Competitive Varsity & Novice
AJRA Competitive Squads compete at the highest level of high school rowing, racing against many premier rowing teams in the Southeast. Men and women compete at the novice level for their first two seasons regardless of age and are then eligible for the appropriate varsity squad.
The first two weeks are an easy way for you to “try out” the commitment of competitive rowing for you and your family’s schedule, before committing financially to the full season. Athletes should possess a positive attitude, work ethic, and be a good teammate. Although we do not do “cuts,” attendance, athleticism (e.g. fitness, strength), erg scores, and rowing technique will all contribute to boat selection.
PRACTICE SCHEDULE
Practices are held at the AJRA boathouse in Roswell weekdays 4:30-7:00 and weekends 7-9:30 am or 9-11:30 am depending on squad.
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Fall practices run mid-August through mid-November and are held five days a week.
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Spring practices are held six days per week and begin in late January running through mid-May.
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Novice practices focus on rowing technique, strength training and teamwork needed for speed and competitiveness on the water.
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Varsity practice includes extensive strength and conditioning training on the water and land.
TRAVEL
Our registration fees cover travel costs to all regattas except those designated for select teams (Head of the Charles, AYC I and Youth Nationals require additional fees). Registration fees include bus transportation, hotel stays, and meals from our food tent. Fall racing includes 3-4 regattas and Spring includes 4-5 regattas. Most are 4-7 hours driving distance to Atlanta. More details on the racing schedule will be provided at our parent meetings held after the first week of practices. Below you will find the tentative schedule for fall and spring season.
9.21.24
First 500 (All Varsity, Novice)
Roswell, GA
10.12.24
Secret City Head Race (All Varsity, Novice)
Oak Ridge, TN
10.18.24
Head of the Charles (Select Varsity)
Boston, MA
10.26.24
Music City Head Race
(All Varsity, Novice) Nashville, TN
11.1.24
Head of the Hooch
(All Varsity, Novice)
Chattanooga, TN
11.9.24
Sandbar Scramble Exhibition
(All Varsity, Novice, Squads, Rec)
Roswell, GA
2.15.25
AYC 1 (Select Varsity)
Sarasota, FL
3.8.25
OARS Invitational (All Varsity, Novice)
Orlando, FL
3.29.25
AYC 2 (All Varsity, Novice)
Gainesville, GA
4.26.25
Dogwood Championships
(All Varsity, Novice) Oak Ridge, TN
5.10.25
Southeast Regionals
(All Varsity, Novice)
Gainesville, GA
5.17.25
Roswell Rumble
(All Varsity, Novice, Squads, Rec)
Roswell, GA
COLLEGIATE RECORD
AJRA rowers spend a lot of time at the boathouse during challenging academic school years. They learn very quickly how manage time efficiently and stay focused in order to achieve academic excellence. The structure and skill required of AJRA athletes provides lifelong benefit, and by the time they are seniors, AJRA rowers demonstrate how discipline and perseverance make them successful both on and off the water.
