2026 VIRC Youth Spring Program
Ages 13 - 19; Grades 8 - 12
Dates: February 9, 2026 - May 18, 2026
*Some qualifying athletes will continue rowing through early June to attend the USRowing Youth Nationals
Tuesday - Friday 3:15 PM — 5:45 PM
Saturday 9:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Registration for Spring 2026 Cutoff Date: February 21, 2026
Mandatory Season Kickoff Team Meeting
Our Spring Youth Team meeting is scheduled for February 10th from 6:00-7:00 PM at the Indoor Training Center 10010 SW 210th St, Vashon, WA 98070.
This meeting is mandatory for families of new rowers. However, all families are encouraged and welcome to attend the meeting.
A Zoom link will be emailed to the email you register with for those who need to attend remotely.
Practice Schedule
TBD
*Financial aid available, see below
Regatta Schedule
One of the best parts of Spring Rowing are the fast paced race events and extended racing season. As the weather improves throughout the season we are working out way toward the Northwest Youth Rowing Championships - with some athletes qualifying to go even further and race at the USRowing Youth Nationals.
Prior to each Regatta, the coaches will send you a detailed email about what to expect along with other relevant information.
Please contact the coaches IMMEDIATELY if you have any existing conflicts with any of the following dates. The deadline to let us know if you cannot be at a Spring 2026 regatta is February 14, 2026. This includes potential Nationals dates.
If someone is not able to attend but does not inform us and we plan on an athlete being there, other rowers may not be able to row.
Spring Regatta Dates
TBD
Program Overview
Spring Season is dedicated to providing our athletes with competitive 1,500 and 2,000 meter racing experience. We train 5-6 days a week, with several local racing opportunities throughout the season. Training will focus on getting the athletes' fitness and technical skills race ready and will include time focused on the nuances of 2,000 meter races.
Our season will be capped off with the USRowing Northwest Youth Championship, with eligible crews working to qualify at that regatta for Youth Nationals in June.
New Rowers (Novices):
Novice rowers will train alongside experienced rowers for the most part and will have opportunities to row up in mixed squad lineups.
Youth interested in coxing should reach out to Delany Steele at director@vashoncrew.com.
Brand new rowers (youth in middle or high school ages 13-19 with no rowing experience) are welcome to sign up before February 21, 2026.
Season Notes:
Midwinter Break (February 16 - February 20)
Spring Break (April 6 - April 10) practice schedule will be shared at a later date
Boats qualifying for Youth Nationals will have additional required practices from May 18 - June 6
Optional practices between May 25 - June 6 may be available for boats that do not qualify for Youth Nationals.
Head Coach: Ben Steele
Assistant Coach: Aidan Teachout
Assistant Coach:
Novice Coach:
Registration Covers:
Coached practices Monday through Saturday
Equipment
Regatta entry fees
Regatta meals (for regattas with a VIRC team food tent)
Hotel cost for athletes at Northwest Youth Championships
Please note: USRowing Membership (required for racing) and all travel costs (ferry, transportation/carpooling to and from regattas) are not included in this registration.
Youth Nationals is an additional travel regatta and is not covered by season fees. More information will be shared as we approach the end of the season, or you can send questions to director@vashoncrew.com.
Financial Aid
Scholarships are available based upon need and funding availability.
Click here to complete your confidential application prior to registering your rower if possible.
All applications are evaluated by the George Pocock Rowing Foundation (GPRF); no one at VIRC sees the applications.