Oakland Strokes

Fees + Expenses

Membership fees for 2011/2012 year are:

• Fall season (September - December): $1,150
• Spring season (January - May): $1,150

Oakland Strokes is a non-profit organization. We work to keep our fees as low as possible, given our overhead. Your membership fees cover nearly 18 hours per week of expert coaching, the purchase and maintenance of top-flight equipment, insurance, and membership in the US Rowing organization.

Membership fees do NOT cover required wet weather gear, uniform and travel expenses. See below for estimated costs of these items.

The cost of full participation is estimated to be between $3500 - $4500.

Financial aid

Oakland Strokes is committed to extending the benefits of rowing to as many athletes as we can. Scholarship money is available for those in need. Please contact us about Financial Aid options or download a financial aid application.

• Download the scholarship application
  

Travel expenses

Oakland Strokes is a competitive rowing team. Our teams travel to New Mexico, San Diego, Long Beach, Sacramento. Our varsity teams often travel to the East coast to compete against other nationally ranked teams at the National Championships. Away regattas are an incredible time for rowers, where they not only get to test themselves in racing situations, but they deepen their friendships with their teammates and create memories that last a lifetime.

While membership fees cover travel expenses to league races, several regatta events are not “league races” and are not covered by registration fees. Rowers chosen to compete in these events must pay for them separately. During the fall season there may be one non-league race with travel expenses of approximately $500. During the spring season, there are several non-league races with travel expenses of $500–$1,000.

Required team gear

Every rower is required to purchase a waterproof rowing jacket and pants at a one-time cost of $150-200. It gets very cold out on the water, especially in the winter, and we need to ensure that rowers are adequately protected from the elements. We order high-quality garments at a good price, and embroider each athlete’s initials, ensuring that your investment won’t be lost.

Refund policy

New members can try rowing risk-free during our two-week mandatory tryout period. If you are selected and choose to join the team, your $220 trial fee will be credited towards the season’s membership fees.

Once you have been accepted to the team, registration fees are non-refundable.

Additional requirements

It takes 9 people to row an eight and it takes a small village to run a regatta! As part of your membership, each family must participate in both fundraising and volunteer support.

Fundraising—Rowers are required to participate in all fundraising events. The Ergathon, which is held in early December, raises funds to cover club operating expenses and scholarships. Depending on the annual budget, Ergathon goals range from $300-500 per rower.

Parent volunteer hours—Oakland Strokes relies heavily on parent support. Parents benefit from volunteering too—by getting to know each other, staying connected with their kids, and learning about this intriguing sport! All parents are expected to volunteer for a minimum of 20 hours per season.

Volunteer opportunities are listed on the registration forms. Choose what you’d like to do to contribute—or, we’ll find something for you to do!

• Reimbursement Forms

Discounts Available!

Make a donation to the Oakland Strokes, and you’ll receive a spring fee discount! Contribute:

• $2700 and get 100% off Spring fees
• $2150 get 75% off
• $1600 get 50% off
• $1150 get 25% off

Donate online

We use PayPal to securely process your donations online. When you click on the Donate button you will be transferred to PayPal to complete your transaction.