Olympia Area Rowing is situated on Budd Inlet, at the southern-most reach of Puget Sound. It is bordered by the stately trees of Priest Point Park, grand homes and cottages, marinas, restaurants and even a golf course. Gull Harbor, accessible only at high tide, is tucked away on the far side of a sand bar just to the northwest. The waters are home to playful harbor seals, perky geoducks (clams), and smacks of jellyfish, while eagles, herons, gulls and other water birds skim across the waves. Many mornings the water is flat/calm, with very little boat traffic. An ideal place for a morning row.

High School Summer Camps
Youth between 9th and 12th grade can participate in high school summer camps. No experience necessary! Coaches work with rowers to teach them the very basics of the rowing stroke and help them continue to build physical fitness, mental strength, team skills, independence, confidence, and life skills. Practice sessions focus on multi-rower team boats and have a moderate coach-to-rower ratio. Competition plays a larger focus on the team and while not required, everyone is encouraged to compete.
Practices | Camp | Practice Days/Times | Fee | Competition Option |
---|---|---|---|---|
9 sessions (7/4 off) | Camp #1: June 27 – July 8 | M T W Th F 9:30a – 12:00p | $290 | No |
10 sessions | Camp #2: July 11-22 | M T W Th F 9:30a – 12:00p | $325 | No |
10 sessions | Camp #3: July 25 – August 5 | M T W Th F 9:30a – 12:00p | $325 | Yes* |
10 sessions | Camp #4: August 8-19 | M T W Th F 9:30a – 12:00p | $325 | No |
To get started, we use iCrew for our registration process, payment processing, and applicable forms. New users can start creating their accounts here.
Middle School Summer Camps
Youth in 7th and 8th grades can participate in the middle school summer camps. No experience necessary! Coaches work with rowers to teach them the very basics of the rowing stroke and help them learn sculling skills, feel comfortable, and gain confidence in a fun, no-stress environment of their peers. Practice sessions focus on 1-rower boats (sometimes 2-rower boats) and have a small coach-to-rower ratio.
Practices | Camp | Practice Days/Times | Fee | Competition Option |
---|---|---|---|---|
9 sessions (7/4 off) | Camp #1: June 27 – July 8 | M T W Th F 12:30p – 3:00p | $290 (camp filled!) | No |
10 sessions | Camp #2: July 11-22 | M T W Th F 12:30p – 3:00p | $325 | No |
10 sessions | Camp #3: July 25 – August 5 | M T W Th F 12:30p – 3:00p | $325 (camp filled!) | Yes* |
10 sessions | Camp #4: August 8-19 | M T W Th F 12:30p – 3:00p | $325 | No |
To get started, we use iCrew for our registration process, payment processing, and applicable forms. New users can start creating their accounts here.
Experienced Summer Rowing for Youth Rowers (middle school and high school)
For rowers who already know the rowing stroke and have rowed for at least 1 competitive season (fall or spring) with OAR (or another rowing club/team), they may join for summer rowing where the focus is more on technical development and having fun!
Rowers who have been rowing with OAR since fall 2021 will need to join the team through their iCrew account directly.
Experienced rowers who will row with another club/team and will be visiting in the summer can also row with us! They will need to create their own iCrew account and can get started here.

Adult Learn to Scull Classes
Our learn to scull classes are 5-sessions during which students learn how to handle the boats, oars, basic rowing technique, and safety. The first session is an introduction to rowing on the indoor rowing machine with on-water safety information. The following 4 days of class involve on-water training with water safety tests at the very end of the class. Classes are limited to 4 rowers to ensure positive, productive, and empowering experiences for all. Spots are on a first-come, first-served basis. Questions? Contact Learn.to.Row@OlympiaAreaRowing.org
Class | Practice Days/Times | Fee |
---|---|---|
Class #1 May 2-6 | M T W Th F 6:30p – 8:30p | $200 (class filled!) |
Class #2 May 9-13 | M T W Th F 6:30p – 8:30p | $200 (1 spot left!) |
May 20-22, 28-29 | 6:00p – 8:00p Sa-Su 8:30a – 10:30a | (class cancelled) |
Class #4 June 13-17 | M T W Th F 6:30p – 8:30p | $200 (class filled!) |
Class #5 June 17-18, 20, 22, 25 | F 6:00p – 8:00p Sa 8:30a – 10:30a M W 6:30p – 8:30p | $200 (class filled!) |
Class #6 Jun 20-24 | M T W Th F 9:00a – 11:00a | $200 (class filled!) |
Class #7 July 1-3, 9-10 | F 6:00p – 8:00p Sa-Su 8:30a – 10:30a | $200 (class filled!) |
Class #8 July 15-17, 23-24 | F 6:00p – 8:00p Sa-Su 8:30a – 10:30a | $200 (class filled!) |
Class #9 July 29, 31 August 1, 3, 7 | F 6:00p – 8:00p Su 8:30a – 10:30a M W 6:30p – 8:30p | $200 (class filled!) |
Class #10 August 12-14, 20-21 | F 6:00p – 8:00p Sa-Su 8:30a – 10:30a | $200 (class filled!) |
Class #11 August 26-29, 31 | F 6:00p – 8:00p Sa-Su 8:30a – 10:30a M W 6:30p – 8:30p | $200 (class filled!) |