Elementary Rowing Team
Launching September 2026
Waynor Rowing offers a beginner-friendly elementary rowing team for young athletes who are curious, active, and ready to try something new. Designed specifically for younger rowers, the program focuses on safety, confidence, coordination, teamwork, and the joy of moving together on the water. No rowing experience is required — athletes are taught the basics through clear instruction, patient coaching, and a supportive team environment.
Rowers will practice with the same teammates, work with coaches, learn shared routines, and grow through the season together. Like other youth sports teams, the goal is not just to learn a skill — it is to build confidence, connection, responsibility, and the feeling of being part of a tribe.
Registration for the 2026 fall season will open on July 1. Stay tuned for more information about middle school and high school rowing, launching in 2027.
Why elementary-age rowing?
We’re taking a different approach
Most rowing programs begin in high school, which means younger athletes often miss the chance to experience one of the best team sports available. We’re taking a different approach — not because young athletes need more pressure earlier, but because they deserve access to the benefits of rowing sooner.
When designed specifically for elementary-age athletes, rowing can build coordination, confidence, focus, teamwork, and the powerful feeling of moving together toward a shared goal. With patient coaching, appropriate equipment, clear safety expectations, real instruction, and a focus on fun, we help younger athletes begin rowing in a way that feels safe, welcoming, and age-appropriate.
First Strokes Team
For elementary school athletes beginning their rowing journey
A first team experience in rowing designed around safety, confidence, coordination, teamwork, and fun. Athletes will learn the foundations of rowing through age-appropriate instruction, progressive skill-building, and a team culture where they can belong from day one.
Best for:
Elementary-age athletes ages 8–11 who are curious, active, and excited to try something new. Most participants will be in grades 3–5, depending on age and readiness.
Experience required:
None! Beginners are welcome and encouraged. We teach rowers what they need to know from the start, so athletes do not have to show up already knowing how rowing works.
Athletic readiness:
Athletes should be able to participate in sustained physical activity. Because rowing takes place on the water, athletes need to be able to stay engaged for the full session and row back with the group.
What athletes learn:
Confidence, coordination, teamwork, listening skills, water awareness, basic rowing movement, and joy in sport.
Fall Team Details
First Strokes
Who it’s for:
Athletes ages 8–11.
Location:
Lake Sammamish State Park in Issaquah.
Team Practices:
75-minute practice sessions on Wednesday and Friday afternoons, September 9 – October 30.
Registration:
Opens July 1. The total cost is $750 for the fall season.
Ready to help your athlete begin?
If your elementary-age athlete is curious about rowing, ready to try something new, or looking for a team experience that feels different in all the right ways, we’d love to help you take the next step.