What Families Need to Know

Welcome to the team! We’re excited to have your child — and your family — join the Huron Rowing community. Rowing is more than a sport: it builds strength, discipline, and lifelong friendships. Parents often find that they benefit, too, by becoming part of a close-knit, supportive community.

Because rowing is a team effort both on and off the water, families play an important role in helping the program succeed. Huron’s crew team receives minimal funding from the school, so we depend on family and community involvement — whether through volunteering, cheering at regattas, or lending a hand with fundraising. Together, we’ll ensure every rower has a great experience, and you’ll quickly see how rewarding it is to be part of this team! 

All families:

• Participate in at least four University of Michigan Tailgate Trash Clean Ups. This is our largest fundraiser, and it generates over $10K in revenue for HRA!
• Volunteer throughout the season with Regatta Support. This includes food donations, tent set up, meal prep, serving, and clean up at regattas.
• Participate in various fundraising opportunities with the club.

Helpful Resources

• Guide for New Rowers & Parents
• Registration Information
• Team Commitments

FAQs

Where can I learn more about rowing?
There are some great resources on the US Rowing website. You're also always welcome to ask questions of the coaches or other parents! 

How do I register & pay assessment fees?

Learn more about the registration process here. All users will need to create an account before they will be able to register. Established users can simply sign in.

What is the cost?

AAPS requires all athletes to “Pay to Participate”. This one time per year fee covers the costs for all sports throughout the school year.

HRA has an Assessment Fee for each season. Please click on the current season's information to learn more. (You do not have to row both seasons. Fall is a club sport and Spring is Scholastic). We also offer Winter Conditioning & Summer Conditioning, and those costs vary and will be announced in advance. Participation in Winter & Summer Conditioning is encouraged, but it is not required.

For your convenience, HRA does offer optional payment plans which are available during the checkout process. If you have concerns regarding cost and require financial assistance, you can apply for our Scholarship Program. Visit the HRA website, click "About Us" and select the tab “Documents & Forms”. Here, you will find the Scholarship Application.

Why is the cost so high?

We do our very best to keep costs as low as possible. However, rowing is an expensive sport. But why?

#1. Having enough coaches on the water for appropriate supervision and rower development requires an investment in launches as well as coaching staff.

#2. Our largest cost is that to acquire and maintain our fleet.  Modern crew boats are expensive to purchase, insure and maintain–a new quad typically costs close to $35,000, for example, before adding $3,000 to purchase oars for it–that works out to over $8,000 per seat).  High quality boats are fairly durable, but with heavy use boats gradually break down and lose their structural integrity over time and need to be replaced after many seasons. In the same way that a used car loses value or depreciates, boats, too, lose some of their value as they are used over many seasons.  By accounting for depreciation in the budget, we ensure adequate funds are available to pay down loans and purchase new equipment.   

#3. We receive very limited funds from the school to offset our expenses.  

What equipment will my rower need?

All Novice rowers will be required to purchase a “novice t-shirt,” and our JV/Varsity rowers will be required to purchase a “uni." Our Spirit Wear & Apparel Representative will be in contact at the beginning of the season regarding these items.

Additionally, while not required, it is suggested to purchase slide sandals or crocs as well as polarized sunglasses, a sports bag, water bottle, coat/windbreaker and a visor.

HRA does have team branded visors and windbreakers as well as a variety of other spirit wear and apparel available for purchase. Click on “Spirit Wear” to view the online store.

Where do we practice and attend regattas?

Fall, Spring & Summer Practices are held at Bandemer Park/Argo Pond on the Huron River. Huron High School & Pioneer High School share a boathouse with Ann Arbor Rowing Club. The physical address for map purposes is 1325 Lake Shore Drive, Ann Arbor.

Winter Conditioning is located in the lower level are of Athletics located at Huron High School.

Regatta locations vary each season. Check the season's information page for more details.

What happens during a regatta?

Be ready for a long day and come prepared! Regattas are the competitions associated with rowing. Races are scheduled throughout the day and it is a process getting the boats on and off the water as well as ready to race.

Our coaches do they very best to provide you as much information as possible regarding the regatta including location, time, race line ups etc.

The rowers will typically be in the vicinity of the Team Tents enjoying Regatta Support (meals, snacks and drinks), resting, or even doing some homework! They also provide dock support as needed for their teammates.

As for parents/families/friends, we encourage you sign up for a shift with Regatta Support sometime throughout the day. It takes a village to assure we are providing our rowers hot, nutritious meals that will give them the energy they need to perform well.

Otherwise, you can spend your time checking out the race course. Some race sites have onsite food and apparel vendors and often the courses offer an opportunity to stretch your legs up and down the waterfront. Suggested items you might like to have during a regatta include: camping chair, blanket, snacks/picnic lunch, extra set of clothes for your rower including socks, a hat and sunscreen. It is also suggested you check the weather forecast and dress in layers and take into account we are on the waterfront.

Please note, only rowers and coaches are allowed in the boat staging area during the regatta.

What should I bring to regattas?

Race days can be long, especially for spectators. Here are some items to help you follow the races and remain comfortable throughout the days!

• Foldable chairs. There is often an open area to set these up. Large regattas, such as Nationals, may have bleachers, but do not expect seating to be provided!
• Rain protection. Ponchos, umbrellas, extra layers, etc.
• Sun protection. You too will be in the sun all day! Just like rowers, you should bring sunscreen/hats/umbrellas
• Cash. Some regattas require payment for parking, not many and we try to give a heads up, but it’s good to come prepared. There are also merchandise tents and larger regattas, usually these accept card.