Our MIDDLE school programs
LONG-TERM ATHLETE DEVELOPMENT
The Middle School Rowing Program at Twin Cities Youth Rowing is where many of our athletes begin their journey — and where many discover a lifelong love for the sport. Designed for 6th–8th grade athletes, this program provides an exciting introduction to rowing while building confidence, teamwork, fitness, and fundamental skills in a fun and supportive environment.
No previous rowing experience is necessary. Whether an athlete is brand new to the sport or has attended a summer Learn-to-Row camp, the Middle School Program provides the perfect opportunity to learn the basics of rowing and become part of a team. Athletes will learn proper rowing technique, boat handling, teamwork, and the foundations of training both on the water and on land.
The program begins by teaching the rowing stroke on the ergometer (indoor rowing machine) before progressing to on-water rowing. Athletes also learn boathouse safety, rowing terminology, team expectations, cross-training principles, and habits that help prevent injuries and support long-term athletic development.
Practices are structured and coached, but the environment is built around exploration, encouragement, and fun. Our experienced coaching staff understands how to challenge young athletes while making the learning process exciting and rewarding.
Middle School Rowing is about more than learning a new sport. It is about working together, building friendships, developing confidence, and discovering the unique experience of being part of a crew. Join Twin Cities Youth Rowing for a new adventure and find out if rowing is the sport for you!
A LOOK AT THE PRESENT
No Current Programming Scheduled Until 2027
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The Middle School Winter Conditioning Program at Twin Cities Youth Rowing is designed to help young athletes stay active, build confidence, and continue developing as teammates during the off-season. Running from January through March, this program provides an introduction to the training environment of rowing while focusing on the foundational skills that help athletes become stronger, healthier, and more prepared for future competition.
Through a combination of general conditioning, movement training, teamwork activities, and rowing-specific exercises, athletes will develop fitness while learning what it means to be part of a crew. The emphasis is on building positive habits, creating connections with teammates, and developing the confidence needed to take on new challenges.
Practices are held two times per week on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:45–6:15 PM at the TCY Boathouse (7564 Market Place). Coaches create a supportive and encouraging environment where athletes can improve their fitness, learn new skills, and have fun while being part of a team.
The Middle School Winter Conditioning Program is a great opportunity for athletes to:
Build a strong fitness foundation through age-appropriate training
Develop teamwork, communication, and leadership skills
Build friendships and strengthen team connections
Gain confidence through new challenges and experiences
Discover more about the sport of rowing and what it means to be part of a crew
Whether an athlete is preparing for the next rowing season, exploring a new sport, or simply looking for a positive team environment during the winter months, this program provides the perfect opportunity to grow as an athlete and teammate.
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The Middle School Spring Development Team at Twin Cities Youth Rowing provides young athletes the opportunity to continue building their rowing skills while developing confidence, teamwork, and leadership. Held throughout the month of May, this program offers a focused introduction to on-water rowing in a fun, supportive, and team-centered environment.
Practices take place twice per week on Tuesdays and Thursdays for 90 minutes at Bryant Lake (exact practice times to be announced). Athletes will focus on developing fundamental on-water rowing technique, improving boat skills, and learning how individual actions contribute to the success of the entire crew.
Beyond rowing skills, the program emphasizes the values that make crew unique:
Developing teamwork and communication skills
Building confidence through new challenges
Strengthening friendships and team connections
Learning leadership and accountability within a crew environment
Whether you participated in winter conditioning, attended a summer Learn-to-Row camp, rowed with the summer team, or are completely new to the sport, the Spring Middle School Development Team is a great opportunity to get on the water and become part of the Twin Cities Youth Rowing community.
Come discover the excitement of rowing, build new skills, and experience what it means to be part of a crew!
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When school is out, summer is the perfect time to be on the water! The Summer Middle School Rowing Team at Twin Cities Youth Rowing provides young athletes with an exciting opportunity to learn the sport of rowing, build friendships, and become part of a team.
This eight-week summer season begins June 14, 2027 and runs through the first week of August, with practices held Monday–Friday from 8:30–10:00 AM at Bryant Lake. Our coaching staff is excited to welcome our largest group of middle school rowers yet and create an experience that is both challenging and fun.
Throughout the summer, athletes will learn the fundamentals of rowing, including stroke technique, boat handling, teamwork, and communication. Practices combine skill development, fitness, and team activities while emphasizing the unique lesson that makes rowing special: success comes from learning to work together as one.
The season will conclude with an intrasquad scrimmage and team picnic on Saturday, August 7, celebrating the progress, friendships, and accomplishments made throughout the summer.
Whether an athlete is brand new to rowing or returning for another season, the Summer Middle School Rowing Team is a great opportunity to:
Learn a new sport in a supportive environment
Build confidence and athletic skills
Develop teamwork and leadership abilities
Create lasting friendships with teammates
Experience the excitement of being part of a crew
Join Twin Cities Youth Rowing this summer and discover why rowing is more than a sport — it is a community built around trust, teamwork, and shared success.
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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!