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.
SUMMER CAMP 2026 – LEARN TO ROW
WHO: CO-ED • GRADES 7–10 • ALL AREA SCHOOLS
COST: $275 per session
Participants will learn the fundamentals of both sweep rowing and sculling through a combination of land-based instruction and on-the-water practice. Campers will build skills in rowing technique, boat handling, teamwork, safety, and water confidence while developing strength, coordination, and endurance in a fun and supportive environment. This camp is also a great introduction for athletes interested in joining the competitive high school rowing team.
LOCATION: Spring Lake Middle School Docks, 345 Hammond St., Spring Lake, MI (behind the lacrosse fields)
SESSION 1: June 15 – 25
SESSION 2: July 6 – 16
SESSION 3: August 3 – 13
Sessions run Mon – Thurs from 8 AM to 11 AM
Camp information:
- Sessions are limited to 10 students and require a minimum enrollment of 5 students.
- Participants will be placed in small groups with other students their age.
- Fundamentals will be taught on land before going out on the water.
- Rowing takes place on the Grand River (we often spend time near Tanglefoot Park for its quiet water and low boat traffic).
What to wear/bring:
- Water
- Sunscreen
- Tight-fitting clothing (t-shirts and shorts are fine if they are not too baggy). Loose clothing can get caught in the oar riggings.
- Dress in layers when appropriate.
Safety: Coaches supervise rowers at all times from safety launches equipped with flotation devices. In accordance with standard rowing practice, life jackets are not typically worn while rowing in shells.
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.
REMIND.COM We use the remind.com group text messaging app for broadcasting important quick messages to the team and parents during the season (especially helpful for location changes due to weather and for updates at regattas). Below are the instructions on how to join the SLGH Crew group:
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)
- Amanda Rantanen (temporarily) – 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. 