MCRA Juniors
Maine Coast Rowing Association offers year-round rowing training and racing opportunities to students in the 8th through 12th grades. We are looking to start a middle school squad in 2023. Our goal is to spread the joy and technique of sculling and sweep rowing in the greater Midcoast Maine area. Our facilities are conveniently located in Brunswick, Maine easily accessible for families across the region. We primarily row on the Lower Androscoggin River providing some of the best water to row on in New England. Both new and experienced rowers are welcome.
Rowing is about more than the meters you put in on the water with an oar or sculls in your hand(s). It is also about the steps you take off the water, both physically and mentally to improve yourself as an athlete. It is about the discipline to pursue goals and challenges. Our program is designed to maximize each athlete's potential all while creating a supportive, familial environment.
Scholarships are available
MCRA is fully committed to ensuring that all who want to row can take part in our program. Limited financial aid is available each season to help those with the greatest need. If you anticipate that you will apply for financial aid, please reach out to the MCRA Director/Head Coach as soon as possible to discuss the process. All discussions are private and confidential with our scholarship review team.
E-mail rowbrunswick@gmail.com to request financial assistance.
MCRA Juniors Fall 2022
MCRA Juniors Fall 2021
what does a typical rowing season look like? Below is an approximate schedule. For specific season details, see the Registration Page.
Fall (11 weeks)
In the fall, rowing occurs exclusively at the MCRA Boatyard in Brunswick, Maine. Rowing occurs rain or shine. In severe weather or unsafe water conditions, rowing will be canceled or the athletes will participate in dry-land exercises.
PRACTICES:
September to early November
Four weekdays, after school
One weekend day, morning
REGATTAS:
Depending on the experience level of the rowers, there will be approximately 5 regattas available to our teams. With the exception of elite competitions that are invite-only, regatta fees are included in the cost of registration.
Winter (5 weeks)
Winter Training occurs at the Brunswick Recreation Center. During winter training rowers continue to build on speed and strength through weight training, bodywork, and ergometer training to build aerobic resistance, exp=losive power, and mental fortitude.
PRACTICES:
January / February
Five weekdays, after school
Spring (14 weeks)
In the spring, rowing begins with indoor training at the Brunswick Recreation Center. Once the weather improves to allow for outdoor rowing, MCRA utilizes the Bowdoin College Boat House on the New Meadows River. As the river conditions on the Androscoggin improve, our rowers will move to the MCRA boatyard. Rowing occurs rain or shine. In severe weather or unsafe water conditions, rowing will be canceled or the athletes will participate in dry-land exercises.
PRACTICES:
Early March to early June
Five weekdays, after school
REGATTAS:
Depending on the experience level of the rowers, there will be approximately 5 regattas available to our teams. With the exception of elite competitions that are invite-only, regatta fees are included in the cost of registration.
Summer Sessions
Summer rowing occurs exclusively at the MCRA Boatyard in Brunswick. Summer rowers may select from a series of two-week-long sessions and weekly coached open row sessions.
PRACTICES:
End of June to mid-August
Two-week sessions, five days a week, morning
Weekly open row sessions, two weekday evenings and one weekend day morning
REGATTAS:
Regatta fees are not included in the summer registration fees. If a regatta is scheduled, the rower is responsible for paying the fee(s).
