Annapolis Junior Rowing is a national recognized rowing program that promotes the sport of rowing for fitness, competition and recreation. Being part of a rowing team builds character, discipline and work ethic along with learning how to be an integral part of a team. Rowing is considered the ultimate team sport because all athletes in the boat must have one vision, learn to work together. Athletes must trust each other to do the same thing at the same time or the boat won’t move well. They all must be committed and accountable and willing to put team success over individual success. These are skills that rowers can apply to all aspects of their adult life and why rowing with AJR could be a life-changing for your high schooler.
Participants may begin at any time throughout high school but no earlier than the summer preceding their 8th grade year or its equivalent for home-schooled youth. The program gives priority on its roster to returning rowers, with the remaining spots open to new rowers (experienced and novice) on a space-available basis. Athletes are from Anne Arundel County and the surrounding area public and private schools and homeschoolers. Athletes are held to a high athletic, academic and moral standard. Many of our rowers go on to compete at the collegiate level.
Seasons
Fall Head Race Season – September through early-November
Winter Training – Mid-December through end of February.
Spring Sprint Race Season – March through mid-May. If a crew qualifies for Youth Nationals, the season will extend to mid-June.
Summer Training – End of June through August
Many of our rowers participate year round.
New (novice) and experienced rowers are welcome to join in the fall and spring, and on a limited basis may join in the winter. Novices are also welcome to join the team for summer training after completion of a session of AJR’s or a similar Learn-to-Row Program.
For the fall and spring seasons, practices are held four to five days a week, Monday through Friday from 4:00 – 6:30 p.m. and some Sunday afternoons that we are not racing. Races in the fall and the spring are held on weekends, either one or both days. For the summer session, practices are held in the mornings and afternoons.
Location
AJR practices out of the Girl Scout’s Camp Woodlands, 2744 Riva Road, Annapolis 21401, rowing on Broad Creek and the South River. AJR has exclusive use to this rowing facility.
Registration
- All members must seasonally complete the On-line Registration, which includes Medical History and Health Insurance questions.
- All rowers are required to purchase a Championship Membership and execute an online Release of Liability (Waiver) with USRowing, our governing body. www.usrowing.org.
- In addition, all new members to AJR must submit a Swim Test Verification Form.
Fees and Costs
- Fees for members vary per season and go directly to coaching, equipment, insurance, and costs associated with training. There are additional fees for participation in regattas, to cover fees, busses, hotels and food.
- Typically, dues for the fall and spring rowing seasons do not exceed $1,100 each season.
- Other ancillary costs include the purchase of a team uniform and related racing and training gear, as well as a few other minimal expenses such as meals while traveling. There is a “no refund” policy and no pro-rating of fees.