Juniors/U23 Programs
Your child belongs in the Pensacola Rowing Club
The Pensacola Rowing Club’s Junior program is for middle and high school athletes who want to learn the sport and compete. Rowing is a great way to connect with friends and make new friends while getting outside and being active.
We offer four distinct seasons, allowing young athletes to explore rowing without the pressure of year-round competition. Many experts agree that it’s beneficial for kids to rotate between sports, and our program is designed to serve as either a supplemental sport or a primary sport for your child. Whether your child is looking to try something new or wants to add rowing to their athletic repertoire, we welcome them to our community!
Dates
Fall: September thru November for longer races (3 miles)
Winter: December and January for indoor races on Concept2 Erg
Spring: February thru April for state championship
Summer: May thru July for national level races and development camps
Location
All practices will be held at the PRC Boathouse in Bayview Community Center.
Practices
Fall practices are Monday through Thursday 4:00 to 6:30 PM and a few Saturdays or Sundays pre-announced
Ages
We have a program for nearly all school-age children. Our competitive programs are for middle school (6 grade and 11 years of age) and high school.
We offer an introductory program for elementary school-aged kids.
College Recruiting Support
Ava Dejong signing her official scholarship offer to Villanova in 2024.
What is possible?
In our short history, Pensacola Rowing Club has successfully prepared young athletes for high school rowing and beyond. Our dedicated coaching staff has helped juniors earn spots on collegiate teams at prestigious universities, including FSU, Villanova, UConn, Stetson, Harvard, and more. Rowing is a great way to create opportunities for your child!
Carson Clanton signed a scholarship with UConn in 2025
"Pensacola Rowing transformed my son from someone who thought he wasn't a 'sports kid' into a Division 1A athlete. Thank you PRC!"
Fees and costs
Dues
Program fees are based on the season the child participates in. Dues range from $300 - $1,000 per season. Discounts available for multiple children, annual dues paid in lump sum, and family memberships.
Regattas
PRC makes an effort to include the cost of regattas in the dues; however, there may be additional costs for certain regattas outside of this region. Regatta costs are calculated on a per rower basis.
Volunteering
Teamwork is needed to help keep the fees as low as possible. As such, we do ask families to contribute by volunteering. If parents can't volunteer, there is a buy-out option.
General Competition Calendar
We will not make all these races each year; however, these are the opportunities.
Bold Blue are races we attend annually.
Fall - Longer Races 4000-5000 meters
- Head of the Bayou in Pensacola
- First Coast Head Race in Jacksonville
- Head Of The Charles in Boston
- Head of the Hootch in Chattanooga
Winter - indoors on Concept2
- Pensacola Erg Championships
- NOIRC in New Orleans
- Erg Sprints in Alexandria, Virginia
- CRASH-B in Boston
Spring - Sprints of 1500-2000 meters
- OARS Regatta in Orlando
- North District Championship in Jacksonville (first week in April)
- State Sculling Championship in Sarasota (second week in April)
- State Sweep Championship in Sarasota (fourth week in April)
Summer - Sprints of 1500-2000 meters
- Windermere Cup in Seattle
- Stotesbury Regatta in Philadelphia
- Scholastic Nationals in TBD
- USRowing Youth National in June
- USRowing Club Nationals in July
- Halifax Regatta in Daytona Beach
- Canadian Henley Regatta in Ontario, Canada
Juniors Learn-to-Row Session 1
The Pensacola Rowing Club Juniors Learn-to-Row Camp is designed as an introduction to rowing for middle and high school athletes. Athletes will learn about the sport of rowing, boathouse procedures and safety, and the fundamentals of rowing in both scull and sweep boats. The camp is led by experienced coaches certified by USRowing and focuses on a positive experience with the goal of moving into our competition-focused juniors program.
Camp Dates: June 1 – June 4, 2026
Practice Schedule: Monday through Thursday, 4:00-6:30 PM
Camp Cost: $100
Eligibility: Open to middle and high school athletes with no previous rowing experience.
Note: After completing Jr LTR Session 1, rowers have the opportunity to roll directly into Summer Program week 2.
Register
Juniors Learn-to-Row Session 2
The Pensacola Rowing Club Juniors Learn-to-Row Camp is designed as an introduction to rowing for middle and high school athletes. Athletes will learn about the sport of rowing, boathouse procedures and safety, and the fundamentals of rowing in both scull and sweep boats. The camp is led by experienced coaches certified by USRowing and focuses on a positive experience with the goal of moving into our competition-focused juniors program.
Camp Dates: June 29 – July 2, 2026
Practice Schedule: Monday through Thursday, 8:00 AM – 10:30 AM
Camp Cost: $100
Eligibility: Open to middle and high school athletes with no previous rowing experience.
Register
Juniors Summer Program 2026
The Pensacola Rowing Club Juniors Summer Program is designed for motivated middle and high school athletes looking to build fitness, technical rowing skills, and competitive experience during the summer racing season. Athletes will train in a structured and supportive environment led by experienced coaches, with practices designed to improve rowing technique, endurance, strength, teamwork, and race strategy. The Juniors Summer Program emphasizes sportsmanship, commitment, teamwork, and personal growth in a positive and challenging environment.
Program Dates:
June 1 – July 31, 2026
Note: No practices July 2-3, 2026
Practice Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM – 10:30 AM
Program Cost: $325
Additional costs for regattas, travel, lodging, and race entry fees may apply.
Potential Competitions:
Summer Festival of Rowing, July 14–16, 2026, Nathan Benderson Park, Sarasota, Florida
Halifax Summer Regatta, July 25–26, 2026, Halifax Boathouse, Daytona Beach, Florida
Eligibility:
Open to middle and high school athletes with previous rowing experience or completion of a Pensacola Rowing Club Learn-to-Row program.
For new athletes interested in joining the full summer program, Pensacola Rowing Club will offer a Junior Learn to Row class during the first week of June (see Junior Learn-to-Row registration). Note: Rowers can move directly into the Summer Program after completing LTR Session 1.
Register
Juniors Learn-to-Row Session 3
The Pensacola Rowing Club Juniors Learn-to-Row Camp is designed as an introduction to rowing for middle and high school athletes. Athletes will learn about the sport of rowing, boathouse procedures and safety, and the fundamentals of rowing in both scull and sweep boats. The camp is led by experienced coaches certified by USRowing and focuses on a positive experience with the goal of moving into our competition-focused juniors program.
Camp Dates: August 17-20, 2026
Practice Schedule: Monday through Thursday, 4:00 PM – 6:30 PM
Camp Cost: $100
Eligibility: Open to middle and high school athletes with no previous rowing experience.
Register
U23 Rowing Program
The U23 Program is a program designed for athletes to continue training and racing after they have finished high school. The program is for U23 rowers to have the opportunity during Summer and Winter breaks for access to coaching and equipment at scheduled practices. U23 rowers are required to put in hours assisting the junior (U19) program and facilitating management of the U23 program.
Register