The high school program is designed to introduce youth athletes to rowing and help them develop the skills needed for competition. During the fall season, athletes participate in head races—endurance events typically spanning close to 5,000 meters. In the spring, the focus shifts to sprints, which are shorter, high-intensity races covering 1,500 to 2,000 meters. Although the program primarily emphasizes large boats, TRC rowers compete in both sculling and sweep disciplines.

Practices take place five to six days a week during the season and involve comprehensive training including on-water practice, rowing machines (ergs), land conditioning, and other forms of cardio. Our well-rounded athletes also participate in off-season training in the Summer and Winter.

Students become eligible for the High School program when they enter ninth grade. Most spend their first competitive year as novices before advancing to the varsity level in subsequent seasons.

Many TRC rowers have gone on to compete at the collegiate level, with some earning athletic scholarships to prestigious universities across North America. See our achievements page for more.

TRC's high school program is open to all students in 9th-12th grade. No prior experience necessary! All TRC athletes must have basic swimming ability and a valid and clear sports physical.

Depending on the time of year, TRC's high school athletes practice between 4-6 times per week. In-season, our practice schedule is as follows:

High School Program - Monday through Saturday

• Practices are 3:30 - 6:00 pm during the week and 8:00 - 11:00 am on Saturday
• Monday practices are varsity only

In the months of November and February, we observe an earlier practice end time due to the earlier sunset.

Our successful athletes also participate in off-season training (see our full training calendar).

TRC athletes train year-round. We practice during two competitive seasons and two off-season training periods.

Competitive Seasons

The Fall season runs from mid-August to early November. These races are longer (close to 5,000m), and require solid endurance and pacing. Crews do not start together, but instead race the clock to post the best time.

The Spring season runs from mid-February to mid-May. Crews that qualify for Nationals will train through mid-June. Spring races are shorter (typically 1,500 to 2,000m in length) and athletes focus more heavily on sprint training. Boats race side-by-side in intense competition.

Off-Season Training

Our athletes continue to train in the Summer and Winter seasons. 

The Summer is designed to allow athletes to stay sharp throughout the Summer break, and get an opportunity to try new boat classes. High school athletes practice 4 mornings per week.

Winter Training is a key to TRC's success in the spring. During the colder winter months, we move indoors and hold 3-5 practices per week including erging, strength training, and other forms of conditioning.

In the Fall, all high school athletes participate in three regattas. All athletes are eligible to be selected to attend the Head of the Hooch (Chattanooga, TN) and the Head of the Charles (Boston, MA) regattas.

Our Spring schedule is similar. All high school athletes will attend three regattas. Select crews will attend Regionals, with the opportunity to qualify to attend Nationals.

Most of our races take place across the Southeast, as close to home as High Point, NC or as far away as Sarasota, FL. Head of the Charles is the notable exception!

Our most recent competitive season dues were $1,650. This amount covers equipment, travel, food, lodging, and our highly qualified coaching staff. There are additional fees for select regattas. High school athletes make a one-time uniform purchase. In the off-season, dues typically range from $165-$275. Payment plans & scholarships are available.

Triangle Rowing Club (TRC)  wants to make the sport of rowing more accessible to our community. In pursuit of that goal, we support our athletes through need-based financial aid. 

Our TRC Financial Assistance fund is an important factor in promoting enrollment by awarding eligible families the monetary boost needed to bring rowing costs within their reach. The club benefits by extending this helping hand, so we earnestly encourage those in need to apply.

New athletes are encouraged to attend a Learn-to-Row camp in the Summer or Sneak Peek Week at the beginning of our competitive seasons to see if TRC will be a good fit for you before committing to our seasonal dues. Sneak Peek Week details, Summer Learn-to-Row Camp information, and other opportunities to meet the team are all available on our Join page. We look forward to meeting you!

Have prior rowing experience?

Reach out to coach@trianglerowing.org to learn how to join the team

All TRC athletes must be medically cleared to participate in rigorous activity. Physicals are valid for one year, and must be uploaded at the start of each season.

Triangle Rowing Club accepts two physical forms. Linked below are the forms you'll need to bring to the doctor's office when you go for your next sports physical!

TRC Medical Practitioner Clearance Form
NCHSAA Preparticipation Physical Evaluation