RegattaCentral

Oak Ridge Rowing Association is a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation with the mission to promote rowing in Oak Ridge and East TN. ORRA provides competitive Youth and Adult programs, and hosts multiple Youth, Collegiate, and Masters regattas each year, including 1000m, 2000m, and 5000m events.

Oak Ridge, TN is located just outside Knoxville, TN, near the intersection of Interstates I40 and I75. This location is within a single day’s drive of 60% of the US population. Oak Ridge, TN is also served by the Knoxville TN airport (TYS), served by all US carriers.

Oak Ridge Rowing, home to both the Atomic Juniors and Masters programs, rows on the calm waters of the Melton Hill Reservoir system, with flow controlled by Tennessee Valley Authority dams above (Norris Dam) and below (Melton Hill Dam. It is sheltered by rolling hills, providing significant protection from winds. 

The course for the Dogwood Junior Championship is a 7-lane Albano-buoyed sprint course that meets all of the requirements for a FISA 2000-meter Class A course, with 13.5m lanes and 10m buoy marking.

The Dogwood Junior Championship provides athletes with significant competition from across the Midwest and Southeast regions and provides an excellent opportunity for teams to test their mettle as they head in to their respective USRowing Regional Championships and the National Championships. In 2021, ORRA will offer 1x, 2x, 2-, 4x, 4-, 4+, and 8+. Further, ORRA will offer lightweight U17 and U15 categories.

Oak Ridge Rowing has been hosting large regattas for decades. The venue offers substantial trailer and laydown space, a long peninsula tthat is perfect for team tents and cheering on your teammates, an elevated overlook area at the 0500-meter mark, and a bike path that traverses the length of the course. Our local organizing committee is heavily driven by volunteers, many that are rowers themselves, with a vested interest and the knowledge to make your visit special.

Your health and safety. The Covid pandemic that began in 2020 continues to impact the return to sports, including rowing. ORRA has instituted significant protocols across the venue that are intended to ensure the safety of all athletes, coaches, referees, volunteers and spectators. This includes the permanent appointment of a Chief Health Officer (CHO) that works directly with the Chief Referee. All Dogwood participants agree that their own personal responsibility (masks, hygiene, social distancing) is critical to the health and welfare of all. Health policies will be rigorously enforced. There can be no exceptions.

We look forward to welcoming you to Oak Ridge! Please contact us at [email protected] with any questions.