There are a variety of developmental needs that we aim to meet within the activities offered. Our success at meeting these needs is something, which we frequently review among the coaches and a select advisory group. Those developmental needs, which can and should be met in this program, are:

Physical Exercise
Teenagers and pre-teens have almost boundless energy, but they need ways to channel that energy productively. Rowing affords them such opportunities, irrespective of athletic capabilities, body size or shape. Rowing, moreover, appeals equally to boys and girls: its risk of injury is low and, once mastered, the sport can be enjoyed for life. For many young people, rowing represents the first time that they have derived any real satisfaction from athletics.

Structure and limits
Adolescents live in a society of rules, expectations and obligations; and they want to understand their own limits within that system. By its nature, rowing is an activity that can only be enjoyed through teamwork and cooperation. It is an activity that is physically and mentally demanding and its training requires the ability to manage one’s time effectively. Rowling’s camaraderie, culture and moral code make a powerful impression on young minds.
Structure is believed to be an important characteristic of the program. It can offer a sense of security for the young person and can be another form of consistency. Rowing itself is a rather structured activity, which introduces the young person to a new set of rules, rituals and language that are commonly held by all rowers.
By structuring the program in stages, we encourage individual achievement. The goals set for each individual, moreover, are re-setting based on previous patterns of achievement. The ‘learn-to-row’ aspect of the program - designed into achievable well-defined steps - also serves as a standard plan for the coaches to follow.

Competence and a Sense of Achievement
Because adolescents are typically self-conscious, they have a desire to do something well and to receive admiration for achievement. Their progress in rowing from novice to competitive racer offers them countless opportunities to garner positive reinforcement for a job well done.

Creative Expression
Rowing offers many opportunities for young people to give creative expression to their feelings and helps them to understand and accept the new people they are becoming. It is an activity that requires a crew synchronized in both body and mind.

Adult and Peer Relationships
To young rowers, fellow crewmembers offer needed encouragement, companionship and criticism. Likewise, the coach can influence the young person in ways that parents and teachers often cannot. Bayside trains its coaches to understand the developmental needs of young people. It is a goal of the club that each young person has a good relationship with at least one adult. In addition, the Rowing Club offers adolescents role models for decorous and self-disciplined behavior through the example of older high school, university, and adult rowers.