Riverfront Novice/Varsity Rowing

Watkinson rowers learn to row and compete with the Riverfront Rowing Youth Program in Hartford. 

No experience necessary. Rowing is open to all students. Students who are new to the sport will learn to row in Riverfront’s Novice program, and students with Dear Watkinson Families,

Thank you for signing up for – or inquiring about – rowing as your Spring sport! 

I want to make sure you are aware of some of the logistics for rowing so you can make an informed decision about committing to the season. Watkinson rowers learn to row and compete with the Riverfront Rowing Youth Program in Hartford. Because of this, there may be some logistics you are unaware of unless you have already read the information found in the Activities and Athletics Hub. 

No experience necessary. Rowing is open to all students. Students who are new to the sport will learn to row in Riverfront’s Novice program, and students with experience may be eligible for Varsity boat lineups.

Off-campus location. Riverfront rowers train at the Hartford Boathouse in Riverside Park, under the supervision of Riverfront Rowing staff. The boathouse is located at 20 Leibert Rd, Hartford, CT 06120

Transportation. Riverfront Staff will provide transportation from Watkinson to the boathouse at the end of the school day. Parents will pick up students from the boathouse at 6:00 pm. Transportation is provided only on regular Watkinson school days. On other days, parents should make plans for alternate transportation. 

Practice times. Practices run from 3:45 - 6:00 on weekdays.

Spring schedule. The Spring 2026 Riverfront Rowing season will run from Monday, March, 9 through Friday, June 5. The Spring season starts as follows:

• Monday, March 9, 5:30 - 6:30 pm: Parent/Athlete informational meeting at the Boathouse

• Tuesday, March 10-13: Indoor practice, 3:45 - 6:00 pm

Fees. Riverfront charges a fee for rowing programs. 

• Watkinson students who are not Hartford/East Hartford residents $950

• Watkinson students who are Hartford/East Hartford residents $0 

• Please contact Riverfront to discuss financial aid

Registration. Please sign up in both places:

• To complete your Watkinson Spring activity signup,click here.

• To complete your Riverfront Rowing registration, click here.

Rowing Team Page. The Rowing Team Page gives detailed information about how rowing works in Riverfront Rowing’s Youth Program. Please check it out!

Questions?

• Questions for Riverfront staff: Contact Jonathan Near jnear@riverfront.org

• Questions for Watkinson Athletics: Contact Ann Haggerty ann_haggerty@watkinson.org

Scroll down for Riverfront’s website and Watkinson-specific schedules.