First Year (Novice) Competitive Juniors FAQ
USRowing's Guide to Rowing 101
Middle school rowing was great. What should I do next?
If you are looking for a team that has a deeper focus on fitness, sportsmanship, leadership, and the rowing stroke, with a high level of attendance required, the competitive junior team is right for you. If you are looking for a more recreational program without the pressure of competition, the recreational team is the correct team for you.
When is the racing season?
Rowing has primarily 2 racing seasons, fall and spring. At Sammamish we break this into two training periods. Practices will run from the end of August until just before the holiday break in December. Practices start back up for the spring season in the beginning of January and will run until Regionals at the end of May. We also offer a July and August summer programs which are great to participate in prior to starting the full team practices in the fall.
Can I just row one season, either fall or spring?
We recommend that rowers join in August and complete the full year until the end of May. However, if other commitments prevent you from doing this, attending one season is allowed. It must be noted that you will fall behind the pace of the other rowers who decide to row for the entire year. Almost 100% of our athletes row full time once they are in their second year
Can I play another sport?
During racing season in the fall (August - early November), we do not allow athletes to play another sport that conflicts with rowing practices and races. Some novice athletes choose to do another sport in the winter, but it is critical that if they want to do spring season, that they return in Early January for training. Please contact your coach to discuss individual circumstances.
Why don’t we go on the water during the first week of practice?
Because at SRA, safety always comes first! You need a solid knowledge and safety base before going on the water. In order to prepare you for lake time, the first few practices teach you the basics: safety precautions, the boathouse routine, the rowing stroke, rowing terminology and coxswain commands. You will also watch a required Rowing Safety DVD and practice the stroke on dock rowers.
What should I wear once we are on the water?
Spandex or athletic fit clothing works best! The snugger the clothing the better. Loose pants and shorts can get caught in the seat slides and loose tops can get caught on the oar handle. Bright colored clothing is also helpful as it allows the coaches to better see the rowers on the water. We row in all weather conditions except lightning and high wind, so be prepared with proper layers - NO COTTON!
What time are practices?
Check our high school rowing page for exact practice times and dates!
What forms/paperwork is needed to start the competitive team?
You will receive all the required information in an e-mail once you register, but it is necessary for your athlete to complete the online USRowing Waiver, Float Test, Code of Conduct, and Travel Permission Slip.
What happens if I can’t make a practice?
Each coach has a slightly different policy, but it is always best to talk to your coach prior to any planned absences, and let the coach know through e-mail or text message if you are sick or have an emergency.
Will the first year rowers race?
Novice (first year) rowers have opportunities to race at specific regattas. In the fall the races are around 5km and in the spring races range between 1-2km. Some races are local, while other more select regattas are overnight. Rowers always travel with the team by bus or plane if leaving the Seattle area.
How do you select rowers for each race?
We look for many traits in a rower; Body construction, size to strength ratio, leadership, technical ability, coach-ability, competitiveness, positive “I can do it”, “I will try it” attitude, confidence, sportsmanship, team player mentality and general athletic potential. We use all of this information to make our decisions; we don’t boat rowers just because you have a great erg score, or just because you won a seat race, or just because you have great attitude. You need to be good at everything, yes stronger at some things than others, but you have to have it all. A great erg score and bad attitude won’t get you what you want. A great erg and a great attitude and bad technique won’t get you what you want. It’s everything put together, so work on your weaknesses and you’ll be on your way. Selection takes time and is ever changing as athletes improve or stop improving over the course of the year. We are looking for rowers who are team players and understand that the team comes first. This is a demanding, yet highly rewarding, sport and the athletes won’t enjoy it without the passion to want to be their best. No decision is final until hands-on!
What is our racing uniform?
Racing uniforms are required and can be purchased twice a year through our JL Store order. You will be informed via e-mail when that time arises. You must purchase the following if you are going to race:
Middle school rowing was great. What should I do next?
If you are looking for a team that has a deeper focus on fitness, sportsmanship, leadership, and the rowing stroke, with a high level of attendance required, the competitive junior team is right for you. If you are looking for a more recreational program without the pressure of competition, the recreational team is the correct team for you.
When is the racing season?
Rowing has primarily 2 racing seasons, fall and spring. At Sammamish we break this into two training periods. Practices will run from the end of August until just before the holiday break in December. Practices start back up for the spring season in the beginning of January and will run until Regionals at the end of May. We also offer a July and August summer programs which are great to participate in prior to starting the full team practices in the fall.
Can I just row one season, either fall or spring?
We recommend that rowers join in August and complete the full year until the end of May. However, if other commitments prevent you from doing this, attending one season is allowed. It must be noted that you will fall behind the pace of the other rowers who decide to row for the entire year. Almost 100% of our athletes row full time once they are in their second year
Can I play another sport?
During racing season in the fall (August - early November), we do not allow athletes to play another sport that conflicts with rowing practices and races. Some novice athletes choose to do another sport in the winter, but it is critical that if they want to do spring season, that they return in Early January for training. Please contact your coach to discuss individual circumstances.
Why don’t we go on the water during the first week of practice?
Because at SRA, safety always comes first! You need a solid knowledge and safety base before going on the water. In order to prepare you for lake time, the first few practices teach you the basics: safety precautions, the boathouse routine, the rowing stroke, rowing terminology and coxswain commands. You will also watch a required Rowing Safety DVD and practice the stroke on dock rowers.
What should I wear once we are on the water?
Spandex or athletic fit clothing works best! The snugger the clothing the better. Loose pants and shorts can get caught in the seat slides and loose tops can get caught on the oar handle. Bright colored clothing is also helpful as it allows the coaches to better see the rowers on the water. We row in all weather conditions except lightning and high wind, so be prepared with proper layers - NO COTTON!
What time are practices?
Check our high school rowing page for exact practice times and dates!
What forms/paperwork is needed to start the competitive team?
You will receive all the required information in an e-mail once you register, but it is necessary for your athlete to complete the online USRowing Waiver, Float Test, Code of Conduct, and Travel Permission Slip.
What happens if I can’t make a practice?
Each coach has a slightly different policy, but it is always best to talk to your coach prior to any planned absences, and let the coach know through e-mail or text message if you are sick or have an emergency.
Will the first year rowers race?
Novice (first year) rowers have opportunities to race at specific regattas. In the fall the races are around 5km and in the spring races range between 1-2km. Some races are local, while other more select regattas are overnight. Rowers always travel with the team by bus or plane if leaving the Seattle area.
How do you select rowers for each race?
We look for many traits in a rower; Body construction, size to strength ratio, leadership, technical ability, coach-ability, competitiveness, positive “I can do it”, “I will try it” attitude, confidence, sportsmanship, team player mentality and general athletic potential. We use all of this information to make our decisions; we don’t boat rowers just because you have a great erg score, or just because you won a seat race, or just because you have great attitude. You need to be good at everything, yes stronger at some things than others, but you have to have it all. A great erg score and bad attitude won’t get you what you want. A great erg and a great attitude and bad technique won’t get you what you want. It’s everything put together, so work on your weaknesses and you’ll be on your way. Selection takes time and is ever changing as athletes improve or stop improving over the course of the year. We are looking for rowers who are team players and understand that the team comes first. This is a demanding, yet highly rewarding, sport and the athletes won’t enjoy it without the passion to want to be their best. No decision is final until hands-on!
What is our racing uniform?
Racing uniforms are required and can be purchased twice a year through our JL Store order. You will be informed via e-mail when that time arises. You must purchase the following if you are going to race:
- SRA Unisuit
- SRA Long Sleeve
- SRA Travel Polo (required for bus/plane trips)
