The Fall Rowing Season at Twin Cities Youth Rowing is the foundation of our competitive year, focusing on building the technical skills, physical preparation, and team culture needed for long-term success. Running from September 8, 2026 through November 14, 2026, the fall season is open to 9th–12th grade athletes, with motivated 8th graders welcome to try the program. Based on maturity, athletic readiness, and experience, TCY coaches may recommend that some 8th graders continue developing through our middle school program before transitioning to the high school team.

Fall rowing features longer-distance Head Races, typically 4,500–5,000 meters, where crews compete against the clock in time-trial style racing. Similar to cross-country and track, rowing’s competitive year is split by season: fall racing emphasizes endurance and aerobic development, while spring and summer focus on shorter, faster 2,000-meter racing.

Athletes train six days per week with practices held Monday–Friday from 4:15–6:15 PM and Saturday mornings from 7:00–9:00 AM. Training takes place at Bryant Lake for on-water sessions and at the TCY Boathouse for land-based training.

Throughout the fall season, athletes develop the complete foundation of a competitive rower through:

• Aerobic development through on-water training and erg (indoor rowing machine) sessions

• Technical skill development focused on efficient movement and boat speed

• Strength and movement training led by our experienced coaching staff

• Mental skills training to build focus, resilience, and confidence

• Team development through shared standards, accountability, and a strong team culture

The fall season includes 3–4 competitive regattas, with travel opportunities to events in Ohio, Massachusetts, and Tennessee. Athletes leave the fall season with improved fitness, stronger technical skills, and the foundation needed to continue progressing through the TCY competitive pathway.

The Winter Competitive Season at Twin Cities Youth Rowing is designed to prepare athletes for success during the spring racing season while providing an opportunity for athletes of all backgrounds to continue developing their skills, fitness, and athletic foundation. Running from mid-November through the end of February, this season takes place primarily indoors at the TCY Boathouse (7564 Market Place), with occasional opportunities to train at locations such as the University of Minnesota rowing tanks and alongside other community fitness groups.

Practices are held Monday–Friday from 4:15–6:15 PM and Saturday mornings from 7:00–9:00 AM. While the winter season serves as a critical preparation phase for competitive rowers, it is also an excellent cross-training opportunity for athletes who participate in other sports during the spring or summer.

Winter training focuses on developing the complete athlete through:

• Aerobic and anaerobic development to build the physical systems needed for competitive rowing

• Indoor rowing technique focused on improving movement efficiency, power application, and connection to the machine

• Strength training that develops proper movement patterns, body awareness, and muscular engagement. Training is customized for each individual.

• Mental skills development to improve focus, confidence, resilience, and goal-setting

• Performance habits including sleep, nutrition, recovery, and time management that influence success beyond practice

Our coaching staff works with each athlete to create meaningful improvement based on both team objectives and individual goals. Athletes learn how daily choices outside of practice impact performance and are challenged to develop the habits needed to become stronger competitors, better teammates, and more complete individuals.

As the winter season progresses, athletes will test their progress through a local indoor rowing competition, providing an opportunity to measure growth and apply the skills developed throughout the training cycle.

The Winter Competitive Season is about more than preparing for the next race — it is about building the foundation to become a better rower, become a better athlete, and become a better person.

The Spring Competitive Season is the championship season at Twin Cities Youth Rowing, where athletes put their preparation, development, and teamwork to the test against the top junior programs in the region and across the country. Running from March 1, 2027 through June 12, 2027, the spring season is focused on preparing athletes to perform at their highest level during the most important races of the year.

Spring racing features 2,000-meter head-to-head competition, with crews racing through heats and finals to determine championship results. The season includes opportunities to compete at major events, including the Midwest Junior Championships in Ohio in mid-May and the USRowing Youth National Championships in Florida in mid-June.

Due to the unpredictable spring weather in Minnesota, training begins indoors at the TCY Boathouse (7564 Market Place) until conditions allow for safe on-water practices at Bryant Lake. Once the lake is ready, athletes transition to the water to refine boat speed, race execution, and crew performance.

Spring training is designed to bring together all aspects of competitive rowing:

• Physiological development to build the strength, endurance, and power required for 2,000-meter racing

• Technical refinement to improve efficiency, boat speed, and crew synchronization

• Race preparation including developing race plans, understanding race strategy, and learning the mindset required to compete

• Mental skills training to build confidence, focus, resilience, and the ability to perform under pressure

Success in rowing comes from the combination of technical instruction, skill development, and functional fitness. Our coaching staff creates a fast-paced, challenging, and supportive environment where athletes are encouraged to pursue continuous improvement while holding themselves and their teammates accountable.

