Youth Program

ARC's Youth Program is open to athletes age 12 to 18. Athletes gain strength, perseverance, and passion for the sport as they are coached to perform their best and perhaps discover that their best far exceeds their original expectations.

Youth Program vs. Varsity

ARC's Youth Program is designed for novice rowers, younger athletes, or those who wish to row for general fitness in a safe and supportive environment. Youth practices, typically held on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, have a second coach focused on the needs of non-varsity rowers. Note that the Youth Program is appropriate for competitive athletes who can only attend 3 or less practices per week due to obligations. While the head coach has the discretion to invite Youth Program participants to race at appropriate regattas, competing at competitive regattas requires practice 4-6 days per week with varsity-level athletes.

The Varsity Team is for athletes interested in competing at a high level. Varsity practice, held Monday to Saturday, are more intense, with a coach dedicated to preparing athletes for regattas (racing). Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday practices are for varsity-level athletes only; there is only one coach and athletes must be able to complete the practice and stay with other boats.

Selection for the Varsity Team is made by the head coach based on erg scores, technical skill, and level of commitment. The head coach regularly evaluates all rowers and may invite promising athletes to varsity practice to determine if they are ready to advance. Like other varsity sports, varsity athletes are expected to practice 5-6 days per week and participate in scheduled regattas: three in the spring, two in the summer, and three to four in the fall.

Novice Level

All rowers in their first year of rowing are considered novices, regardless of age. Novice coaching focuses on improving technique and developing general fitness and strength.

Competitive Racing

Many ARC athletes have competed at USRowing's Youth National Championship and have gone on to row in college at the Division I level. ARC competes in many regattas (rowing races) including:

• Mercer Sprints (near Princeton NJ)
• Saratoga Invitational
• New York State Scholastic Championship
• Pittsford Regatta
• Independence Day Regatta (Philadelphia)
• Overpeck Sprints
• Head of the Hudson
• Mohawk Fall Classic
• Head of the Housatonic (Shelton CT)
• Head of the Charles (Boston)
• Head of the Fish
• Head of the Schuylkill (Philadelphia)

Coxswains

ARC also offers students the opportunity to learn coxswain skills. The coxswain is an essential part of sweep rowing, as essential as the rowers themselves. The job of the coxswain is to steer the boat, help the crew keep the cadence, call out instructions from the coach and provide encouragement during races. The coxswain must be a good communicator.