Middle School Rowing
Summer 2026
Middle School & Development Programs (Grades 5–8)
We’re excited to welcome our middle school athletes to the water this summer! 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!
Barge Explorers → 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.
All Athletes must be USRowing members. Sign Up HERE! Racing athletes must have a Championship Level Membership. Development Basic Membership will be sufficient for Development Program athletes. The LHRC Club Code is PPCCS.
Mark your calendars for our Annual Celebration of Summer Regatta, the Head of the Swain, which will occur this year on August 15th on our very own Bantam Lake!
Barge Explorers
Barge Explorers is ideal for athletes entering 5th or 6th grade who are brand new to rowing and water sports. Using stable barge-style boats, athletes are introduced to the fundamentals 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
Barge Explorers is a 3-day program offered for 4 separate sessions and capped at 10 athletes per session.
Session 1A: Tuesday - Thursday, June 23rd - June 25th, 8:30am - 9:30am
Session 1B: Tuesday - Thursday, June 23rd - June 25th, 10:00am - 11:00am
Session 2A: Tuesday - Thursday, July 14th - July 16th, 8:30am - 9:30am
Session 2B: Tuesday - Thursday, July 14th - July 16th, 10:00am - 11:00am
This program is active, engaging, and skill-based — designed to prepare athletes to transition into Middle School Foundations.
Middle School Foundations (Dev LTR)
Middle School Foundations is designed for athletes entering 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
Middle School Foundations is a 5-day program offered for 2 separate sessions throughout the summer.
Session 1: Monday - Friday, June 29th - July 17th, 8:30am - 10:00am
Session 2: Monday - Friday, July 20th - August 8th, 8:30am - 10:00am
Foundations builds confidence, technical awareness, and teamwork while preparing athletes to move into Middle School Skills.
Middle School Skills (Dev Skills)
Middle School Skills is for athletes who have completed Foundations (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
Middle School Skills is a 5-day program offered for 2 separate sessions throughout the summer.
Session 1: Monday - Friday, June 29th - July 17th, 8:30am - 10:00am
Session 2: Monday - Friday, July 20th - August 8th, 8:30am - 10:00am
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 Racing Team (Dev Racing)
The Middle School Racing Team is for committed athletes ready to train and compete. This program introduces age-appropriate competition while continuing to prioritize technical development and long-term athlete growth.
Athletes will:
Train in structured practices
Refine race pacing, and strategy
Build strength and endurance
Compete in select regional regattas or local scrimmages
Middle School Racing is a 5-day program offered for 2 separate sessions throughout the summer.
Session 1: Monday - Friday, June 22nd - July 17th, 8:30am - 10:15am
Session 2: Monday - Friday, July 20th - August 14th, 8:30am - 10:15am
The focus remains on development, teamwork, and positive race experiences. This team prepares athletes for future high school racing while maintaining a supportive and balanced environment.
Summer Training Expectations
All athletes must arrive at practice ready to train. Rowing is an outdoor, on-water sport, and athletes should be prepared for summer conditions.
What to Wear & Bring
Fitted athletic clothing (no loose or baggy items)
Hat, sunglasses, and sunblock
Cooling towel (recommended)
At least 1 liter of water in a bottle (covered by a sock to protect equipment)
Essentials to Pack
A post-practice snack
A bag with dry clothes for after practice (this is a water sport—you will get wet)
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.