How to Join a Collegiate Rowing Team

Consider the rowing team when you want to join a sports club in college. Unlike most sports, rowers come to the team without prior experience. Some were members of other sports in high school and want a change of pace or have no previous sport training of any sort. Whatever your reason, rowing as a collegiate sport provides physical endurance and promotes the spirit of teamwork.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Inform the school ahead of time that you are interested in joining the rowing team. There are a limited number of members and spots often fill up quickly. Make an appointment to call or speak in person with the coach before classes start.
2. Prepare for early morning practices. Rowing teams typically train very early in the day, often before sunrise. Plan to get enough sleep the night before to show up at practice alert and ready to row.
3. Request a coxswain's position if you are too small to row. You can still join the team, even if you weigh in at 100 lbs, if you are the coxswain. This is the only position on the team that does not require rowing ability. You will sit at the head of the boat and direct your team with verbal commands.
4. Compete against other rowing teams in regattas (races) a few weekends per semester. Teams usually sign up for an average of 4 competitions in the fall and again in the spring.
5. Train during the off-season by running, stretching, weightlifting and conditioning with your team. To maintain and increase your physical strength, you will train all winter long As soon as the weather permits the team will return to water training.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider joining the collegiate rowing team even if you didn't compete in sports in high school. Since everyone is a newcomer, you'll start at the same level.

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