Q: Do I need to have a physical performed by a physician before I start?
A: Yes. We do require a physical signed by a physician prior to an athlete beginning the training process with the team. You can find the required documents for you physician online on the Health Services Web page. If you question your ability to physically perform this feat you should consult a doctor for his or her recommendation.
Q: When are your practices?
A: Fall rowers will have 3 options for practice times which may change slightly depending on class schedules; 6:45 a.m., 3:30 p.m. or 5:15 p.m. Rowers may pick one. Spring training will consolidate the team into one practice. Fall practices last one and a half hours, which expands to two hours when we move into winter training. Athletes are expected to practice five days a week, with an occasional Saturday practice in fall to get ready for October racing, and several indoor tank practices over winter at facilities off campus.
Q: How far from campus is the boathouse?
A: The boathouse is located a five minute drive, eight minute bike ride, or 15 minute jog from the Kern Center, where our locker room will be. Please see the map located on this Web site.
Q: Do I need prior experience to try out?
A: No. A college rowing team is made up of two squads - the varsity squad and the freshman/novice. As a first year rower you will compete against squads that do have some experienced athletes, but as a rule we prefer athlete’s with no experience. 95% of incoming athletes have no experience.
Q: I want to make sure I am as prepared as I can be for the tryouts in the fall. Can you tell me what I can do in the meantime to do this?
A: Fall training will include both core workouts and general aerobic conditioning. If an athlete wants to get an advantage for fall they should try to train at least 45 minutes a day in summer. However as most students have summer jobs, a base level can be achieved by working out 3 days per week for 45 minutes. Aerobic exercises include running, rollerblading, swimming, basketball, soccer or cycling. Coaches would prefer that you stay off rowing machines as it is easy to pick up bad habits. The most effective training would be 45+ minutes at a steady cadence, keeping your heart rate between 120-155 bpm the entire time. Core exercises are also recommended with each workout.
Q: My parents and I are worried about study time. Will this interfere?
A: Good grades come from good study habits. We keep the time commitment lower in the fall because it allows freshman to adapt to college life in the first quarter without consuming much of their time. But ultimately any commitment to intercollegiate sports requires that student - athletes manage their time wisely. Competing in a sport can actually lend to better study habits as it provides more structure to the day. Rowing teams typically have the highest GPA of any sport on campus.
Q: Can I get preferred enrollment to make sure I get the classes I want at the times I need?
A: Only varsity athletes will be allowed Preferred Enrollment in the fall. Frosh/novice teams will use preferred enrollment second and third quarter.
Q: Do you miss a lot of class time for travel?
A: During the school year you will miss no more than five days. All are Fridays except for one. These days will occur mostly during third quarter, and excuse letters will be provided for your professors if needed.
