Youth Program
Eligibility
This program is open to youth, grades 9-12. No try-outs or experience are required.
2024 Spring Racing Season
Schedule:
3/11/24 - 5/26/24
Monday thru Thursday 3:30-5:45 PM
Saturdays 7:30-9:30 AM or 9:30-11:45 AM (once water practice starts in mid-April)
Location:
Land practice is held at Souhegan High School
Water practice is held at Amherst Town Beach at Baboosic Lake (starting in April)*
*See below about transportation to the lake.
Fee:
$415 + $150 Fundraising (or fundraising opt-out)
Attendance:
Attendance at all practices is mandatory (barring illness or pre-approved absences). While rowing is not a varsity sport at any school, it does have varsity-level demands.
Anyone still competing in winter sports may finish their season and take a week off before attending rowing practice.
Note: We have the Granite State Sculling Championships scheduled for Memorial Day weekend. This is our peak event and all are expected to attend.
Racing Season Requirements:
USRowing
An active Basic membership and signed waiver with USRowing is required ($20/$25 per year). Athletes will not be allowed to participate in practice without an active membership and signed waiver. This must be signed by a parent if the athlete is under 18.
This is only required if the athlete is a new member or the athlete's membership has expired.
If you need help with the membership, please follow these instructions.
CLOTHING
The only uniform required for the racing season is a racing jersey ($40), available on the JL Team Store website (when open), and black bottoms.
Black tight-fitting bottoms (aka trou) can also be purchased from JL, or at other sports stores (e.g. compression shorts from Under Armour). Alternatively, a uni can be purchased from JL, which includes both top and botto/m.
For practice, the athlete will require good-fitting, high-quality running shoes and appropriate outdoor fitness clothing (not cotton!). We row in the rain, snow, wind, cold and heat! We get it all.
PHysician Form
Each year, each athlete must submit a form signed by their medical care professional stating the athlete is physically capable of training and competing with no restrictions.
The athlete’s school sport form may be substituted if they already have that.
SWIMMING ABILITY
To participate in the racing season and go on the water, all rowers must be able to swim 100 yards, tread water for 10 minutes, and put on a life jacket while treading water.
If there are concerns about swimming ability, please let us know. This will not preclude participation in crew!
Note: All rowers, regardless of swimming ability, will be required to wear a small belt-style inflatable PFD on the water.
TRANSPORTATION
The club does not provide transportation to practice or regattas. Rowers are responsible for their own transportation to water practices and races, though there are carpooling opportunities.