Rowing Camp FAQ
Welcome to Novice Rowing!
We hope you find this information helpful. If you need additional assistance, please email [email protected] or call (405) 552-4040.
What are the age requirements?
RIVERSPORT rowing camps are open to both girls and boys, grades 6-12.
How do I register?
Go HERE to register.
What precautions are you taking in response to COVID-19? You can review our COVID-19 precautions here.
Who will be coaching the camp? Our experienced staff of OKC RIVERSPORT Junior Rowing Coaches will be coaching both the Novice and Intermediate Rowing Camps. Our coaches take great pride in teaching the sport of rowing to new athletes, while using teamwork and integrity to ensure a fun and respectful environment.
Where do rowing campers need to be picked up and dropped off?
Rowing camp is at the Chesapeake Boathouse (725 S. Lincoln Blvd, Oklahoma City, OK 73129). The Chesapeake Boathouse is the farthest west building in the Boathouse District!
When do rowing campers need to be dropped off and picked up? Please drop off campers between 7:50a and 8:00a, and pick them up at 12:00p at the Chesapeake Boathouse.
What do campers need to wear for rowing? Weather-appropriate athletic shoes and clothing. Rowing attire is a lot like running clothes, but any general athletic clothing works great.
What do campers need to bring to camp? All rowing campers need to bring a reusable water bottle! Campers can also bring hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen to wear outside and on the water. Additionally, campers who have specific medical needs should bring their medications with them.
What is rowing camp like? Rowing Camp will focus on teaching the fundamentals of the rowing stroke through a series of drill work and skill development exercises. Camp will begin with sessions on land using rowing machines and the indoor rowing simulation tank. Campers will also complete an optional water safety swim test, practice boat handling, and take strokes on their own in singles! Throughout the camp, these new rowers will transfer their rowing skills from on-land technical development to rowing in sequence on the water.
What is a swim test? It’s important for anyone participating in a water sport to have basic swimming skills or, in the alternative, wear a PFD. Swim Tests will be held on the Tuesday of camp week. A coach and safety boat will be near at all times. Here are the swim test components to expect:
50-meter continuous swim, 10-minute float and/or tread water, demonstrate putting on a PFD while floating
*A certified Red Cross lifeguard will supervise the optional swim test. Campers who do not complete, or opt out of, the swim test must wear a Personal Flotation Device (PFD) in rowing boats.
What happens if it rains? Even if it’s raining or very windy, we will still meet and have a great session. Always show up for camp unless a coach has notified you in advance with alternative plans.
How do you continue rowing after the Novice Camp? Athletes completing the Novice Camp may join the RIVERSPORT Junior Crew team and/or register for our Intermediate Rowing Camp. Camp coaches will give you additional information.
How do you join the OKC RIVERSPORT Junior Crew? Your first week is free with no team-related or financial obligation. Starting in August, our Middle School team practices twice per week, while our Novice Girls & Novice Boys Rowing teams practice 5-days per week and travel the region to race!
Middle School: Grades 6-8 Novice Rowing Teams: Grade 8-12
Have additional questions? Email us or call (405) 552-4040.
Follow us on Instagram @okcjuniorcrew