Program Descriptions

The following developmental levels are designed to support athlete development with an emphasis on teaching and improving technical skills, fitness training, increasing strength, flexibility and injury prevention. The focus at the early stages is on important development of skills, the focus at the later stages are on racing and boat speed. Every level is important and plays a critical role in the appropriate and safe development of the athlete. Advancement from program to program is explained in the discussion of each level.

Novice – Development Level  I

This  program begins in October of each year.
Basic rowing skills are taught and technical development is encouraged, boat handling skills on land and on the water are taught, along with water safety, general fitness, flexibility,  strength training and injury prevention. Learning to scull and cox will be included at this level. Inter & intra club racing is available in the Fall, racing in the Spring and Summer events will be in the beginning category only.  Following a year in Level I, all athletes move to Level II – Intermediate. No selection process is required to join the novice team unless the numbers are too high (over 20). The Beginning Program is coed.

Intermediate and M2R - Development Level  II

Refining and improving technical skill development  is the focus of this level,  with an increasing focus on fitness levels and strength requirements. Basic racing skills are introduced at lower rates. Inter & intra club racing is encouraged to learn racing skill, and limited local racing at regattas is optional. These are coed programs.

COMPETITIVE LEVELS:

Following the Intermediate/M2R Program, try-outs are required to move into the next level.  If you are interested in trying out for Level III,  first talk to your coach to ask if they feel you are ready to move up.  If they agree that you have the skills necessary to fit into the next level, they will recommend you to the coach of that program.  You will be given a try-out period and the coach will determine if you have the required skills needed to move onto the next level.

Master B – Development Level  III

 The selection process into Level III (Master B) will include a combination of technical ability (do you have a good basic understanding of the rowing stroke), fitness (erg score), potential (size to strength ratio), coachability(do you listen, can you make changes) and leadership ability (aka sportsmanship, attitude, team participant). 

The focus of Level III is to introduce an athlete, wishing to eventually move up to the Advanced Level, to the world of selection and expectations.  The continued refinement of rowing technique and skills, development of sport specific training, learning to seat race, erg testing, increased racing skills and higher ratings are the required focus.  The time it will take an athlete to get prepared at this level to move on into Level IV is unknown and depends on the ability of the athlete. Athletes in this program must continue to work towards improvement and advancement. Athletes will remain in this program if the higher level programs are full and the timing of moving up depends on the schedule of the upper program.  Coed, with boats separated by gender when available.

Advanced Men and Women  – Development Level  IV  

The selection process into Level IV (Advanced Level) will include erg score and seat racing comparisons to like age of +/- 5 years, technical proficiency and coachability, attitude, leadership, team and sportsmanship.

These programs focus on Competitive Training, Selection and Racing at an Advanced Level. Technical proficiency, fitness levels, strength and flexibility must be high. Ergometer tests, seat racing, additional workouts, land training, weekend time and travel fees are required. A try-out is required to ensure that the athlete is ready to participate at this level. Separate men’s and women’s teams.