Middle School Rowing
2026 UVRF MIDDLE SCHOOL (6/7/8th Grade) ROWING PROGRAM (MSR)
The UVRF MSR program is a 6 week program that is open to all 6th, 7th and 8th graders regardless of experience. This program introduces middle school students to rowing in a non-competitive, fun-learning environment and does not include racing. On the water, participants will learn to scull (rowing with 2 oars each) in coxed quads (four person rowing shells with a coxswain to steer). All participants will be required to both cox and row.
For those middle school rowers who participated in the program last year, there is the option of signing up for “MSR2A or MSR2B” which are only for experienced rowers.
Seats are limited (maximum of 12 participants per session) so sign up well in advance.
Registration opens March 2 at 8:00 a.m. (we will also maintain a wait list).
Coaches: Dylan Hartwick, Ryan Hickox, Pam Tengdin
Mandatory UVRF SWIM TEST at the CCBA in Lebanon, NH is Wednesday, March 25 from 6 – 7 p.m. Please NOTE that UVRF Swim tests are good for five years, so you do not have to repeat the test this year if you took it within the last 5 years.
Program Dates: Week 1 April 13-17, 2026, then Spring Break week (no practice), then Weeks 2-5 April 27 – May 29, 2026
Location:
Week 1: Indoor introduction to Rowing. Burnham Boat Slings, 57 Hanover St, Lebanon, NH .
Weeks 2 – 5: Kendal Riverfront Park
MSR Program Options (All sessions have a maximum of 12 participants)
MSR 1A – Coach: Ryan Hickox MSR 1A is for middle school rowers who have never rowed, or who have rowed but prefer this schedule. This group will meet M/W/F from 5:15 – 6:45 pm.
MSR 1B – Coach: TBD: MSR 1B is also for middle school rowers who have never rowed, or who have rowed but prefer this 2 day/week schedule. This group will meet Tu/Th from 5:15 – 6:45 p.m.
MSR 2A – Coach: Dylan Hartwick: MSR 2A is for middle school rowers who have completed at least one season of MSR rowing, or by permission of the coach and the Executive Director (Chuck Nagle at executive.director.uvrf@gmail.com). This group will meet M/W/F from 3:30 – 5:00 p.m.
MSR2B – Coach: Pam Tengdin MSR 2B is for middle school rowers who have completed at least one season of MSR rowing, or by permission of the coach and the Executive Director (Chuck Nagle at executive.director.uvrf@gmail.com). This group will meet Tu/Th from 3:30 – 5:00 p.m
Cost:
MSR 1A and 2A (3x/week): $300
MSR 1B and MSR 2B (2x/week): $200
Please note that the UVRF Middle School Rowing Program is not a school program. Participants will need to arrange their own carpools to practices.
- UVRF Junior membership is a prerequisite. You may register for Spring-Only Junior membership, or the Annual Junior Membership (if you plan to row summer and/or fall).
- Members of UVRF are also required to be members of USRowing, so choose the individual option to join or login to your existing USRowing account to see if it’s time to renew your USRowing membership for this calendar year. (The cost in 2025 is $25 to join at the Basic membership rate; $20 to renew.) Choose the individual option and use the club code 4FWDQ.
- All participants must (1) watch the USRowing Safety Video; and (2) take the UVRF swim test (good for 5 years), both of which will be scheduled for a date prior to the start of the season; those who cannot pass the swim test may still participate since we require ALL rowers wear a belt style Personal Flotation Device (provided by UVRF) during practice. Parents are encouraged to watch the USRowing Safety Video as well. Link to the Safety video. Membership, if you didn’t take the swim test last year, please enter 2025 as the year for your swim test.
Generous Financial Aid!!!! (including installment payment option and partial or full scholarship) available from the UVRF Scholarship Fund. Contact Carin Reynolds (carin.reynolds@gmail.com) in confidence for details.
Also — looking for launch parents for the 5 weeks we are on the water. Interested? Email UVRF Executive Director Chuck Nagle at executive.director.uvrf@gmail.com.
Please note that to protect our rowers and to comply with USRowing requirements, dock parent volunteers must submit either a copy of their SafeSport certification (for any sport) or a signed copy of the UVRF/USRowing MAAPP: Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policies to the Head Coach.
Got questions? Email Chuck at executive.director.uvrf@gmail.com