FAQs

Generally, athletes must be at least 14 years old, however, younger athletes can join if approved by the coaches following an interview. 

No prior experience is required. However, beginners complete a Learn to Row class and water safety assessment before joining.

Experienced rowers transferring from another club are welcome to participate without Learn to Row after evaluation by a member of our coaching staff.

Practices are held at the RCTW Boathouse at Northshore Park and on Lake Woodlands.

During the Fall and Spring seasons, practices are held six days each week, rain or shine.

• Monday – Friday, 3:15 pm -5:30 pm.
• Saturday, 7:00 am-9:30 am.

During summer, optional practices are held Monday-Friday 7:00 – 9:00 am, and are included in the annual fee.

The fall season runs from September to November. The primary focus is on long-distance races (2.5 to 4 miles), also called “Head” races.

The spring season runs from February to June and focuses on sprint races (1500 to 2000 meters).

The summer season runs from July to August and focuses on Learn to Row classes and technique development.

• Socks and running shoes
• Weather-appropriate athletic clothing
• Water bottle
• Sunscreen
• Team uniform (required only for competitions)

OCPE is a program approved by the Texas Education Agency that allows students to receive PE credit through participation in approved off-campus physical activities. Rowing can qualify for OCPE credit when students meet specific attendance and participation requirements.

OCPE is requested through the school of the athlete and administered through the club once approved.

New for the 2024-25 Fall and Spring seasons, RCTW has partnered with world-renowned Coach Cam Buchan, to provide seasonal programming that includes structured week-to-week progressive training combined with remote instruction.

In-person practices are facilitated by RCTW coaches and include:

• On-water sessions
• Ergometer workouts
• Technique work
• Optional additional training

Each athlete’s progress and individual metrics are tracked online and allow the coaches to make weekly adjustments based on individual needs.

The training program also includes week-long onsite coaching camps throughout the school year by guest coaches. These camps are included in seasonal fees.

The junior program dues is $3,400 per year, billed in 2 6-month increments in January and July. Dues is prorated if an athlete joins mid-season. No refunds are given if an athlete leaves prior to the end of the season. Payment plans can be arranged upon request.

Additonal costs include:

• Uniform costs (typically 1-2 uniforms needed) – ~$100-200
• Regatta fees ($200-300 per event) plus travel expenses
  • Fall: 1-3 regattas ($200-300 each)
  • Spring: Up to 5 regattas ($200-300 each)
  • Optional spring break training ($600-700)
  • National Championships if qualified ($1000)

Attendance is dependent on the athlete’s participation level. Off Campus PE (OCPE) is subject to OCPE attendance rules.

RCTW follows USRowing SafeSport guidelines. Athletes are supervised at all times. A safety launch accompanies the boats on water.

Primary communication is through GroupMe – athletes and parents will be invited to download the app and added to the groups upon joining the team. There are two groups, one for announcements for athletes and parents, and the second is just for parents, for questions. Email is also used for important announcements. There is a parent meeting held at the beginning of each season.

RCTW is an all volunteer club. Parents can get involved by participating in volunteer opportunities, including joining committees, coordinating OCPE and providing essential support for the regattas, such as transportation, prepping and serving food and clean-up, and other support. Parents should not be present during practices without approval from the coaches.

Athletes may compete in different categories depending on:

• Age
• Experience level
• Competition rules
• Strategic decisions by coaches

For youth rowing, the competition categories are primarily based on age (ex. U15, U17, U19) and defined by the athlete’s age on December 31st of the competition year:

For example: U17 (Under 17) – Athletes must be 16 years old or younger on December 31st of the competition year. They cannot turn 17 that year.

These categories exist for both men’s and women’s events, and typically include competition types like:

• Single (1x)
• Double (2x)
• Quadruple (4x)
• Eights (8+)

Athletes competing in their first year are considered Novices and can compete in this category at events within this category.

• A rower is considered novice during their first year of rowing competition
• The novice status typically lasts one full calendar year from their first competition
• Once you compete as a novice, that year counts as your novice year regardless of how many races you participate in

Novice Competition Rules:

• Novices can compete in novice-specific events
• They may also be eligible to row in varsity boats (1V, 2V, etc.) while maintaining novice status
• Some regattas offer separate novice categories for fall and spring novices
• Transfer students who rowed elsewhere are typically not eligible for novice status
• Prior rowing experience in high school usually disqualifies collegiate novice eligibility

Another common designation for competitions is 1V and 2V. This refers to the boat speed designations within the team’s lineup.

1V (First Varsity):

• The fastest/top boats in our program
• Usually contains the team’s strongest and most skilled athletes
• Considered the “flagship” crew of the program
• Competes in the highest-level events

2V (Second Varsity):

• The second-fastest boat in a program
• Often contains developing athletes or those just outside the 1V selection
• Races in separate events from the 1V but at the same regattas
• Sometimes called “JV” (Junior Varsity) in some programs

• A rower is considered novice during their first year of rowing competition
• The novice status typically lasts one full calendar year from their first competition
• Once you compete as a novice, that year counts as your novice year regardless of how many races you participate in

Regattas are usually full-day or weekend events. Athletes and boats arrive at the event location the day before the event to unload the trailer, rig the boats, and practice the course. Athletes are responsible for loading and unloading the boats from the trailer at the boathouse and the event location.

Many events require traveling on a Fridays, which means participating athletes will miss school.

During the event, team activities and team meals are required participation. Volunteering parents will serve meals during the event (breakfast and lunch) for all athletes, coaches, and family members and provide transportation and other support.

RegattaCentral (www.regattacentral.com) has official regatta dates and details. Team-specific schedules are shared via GroupMe as well as parent meetings at the start of each season.

Yes, team captains may be selected by the coaches or by vote of the other team members. The captains take on leadership duties and support administrative and supervisory activities; they are important role models and support for newer athletes.