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🚣♀️ = current rower
💙 = parent/guardian
🎓 = alum
👀 = just checking us out
Des Moines Rowing Youth
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The Des Moines Rowing Youth program is designed for youth ages 13-18 (grades 8-12) to learn and compete in the sport of rowing!
The program provides a competitive, team-building activity to high-school students in Central Iowa.
04/22/2026
Spring sprint season is officially underway—and what a way to kick it off 🌷🚣♀️
This weekend we hit the water at the Illinois Junior Rowing Invitational, our first race of the spring season, and it felt GOOD to be back racing.
Despite a tough start to spring weather-wise, our athletes showed up ready to compete, shake off the rust, and get more comfortable back on the water. Every piece was a chance to build confidence, find rhythm, and set the tone for the season ahead.
A special shoutout to Kayden, who raced in her very first regatta ever—huge milestone and an awesome first step into the sport! 👏
And major props to the boys four, who really showed up this weekend and proved they’re settling into racing mode.
Race results from the weekend:
• Boys 1x (Flight 1): 4th
• Boys 1x (Flight 2): 2nd
• Girls 2x (Flight 2): 3rd
• Boys 4x Final: 5th
• Boys 2x (Flight 2): 3rd
• Boys 8+ Final: 2nd
• Boys 4+ Final: 3rd
With the weather (hopefully 🤞) turning a corner, we’re excited to keep stacking water time, dialing things in, and locking into our spring season.
Next stop: Minneapolis in June 🚍💪
This crew is just getting started 💙
04/15/2026
Meet Our Coaches 👋
Head Coach Rachel 💪
Rachel joined DMR in 2025 as Head Coach of our youth program, bringing energy, knowledge, and a true passion for developing young athletes. A 2020 graduate from Truman State University with a BS in Exercise Science, she specializes in weightlifting instruction and athlete development.
Assistant Coach Frank 🚣🏼
We’re grateful for the continued dedication of assistant coach Frank, who volunteers his time to support our DMR Youth athletes. A former lightweight rower at Yale, Frank brings experience, enthusiasm, and a deep love for the sport as he helps introduce rowing to the next generation.
Assistant Coach Mckinzie 🤗
From DMR Youth athlete to assistant coach 🤍 Mckinzie began her rowing journey with our youth team before coxing at the University of Iowa- a D1 collegiate program. Graduating in 2016 with a BS in human physiology. Now she volunteers her time to give back, sharing her love of the sport and creating opportunities for young athletes to learn and grow.
Long time, no post - but lots happening on the water! 👋 🚣🏼
Spring season is officially in motion. Drop a 💙 if you’re ready for warmer weather, faster boats, and a great season ahead.
04/13/2026
🎥 From the coxswain seat 🚣♀️ (aka Coach Kinz)
Spring water season is officially here, and from my seat in the 8+, this is one of the most fun times of the year to watch our athletes grow.
Right now, we’re focused on the details that make a boat run well—cleaning up our catches, moving together, and learning how eight individual athletes become one connected crew. It’s not always flashy work, but it’s exactly what builds confidence, teamwork, and speed as we transition back onto spring water.
For parents watching from the shoreline or catching glimpses like this video, what you don’t always hear is the communication, trust, and accountability happening every single stroke. These athletes are learning how to listen, adjust, support one another, and commit to a shared goal—skills that carry far beyond the boat.
🚣♂️ Curious about rowing? Our Learn to Row programs are a great way for new middle and high school athletes to get started—no experience required. Spring is the perfect time to hop in the boat, try something new, and be part of an incredible team on the water 🌊💙
Interested or know someone who might want to give rowing a try this spring?
👉 Check out our upcoming Learn to Row Event on May 2 or send us a message—we’d love to get more athletes on the water!
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Birdland Marina, Birdland Drive
Des Moines, IA
50313