Grade Racing Team
3/23 - 5/22
*Includes a Litchfield Hills Fitness membership through April 15th
M/T/Th/F 3:45 - 6:00pm
Occasional Saturday practices will be held 8:00 - 10:30am. Athletes will be notified ahead of time.

  • $650
    Regatta fees are not included in 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)

  • SIGN UP HERE

Dev (6th-7th Grade)
5/5 - 6/4
M/W 4:00 - 5:30pm

  • $185

  • SIGN UP HERE

  • Financial Aid: If you plan to apply for financial aid, please use this link (do not register above)

*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.