ABOUT THE TEAM
Our first season was in the Spring of 2015. Rowing is a Co-Ed Club Sport with spring, fall, and winter seasons. We are a CO-OP team for Spring Lake High School and Grand Haven High School. All academically eligible high school-age students in the SL and GH areas are welcome, including homeschool students. Rowers can join whichever season works best around their other activities. Rowing is easy to learn. It mainly requires a strong work ethic, determination, and team spirit. With the right attitude, anyone can learn to row; with perseverance, he/she can build the physical strength and ability to compete. Unlike many other sports that require elite training from a young age, rowing is something many high school athletes could easily continue to do at a collegiate level. The team rows out of Spring Lake Middle School Grand River access, south of the soccer fields and west of the football field. On the river, we have a large floating dock for dry launching. If you are new to rowing, please see our website FAQs section under the MENU tab for general information on what to wear and bring to practice. Scroll down for info about how to sign up for team communications. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
SEEKING TO HIRE ROWING TEAM COACHES FOR WINTER/SPRING 2027 – HEAD COACH AND ASSISTANT COACH POSITIONS ARE OPEN. Please use the contact form below to email the team for more information.
SL-GH High School Team announces completion of the Winter Boathouse and thanks the donors who made it possible.
Pictured above, rowing team founder and President, Paul Winter, on the left with son, Daniel Winter, who was one of the first rowers on the team, going on to rowing at GVSU and returning to coach the team.
MIDDLE SCHOOL ROWING FALL 2026
The middle school program provides 7th and 8th-graders with an introduction to rowing. Kids will learn the fundamentals of rowing technique on land (using rowing machines, or “ergs”) and on the water in a safe, fun environment. Participants will master essential skills, including identifying boat parts, navigating rowing commands, and proper boat handling. Through teamwork and discipline, rowers will build strength, confidence, and camaraderie, preparing them for future competitive success on the high school team. No experience is necessary. SLGH Crew is a co-ed, club sport open to all West Michigan students.
Dates & Practice Times
9/14/26 to 10/14/26 (5 weeks)
Mondays & Wednesdays, 3:30 PM – 4:45 PM
Location
SLGH Crew Docks located behind the lacrosse field at Spring Lake Middle School, 345 Hammond St. Spring Lake, MI 49456
Who Can Participate
7th and 8th-grade boys and girls from all area schools.
Cost
$100 per athlete (financial assistance available upon request)
HIGH SCHOOL ROWING FALL 2026
Practices are Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu from 5-7 PM and Saturday from 8:30-11:30 AM.
Registration is OPEN.
Practices will begin August 26, 2026. Novices may join up until Labor Day.
All rowers / high school athletes must turn in a physical form to their respective high school offices before participating with the team.
Fall Season fees are $375 for returning team members. Novice rowers – if you have never rowed on the team – you are eligible for a discount due to a METAD grant we received. Your fee will be reduced to $200. Be sure to click on the correct payment link if you are a Novice Rower. See payment link below.
FALL REGATTAS
- Eastern Fall Classic, Forest Hills Boathouse, Ada, Juniors (Non-scholastic meaning students from more than 1 school may row together) 9/26 – estimated time frame: 7:30 am to 2:00 pm
- Head of the Grand, MSU Boathouse, Lansing, MI 10/03 – estimated time frame: 7:30 am to 3:00 pm
- Henley Challenge, Kensington Metropark, Juniors, Milford 10/10- estimated time frame 7:00 am to 4:00 pm
- Season Wrap Intrasquad, Tanglefoot Park, Spring Lake, 10/17.
High School rowing is open to all students in good standing at Spring Lake, Grand Haven, other local high schools as long as they don’t have an existing rowing team, and homeschoolers in the area.
Location will be at the new Winter Boathouse behind the bus garage and adjacent to Grabinski Field near the Spring Lake Middle School on Hammond Street in Spring Lake.
Before your first practice, please review the FALL 2026 Practice Summary Document below:
If you have any questions or concerns, please use the form at the bottom of the page to Contact Us. We monitor the account regularly. You may also send a message through Facebook Messenger.
FUNDRAISING: Our program exists only because of generous private and corporate donations. We rely on continued support to keep the team afloat. Funds raised go towards purchasing equipment such as rowing shells, oars, rigging, shoes, speakers, life-jackets, tools, trailers, tents, motor boats, indoor rowing machines, etc. Each high school rower pays a participation fee per season to help with operating costs such as rent, insurance, fuel, mileage and coaching expenses. If you would like to make a tax deductible financial contribution to our team, you may do so using our online payment system or buy mailing a check. CLICK HERE TO DONATE ONLINE
THANK YOU: A big thank you to our generous sponsors. Without your support, we would not be able to teach the competitive sport of rowing to a new generation. Thank you!
LEADERSHIP: Spring Lake Crew Club, Inc. is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization founded to support the SLHS Rowing Team and the GHHS Rowing Team.
- Paul Winter – President and Coach
- Amanda Rantanen – Secretary and Substitute Coach (GVSU Rowing Alumni)
- Open Position – Treasurer
- Jeff Pipp – Member at Large and Substitute Coach (MSU Rowing Alumni)
- Rachel Twa – Member at Large
- Danielle Fogel – Member at Large
- Ryan Schmoekel – Member at Large
- Emma Nelson – Varsity / JV Coach (EMU Rowing Alumni)
If you would like more information, please email the team:
Spring Lake Crew Club, Inc. 