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Youth Programs

Junior Rowing Camps

Rowing is an exceptional, full-body exercise that most anyone can learn!
OAR is offering three junior camps this summer that are designed for experienced rowers as well as those that are new to the sport of rowing. For beginners, on-water sessions on beautiful Otsego Lake will teach the basics of “sculling” (rowing with 2 oars) from square one. For those that have attended our junior camp before, they will have opportunities for rowing in faster boats and racing. All sessions include: land training on rowing machines, rowing on the water using stable rowing shells, personal attention from coaches to help you develop your form and rowing skills, as well as a review of lessons learned at the conclusion of each day’s class. 
What the Participant Will Learn
  • Boat handling
  • Basic boat entry/exit procedures
  • Rowing technique
  • Rowing and equipment terminology
  • Oar blade techniques
  • The joy of rowing and racing
On the Water
  • Teaching will be in 4-person boats (quads), 2-person boats (doubles) and 1-person boats (singles)
  • A safety launch will accompany the boat at all times.
Instructional techniques will incorporate games as well as address multiple learning channels.
Participants are introduced to the basics of the sport in a fun, engaging, safe environment. No prior rowing experience is required. Rowers will learn rowing terminology, how to handle the equipment, and the elements of proper rowing technique. Learn-to-Row uses rowing machines and boat pontoons so that rowers can get a sense of the rowing stroke in a stable environment. Good attendance is crucial to safety and maximum learning. 
Can you do it? If you have basic coordination and flexibility and can ride a bike, we’re confident we can turn you into a successful rower.
Coaches
Andrea Thies, Whitney MacDonald, Lang Keith, Ed Ryan and Joe Novitski will be coaching our Youth program this summer. Learn more about each of them here.
2022 Junior Rowing Camp – Session 1

Ages: 11 – 18 years
Dates: July 4, 2022 – July 8, 2022
Times: 9:00am-12:00pm
Class Fee: $135 per person

click here to register
2022 Junior Rowing Camp – Session 2

Ages: 11 – 18 years
Dates: July 18, 2022 – July 22, 2022 (REGISTRATION IS CLOSED FOR THIS SESSION)
Times: 9:00am-12:00pm
Class Fee: $135 per person

2022 Junior Rowing Camp – Session 3

Ages: 11 – 18 years
Dates: August 8- August 12, 2022 
Times: 9:00am-12:00pm
Class Fee: $135 per person

For information about this session and registration availability please email otsegoarearowing@gmail.com or select “Contact Us” from the OAR home page

Before your camp starts, be sure to read our Frequently Asked Questions.

Why Row?
Rowing can change lives and communities through its profound social and emotional benefits and exceptional physical benefits to cardiovascular fitness, endurance and strength. Rowing is a fun and effective exercise that works 85% of the body – every major muscle group -including quads, biceps, triceps, lats, glutes and abs. In addition, rowing is excellent for strengthening the heart and bones, which is one reason why NASA has chosen rowing as the best exercise to keep astronauts healthy in space.
Interest in rowing has exploded and centers dedicated exclusively to indoor rowing are a growing trend for group exercise across the country. In addition, innovative programs that promote the experiential aspects of rowing have brought people, who did not previously exercise, into the world of fitness.
Safe Fitness. Young athletes like getting strong and being in shape. Young athletes need an outlet for energy, and benefit greatly from working out as a catharsis of stress. Rowing is also a great way for athletes to see improvement through consistent work and effort. Many parents worry about the safety of a sport both in regards to injury risk and body health. Rowing is one of the most low impact sports meaning a minimized risk of sport related injury. Parents should be confident that participants will be well taken care of by the staff, all risks are minimized and there are plans in place if an emergency or incident does occur. 
Character Development. One of the most important thing for the development of youth is character. We want our rowers to learn what is means to be part of a team: respect, teamwork, dedication, determination, open mindedness, and compassion. Rowing should be an environment where rowers have the opportunity to learn from the good examples of the staff and their peers.
College Recruitment/Scholarship Potential. Rowing is a great way to increase the chances of getting into a prestigious university. Colleges love to admit athletes from sports such as rowing because the sport teaches many of the important characteristics that are necessary for success at college. In addition, statistics show that students who have rowed in high school have the highest chances of being awarded a scholarship than any other college sport.
For more information about our youth programs, please contact us.
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