Why choose rowing? 

Rowing is one of the few sports that combines endurance, strength, teamwork, discipline, and mental resilience. Every athlete in the boat plays an essential role, teaching accountability and collaboration unlike any other team sport.

Beyond competition, rowing builds confidence, lifelong friendships, leadership skills, and healthy habits that extend far beyond high school.

Whether an athlete's goal is to compete nationally, row in college, or simply become stronger and more confident, rowing provides opportunities that last a lifetime.

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Are there different types of rowing?
There are two types of rowing - sweep rowing and sculling. In sweep rowing, each rower uses only one oar. The most commonly used boats are fours and eights, with a coxswain on board to help steer the boat. In sculling, the rower uses two smaller oars. The boats are referred to as a"single" (one rower), a double (two rowers) or a quad (4 rowers). Sculling boats do not have a coxswain. 

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What is the role of the coxswain?

The coxswain is the on-the-water leader of the crew. They steer the boat, communicate with the athletes, execute race strategy, and work closely with the coaching staff to maximize the crew's performance.

Strong communication, leadership, decision-making, and confidence are just as important as rowing knowledge.

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What is the practice schedule?

Practice schedules vary by team and season. Most junior practices are held after school on weekdays with additional weekend practices.

Current practice schedules for each team are available on each program page and on the annual calendar.

 

​What does a typical practice look like?

Practices may include:

• On-water rowing

• Technical instruction

• Ergometer training

• Strength training

• Running

• Mobility and stretching

• Team meetings

Every practice is designed to help athletes improve their technique, fitness, teamwork, and racing skills.

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Is attendance important?

Yes. Because rowing is a team sport, every athlete's attendance affects the entire crew. Consistent attendance helps athletes improve while allowing boats to train together and develop chemistry throughout the season.

If your athlete has an ongoing scheduling conflict, please communicate with the coaching staff as early as possible.

 What if my athlete is running late?

Practices begin promptly so athletes can maximize valuable training time.

If your athlete expects to arrive late, please notify the coaching staff as soon as possible.

Once boats have launched, coaches are generally unable to return to the dock, so arriving on time helps keep the entire team on schedule.

Can my athlete leave practice early?

Because rowing is a team sport, leaving early is often difficult once athletes are on the water.

If your athlete has a scheduling conflict, please communicate with the coaching staff in advance whenever possible so appropriate accommodations can be discussed.

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What's the difference between Fall and Spring?

Fall Season

• Technical development

• Fitness foundation

• Head races

• Longer-distance racing

Spring Season

• Sprint racing

• Championship preparation

• Southwest Regionals

• USRowing Youth National Championship qualification​
 
Is carpooling available?

Yes.

Many families organize carpools for practices and regattas. Carpool opportunities are discussed during the preseason parent meeting, and families are encouraged to connect with others from nearby schools and communities.

 
What should my athlete bring to practice?

Athletes should bring:

• Water bottle

• Athletic clothing appropriate for the weather

• Running shoes

• Hat and sunglasses

• Sunscreen

• Small healthy snack

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What happens if weather affects practice?

Safety is always our highest priority.

Practice plans may change because of weather, water conditions, or air quality. Whenever possible, athletes will complete an alternative land-based workout.

Schedule changes are communicated through team communication channels.

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How are athletes assigned to boats?

Boat lineups are determined by the coaching staff based on many factors, including attendance, effort, technical ability, fitness, teamwork, coachability, and the needs of the crew.

Assignments may change throughout the season as athletes continue to improve.

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What high schools are represented?

Our athletes come from public, private, charter, and homeschool programs throughout Orange County and the surrounding communities.

Rowing brings together students from many different schools who share a common commitment to teamwork and excellence.

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How can parents support their athlete?

Parents are an important part of the Newport Sea Base Rowing community.

You can support your athlete by:

• Encouraging consistent attendance

• Promoting good sportsmanship

• Supporting coaches and teammates

• Helping with transportation and carpooling

• Prioritizing academics alongside athletics

• Volunteering when opportunities arise

• Celebrating effort, growth, and teamwork

Together, our athletes, coaches, and families create the positive culture that defines Newport Sea Base Rowing.

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Who should I contact if I have a question?

For questions about your athlete, practices, or racing, please contact your athlete's head coach.

For registration or general program questions, please contact the Rowing Office.

We are always happy to help.