Rowing is a challenging but incredibly rewarding sport. Among other things, rowers develop terrific strength and endurance, make a tight-knit group of friends, compete at a national level and learn lifelong lessons in dedication and time management.

Jackson-Reed Crew is open to any new athletes attending Jackson-Reed High School.  If you have never rowed before, you will join the novice/freshmen squad.

Joining the team requires no prior experience. Because rowing is not available until the high school level, freshmen have a unique opportunity to learn and explore a new sport, starting on equal footing with their classmates and competitors. Over the course of the year, incoming student-athletes go from never having stepped into a boat to rowing at a very competitive level and are ready to join the varsity squad in their second year. 

All athletes new to Jackson-Reed Crew must take a swim test but prior swimming experience is not required.  If you do not pass the swim test at first, you can still participate in Jackson-Reed Crew - the program will arrange swim instruction.  You will wear an approved PFD at all times when you are on the water.  Once you feel your swimming abilities and/or fitness have improved enough, inform your coach and he/she will setup another swim test.

Swim test exceptions are allowed for athletes who previously passed a swim test for the 8th grade Learn-to-Row program and athletes who would rather wear an approved personal flotation device (PFD) while on the water. 

For the swim test, athletes should wear non-cotton athletic clothing (not a swimsuit).

● Part 1: Swim 100 yards with any stroke or combination of strokes without stopping or hanging on the ends or lane lines.  Speed and form do not matter.

● Part 2: Tread water for 5 minutes

Swim instruction resources:

● DC Parks and Recreation - Learn to Swim Programs

● National Capital Swim School

In October, some practice time will shift to the morning, and a Saturday 9-11AM practice will be added.