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Norcal Crew seeks new applicants

Norcal Crew, a nonprofit dedicated to the sport of rowing, is accepting applicants for both its competitive and recreational programs. Located at the Port of Redwood City, Norcal works with students in grades 9 through 12 in its competitive program and grades 6 through 12 in its recreational program.

The rowing season runs from September to May, with the primary racing season in the spring. About 100 high school students are currently enrolled, many from the Menlo Park and Atherton area, said Norcal Executive Director Alllison Frykman.

Practices vary by team but are generally from 4 to 6:30 p.m. five times a week and Saturdays morning. The fees are $3,100 per school year. For those in the recreational program, cost is pro-rated based on attendance. For example, a student who rows only one day a week pays $600 for the season.

No rowing experience is necessary to join Norcal, says Ms. Frykman. There are no height or weight restrictions. The best way to register, she says, is to come to the boatyard at 4 p.m. and talk to one of the Norcal coaches. Norcal houses its equipment at the Bair Island Aquatic Center's boathouse in the Port of Redwood City.

Norcal Crew was founded 13 years ago by Mike Still, who rowed for UCLA and was a member of the 1992 Olympic team. Ms. Frykman started her rowing career in Norcal's first year and completed her collegiate years as a member of Stanford University's women's rowing team. The coaching staff includes veteran rowers and coaches with experience from William and Mary, UC Berkeley, Purdue, Fordham and Yale.

Norcal has graduates who are rowing, or have rowed, for Stanford, Georgetown, UCLA, UC Berkeley, USC, the University of Washington, and Harvard, says Norcal parent Eric Warner of Woodside. His daughter, Makayla Warner, a senior at Woodside High School, has rowed for Norcal for five years.

Visit norcalcrew.org for more information.