The Spring Competitive Season is where preparation becomes performance — athletes learn to race with purpose, compete with confidence, and represent Twin Cities Youth Rowing at the highest levels of junior rowing.

The Summer Competitive Season at Twin Cities Youth Rowing is a unique opportunity for athletes to train hard, have fun, and continue developing as rowers while enjoying the freedom and energy of summer. Beginning June 14, 2027, the summer season provides an ideal environment for athletes to build fitness, improve technical skills, strengthen team connections, and continue progressing toward their individual goals.

Team practices are held in the morning Monday–Friday from 6:15–8:15 AM and Saturday mornings from 7:00–9:30 AM, allowing athletes to take advantage of Minnesota’s beautiful summer mornings on the water. Additional optional early evening strength and conditioning sessions are available for athletes looking to take their development to the next level. These sessions are designed for athletes pursuing specific goals, including younger varsity athletes working toward personal records or a seat in the top boats, as well as college-bound rowers preparing to make an immediate impact with their future teams.

Summer is especially important for our novice athletes. With fewer academic demands and the calm conditions of early morning practices, the summer season provides the perfect setting for new rowers to accelerate their learning, build confidence, and become an important part of the TCY team culture. It is also a great opportunity for athletes who are new to the sport or looking for a cross-training experience to discover rowing in a supportive and challenging environment.

Training during the summer season focuses on:

• Technical development to improve rowing efficiency, boat feel, and connection with teammates

• Physical development through on-water training, strength, and conditioning

• Team culture and leadership by building relationships and shared standards

• Individual goal development to help each athlete continue progressing throughout the year

The summer racing season includes opportunities to compete in:

• Chicago Sprints — 1,000-meter racing in mid-July

• TBD Regatta in Canada — 2,000-meter racing in early to mid-August

We understand that summer schedules include vacations, jobs, camps, and other commitments. Our coaching staff works with athletes and families to find the right balance while helping each athlete continue to grow. For rowers in Minnesota, summer provides a special opportunity to spend mornings on the lake, enjoy the outdoors, and experience the challenge and excitement of becoming a better athlete.

The Summer Competitive Season is where athletes build confidence, create lasting memories, and continue their journey toward becoming stronger rowers, better teammates, and more complete competitors.

Summer Learn-to-Row Camps

Discover the sport of rowing through Twin Cities Youth Rowing’s Summer Learn-to-Row Camps! These one-week camps are designed for middle and high school athletes of all experience levels who are interested in learning a new sport, developing athletic skills, and becoming part of a team. No prior rowing experience is necessary — just a willingness to learn, work hard, and have fun.

Throughout the week, athletes will be introduced to the fundamentals of rowing, including proper technique, boat handling, teamwork, and training habits. Experienced coaches will guide athletes through on-water instruction, skill development, and team activities while creating a positive environment focused on growth, confidence, and a love for the sport.

Summer Learn-to-Row Camps provide the perfect introduction to rowing and a pathway into the Twin Cities Youth Rowing program. Whether an athlete is trying a new sport, exploring competitive rowing, or preparing to join the team, camp is an opportunity to build skills, meet future teammates, and experience the culture of TCY.

2027 Summer Camp Dates:

• June 14–18, 2027

• July 12–16, 2027

• August 16–20, 2027

No experience is required — come learn to row, challenge yourself, and discover what it means to be part of a team on the water!

Try Rowing with a Two-Week Free Trial

Curious about rowing? New athletes are invited to experience Twin Cities Youth Rowing with a two-week free trial — no prior rowing experience necessary! Whether you are a freshman discovering a new sport, an experienced athlete looking for a new challenge, or simply interested in trying something different, our program welcomes athletes of all backgrounds.

During the trial period, athletes will learn alongside their potential teammates, meet our coaching staff, and experience what makes TCY a unique team environment. New rowers will be introduced to the fundamentals of rowing, including technique, fitness, teamwork, and the daily habits that help athletes grow both on and off the water.

Athletes may begin their two-week trial during our open enrollment period from September through mid-March. We encourage new athletes to start as close to the beginning of the season (September 8, 2026) as possible to build a strong foundation with their teammates and fully experience the progression of the program.

After completing the two-week trial, athletes will have the opportunity to officially join Twin Cities Youth Rowing for the remainder of the season and continue their journey from novice development toward competitive rowing.