Juniors
The DRC’s highly regarded Junior Rowing Program serves over 100 youth from Duluth-Superior and surrounding areas. The Junior Program is for boys and girls aged 13 years old through the summer they graduate from high school.
Junior rowers practice daily from 8:00-10:00 a.m., Monday-Friday, from the first Monday after school is out until mid-August.
First-year junior rowers attend “Novice Camp” held the first two weeks of practice, from 10:30 am – 12:00 pm, Monday-Friday. After the two weeks, novices join the rest of the Junior crew at the 8:00 am practice time.
Youth learn to row in all types of boats. Daily practice focuses on rowing technique and fitness with the goal of rowing well and fast. When there is inclement weather, youth train on rowing machines, or “ergs.” Safety boats are out at all times when youth are rowing on the water.
The DRC Junior Crews compete with regional teams and consistently bring home medals from regattas. During a usual season, juniors can compete in 3-5 regattas. Regattas are located in Duluth, Minneapolis, Thunder Bay, Ontario, Kenora, Ontario, and the Northwest International Rowing Association Championship Regatta, which rotates among member clubs. Some juniors also row in the fall in Duluth’s Death Row Regatta and Minneapolis’ Head of the Mississippi Regatta.
The DRC awards sports letters through the school district for junior rowers who meet specific criteria. Each year, several junior rowers go on to row with colleges and university programs throughout the US; some receive scholarships.
2026 Program Details
Prerequisites:
No previous rowing experience necessary
Must pass a swim test, administered by YMCA May 18-21 4-5pm. See here for details.
Season:
June 8,2026 through mid-August
Days/Times:
Monday – Friday
8:00 – 10:00 a.m.
Novice Camp
For first time youth rowers.
June 8-19
Monday – Friday, 10:30 am-12:30 pm.
Returning rowers will start on June 8 at 8am-10am. All junior rowers (novices and experienced) will row together starting June 22 8-10am.
Additional practices for competing juniors may be added later in the season.
Junior Membership Fee:
$295
The Duluth Regatta fee is $45 and is automatically tacked on to your Junior Rowing Registration fee ($250+$45=$295). This is because we want all junior rowers to race/participate in some way at the Duluth Regatta on July 11. If a rower does not feel ready to race or does not want to race, that’s ok! We encourage everyone to come volunteer in the many roles available. The $45 fee is required regardless of participation. You can find more information on our fees in the parent handbook.
Juniors:
June 8 through mid-August
Family:
Mid-May through Mid-October
Family includes members living together in the same household.
If any fees create a hardship for your family, DRC has scholarship funds available. Simply reach out to hello@duluthrowing.org to inquire.
The Club commits itself to the principle that there shall be no discrimination in the treatment of persons because of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, or other protected class.
Rowing Resources
Why do we row?
For the answer to this and other general rowing questions, read our FAQ.