Competitive Teams

Interested in working with Norcal Crew?

Norcal’s competitive teams practice five or six days a week from August through May and compete at local, state, regional, and national competitions. We have men’s and women’s teams in all junior age categories: U15, U16, U17, and U19. No rowing experience is necessary to join the team, although most athletes join the competitive program after completing one or more summer camp programs. Norcal coaches will teach everyone the basics of rowing and all teams train at a competitive level. Norcal is committed to the long-term development of all athletes, focusing on conditioning and technique to set the athletes up for success in the future.

During the 2023-2024 season, the following age categories apply:

U15: Athletes turn 15 in 2024 or later.
U16: Athletes turn 16 in 2024 or later.
U17: Athletes turn 17 in 2024 or later.
U19: Athletes turn 19 in 2024 or later.

Norcal offers a four-week trial to allow athletes to see what the team is about and if rowing fits into their academic life. If athletes like the team at the end of the trial period, the cost of the trial is deducted from the full tuition amount. Here is the link to the current practice Schedule

Some athletes want to play a fall sport. That is great! Athletes are welcome to begin rowing with Norcal after their fall sport. Norcal recommends that athletes who are going to join after a fall sport sign up for the trial and come on Saturdays and any days that they have off from their fall sport to allow them to meet their teammates and learn as much technique as possible. If athletes join late, we will pro-rate the tuition.

Rowing is an intense sport and competitive team members are expected to attend every practice and race along with their team. Practices last between two and four hours each day. The Fall Schedule will be posted here on August 1st.

If you are interested in joining the team please Register as a parent and then add an athlete in your profile. Once that has been created, you will be able to register for the fall team. Parents must register and pay athlete registration fees in both the fall and the spring. Registration fees cover the coaching, equipment, safety boats, and other fees. Registration fees do not cover any capital purchases, all capital is purchased through donations.

Click Here to Register for the Competitive Team

What to Wear

Gym clothes and running shoes/socks. Recommended: hat, sunscreen, reusable water bottle (full of water), sunglasses, windbreaker, and water-resistant sweats in cold weather. The weather can be cold at the beginning and hot at the end or vice versa, layers are a great way to dress for rowing and always bring dry clothes, it is a water sport.

Financial Aid

All athletes are encouraged to participate in Norcal Crew regardless of their ability to pay. Scholarships are available for qualifying families. To register for the team and apply for a scholarship, please fill out the financial aid application . Once you have submitted the application and attached all requested documents, we will get you registered for the team to allow your athlete to begin practices for a trial fee. The scholarship committee will review the scholarship applications mid-September and will get back to you with a decision on your full fees to participate. Please note, until we get back to you about your requested scholarship, your athlete will be welcome to row with the team for a nominal fee. Scholarship amounts are given as a percentage of the tuition and travel for the full year.

Please contact admin@norcalcrew.org or scholarships@norcalcrew.org with questions.