The 2026 season is underway, and this year’s Novice Girls are already bringing plenty of energy and excitement to the boathouse. Made up entirely of first-year rowers, this group is learning the sport together from the ground up—and they are off to a great start.
One Team, One Starting Line
Novice Girls Practice
At NAC, all of our novice athletes begin the season as one true novice team. For the first few months, age takes a back seat as the girls learn what it means to row, race, and work together. Later in the season, they will split into their respective age categories, but before that happens, they will have two exciting opportunities to race together as a full novice squad.
From Home Waters to Head Races
Their first taste of racing will come close to home at the Lido Chase scrimmage on October 4, held right here on our home course. From there, the team will head north to Sacramento for Head of the American, giving the girls their first opportunity to race away from home and experience the energy of a larger regatta.
Fast Boats, Stronger Teammates
This group has quickly shown that they know how to work hard while still having fun. One of our biggest focuses this season has been learning how to be competitive with one another without losing sight of being teammates. We want the girls to push each other every day—on the erg, on the water, and at practice—while still being the first ones to cheer when a teammate succeeds. Learning that someone else’s success can motivate you rather than take away from your own is a big part of the culture we’re working to build.
That combination of determination, encouragement, and enthusiasm is already helping this group grow stronger together.
Finding the Rhythm
The fall is also about laying the foundation. We’re spending a lot of time developing technique in the boat and building the cardiovascular base that the girls will rely on as their training progresses.
This group has especially taken to learning through metaphors. Everyday scenarios have become one of our favorite ways to explain what should be happening in the boat. Usually, they get a laugh first, followed by that light-bulb moment when a movement that felt complicated suddenly makes perfect sense. Those moments have made learning a new and challenging sport a little more approachable—and a lot more fun.
The First Strokes of What’s Ahead
There is still plenty for this group to learn, but that’s what makes the novice season so exciting. Every practice brings something new: a better stroke, a faster piece, a boat that suddenly starts to move together, or simply a little more confidence than the day before.
With a group of new athletes ready to work hard, compete, support one another, and have some fun along the way, we’re excited to see how far this team can go.
