How to Join

Ridgewood Crew enrolls new participants every year. Interested candidates must not be beyond their sophomore year in high school and are required to either complete a Learn to Row course or demonstrate prior rowing experience. These obligations must be fulfilled prior to the spring Competitive Racing Season. Learn to Row courses are held a various times during the month of June, and throughout the summer and early fall at the Nereid Boat Club as well as the Passaic River Rowing Association.

In addition, prior to any Learn to Row Program or competitive racing program, including Ridgewood Crew, participants must pass a Swim Test.  The swim test has 3 parts:  a 50 meter (2 laps) swim in a swimsuit, 25 meter swim in sweatshirt and sweatpants, and treading water for 5 minutes in sweatshirt and sweatpants.  Swim tests are administered at the Ridgewood YMCA.  Rowers should bring swimsuit, sweatshirt/pants, towel, change of clothing, the RC Swim Test Certification Form and $15 to cover the cost of the test and be at Grannon Pool 15 minutes prior to the beginning of their scheduled test.  Please contact Janet Oliver, Aquatics Director at the YMCA (201-444-5600 x304 or joliver@ridgewoodymca.org ) to schedule an appointment for a swim test. Swim Test Certification Form

Due to the increasing number of Ridgewood youth interested in Ridgewood Crew (and limited available seats), try-outs are required. Try-outs are typically held in January prior to the start of the on-water season in March.

For more information about Ridgewood Crew, download our Frequently Asked Questions Fact Sheet below, contact Ridgewood Crew via emailrow@ridgewoodcrew.com or fill-in the form below.