How does someone who is considering Crew (rowing) start?

Question

I'm a varsity cross country runner. I have very good endurance and am tall (6'2''). I don't have strength at all. I'm going to a community college in the fall and hope to join the XC team. I'd also like to look into Crew though. (Wouldn't Crew and XC combo be badass?) My questions...what does it require of an athlete (no political correctness- what do you need to be), how can I prepare if I want to pursue this...and some general information about it. Thanks!

Answer 1

work on upper body strength

Answer 2

i'm surprised you don't have much strength if you're a good xc runner b/c i had a lot of strength from that although i did have many other sports and lifted now and then. get some upper body strength but your legs play into the most strength you need in crew. and obviously you already have that. and try to work on back muscles. if not be prepared for a CRAPLOAD of pain in your back when you join. i learned that one the hard way but you can live with the pain. it's just a tad uncomfortable, lol.

before you can add power to your stroke in crew you more importantly need technique or the power is completely lost. and you need to be able to follow the rowers in front of you in the boat. when everyone is together and proper form the boat flies through the water. so yeah, sounds like you're in good shape for crew. when you join focus more on technique to start and be wary of back pain. it's rough.