Norcal Program Overview
Rowers are among the world’s best athletes. Rowing looks graceful, elegant and sometimes effortless when it is done well. Don’t be fooled. Rowers haven’t been called the world’s most physically fit athletes for nothing. The sport demands endurance, strength, balance, mental discipline, and an ability to continue on when your body is demanding that you stop.
Rowing is a total body workout. Rowing only looks like an upper body sport. Although upper body strength is important, the strength of the rowing stroke comes from the legs. Rowing is one of the few athletic activities that involves all of the body’s major muscle groups. It is a great aerobic workout, in the same vein as cross-country skiing, and is a low-impact sport on the joints.
Teamwork is Number One. Rowing isn’t a great sport for athletes looking for MVP status. It is, however, teamwork’s best teacher. The athlete trying to stand out in an eight will only make the boat slower. The crew made up of individuals willing to sacrifice their personal goals for the team will be on the medal stand together. Winning teammates successfully match their desire, talent and bladework with one another.
Rowing + You = Norcal Crew. Visit us at Norcal and find out whether rowing is for you. Come and meet our coaches and rowers. Sit in a boat. Check out an erg. Sign up for a Summer Learn to Row Camp. Come to the Fall Open House.
Rowers are four times as likely to be recruited to a college than any other NCAA sport. Your experience as a Norcal rower or coxswain will be demanding but well worth it. You and your teammates will have a great time and make lasting memories while strengthening your chances of being admitted to the top colleges on your list.
Be a part of the Norcal team.
Norcal Crew is a nationally competitive program dedicated to the development of junior athletes through the sport of rowing. We provide a path to guide athletes from their first strokes as novices all the way to elite national and international competition. Many of our athletes come to Norcal without prior experience with any sports. While 99% of our athletes have never rowed before when they first walk through our gates, within a few years they are able to be competitive at the top levels of the sport.
Programs offered at Norcal:
Competitive Team
Attendance Expectations The learning curve can be particularly steep for new rowers, but with practice, time, and effort, your fitness and technique will improve rapidly. Fitness is a critical component which directly impacts every athlete’s ability to maintain good technique. When athletes get exhausted, their coordination falls apart and they will not be able to row properly. For this reason, we encourage our rowers to attend all practices. We do understand that our athletes will have other commitments from time to time. Please communicate directly with your coach about any schedule issues.
7th – 12th Grade
August – May
All rowers train and compete in their age groups. The age groups are U15, U16, U17, and U19. The team trains five-six days each week starting in late August, and running through the USRowing Southwest Regional Championship on the first weekend in May (with breaks, of course). The team trains at a high level, while allowing for the growth, learning, and mistakes that accompany the athletes’ first year competing in the sport. Three-week trials available.
Summer Camps
6th – 12th Grade
June – August
Five-day camps are a great chance for athletes to get out on the water and try rowing for the first time. Camps are designated for different ages and abilities. Camps will be posted on our website by the middle of February each year.
Rowing Fitness
6th – 12th Grade
This co-ed non-competitive class is designed for any athletes that are not interested in being on a competitive team. This is a three day a week program that will focus on learning to row and the enjoyment of the sport. No experience required.
Norcal is excited to offer Rowing Fitness, a co-ed and non-competitive program.
This program is designed to teach rowing and row for any athletes that are not interested in being on a competitive team. Rowing Fitness is a three day a week program that will focus on learning to row and experience the enjoyment of the sport.
We learn…
On-water rowing technique, boat and oar handling and nomenclature, safety on the water, as well as indoor rowing technique and physical training. The focus is on sculling in small and medium-sized boats. This program is non-competitive, but will present numerous internal group and individual challenges and goals to be surmounted as the athletes progresses through the year.
Clothing
Gym clothes and running shoes/socks. Recommended: hat, sunscreen, reusable water bottle, sunglasses, windbreaker, and water-resistant sweats in cold weather.
Financial Aid
Competitive/Rec Team Financial Application (53k)
All athletes are encouraged to participate in Norcal Crew regardless of their ability to pay. Scholarships are available for qualifying families. Please contact admin@norcalcrew.org with questions.
Sign Up Opportunities
Registrations is now open for Spring 2025. Sign up now!