Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time to join crew?

Ninth or tenth grade.

Where do WYRA crews row and race?

We row on the Christina River in Wilmington, Delaware. Crews can row approx. 8 miles upstream and 4 miles downstream. WYRA hosts the Head of the Christina Regatta, held each year on the first Sunday in October. Youth, college, and masters rowers from throughout the middle Atlantic area compete in the 2.75 mile head race.

WYRA also hosts two races in April. High schools and youth programs from Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut compete in 1500m. races on the Christina.

WYRA crews also race in the 12 mile row around Wye Island, Navy Day, the Head of the Schuylkill, and the Bill Braxton Memorial Regattas in Philadelphia, the Head of the Charles in Boston, at St. Andrews in Middletown, DE and at the Northeast Regional Junior Championships at Yale. In 1992 WYRA's girls' four won the bronze medal at the USRowing Youth Invitational Championships in Cinncinnati, Ohio and in June, 2003 WYRA's girls varsity eight competed at the Henley Women's Regatta in Henley, England.

What is the number of rowers in WYRA competitive crew?

90 boys and girls. We want everyone to row, therefore we only take as many rowers as we have seats in boats.

What is the number of rowers in Row-For-It!™?

200.

What do kids row?

Our rowers do sweep rowing in fours and eights. Some of our rowers scull in singles and doubles in the summer. In fall 2003 we will introduce limited sculling in WYRA's Octuple (8 seats, 16 oars) to all novice rowers.

Who coaches the program?

Coaches for our competitive crews are all highly experienced high school/college level rowers/coaches. Many have their USRowing Level II/lll coaching certificates.

Coaches in our Row-For-It!^™ camps are all seniors in our competitive program or WYRA alumni currently rowing in college.