What does it take to do crew?

Question

I'm planning on during crew for freshman yeah, and since it's varisty or nothing (and there's only like fifteen spots for the whole high schoo), what's the best way to prepare for it?

Answer 1

AGILE

Answer 2

Crew is a very demanding sport. Start working out your stamina to improve your endurance.  Since rowing basically works out all muscles of your body, start weight training as well. Start with little weight and work your way  til you are comfortable. It helps to stretch all of your  muscles before rowing.

Answer 3

You should probably take a learn-to-row program in the summer before school starts, just so you have some experience on the water.  I would recommend weight training and cardio.  A lot of people might say that running isn't important for rowing, but I disagree (unless you're a coxie :P). Make jogging a part of your daily routine before or after school and start working on getting your split time down on the ergometer (rowing machine).  Your split is the number which tells you how long it takes you to row 500m (If you're using a Concept 2 ergometer then you should change it from the calories/hour mode to the min/500m mode. A LOWER number in this mode is better. Like golf. :D)  If you want to have a good chance of making your team you should work on getting it below 2 minutes (so a 2k row should be under 8 minutes).  If you have never rowed before this will probably be really difficult for you (I thought I was going to die after my first erg... but things will get better :) !!!), but if you are serious about getting a spot in one of the boats you will need to erg like crazy.  

Ergometer scores and seat-racing are basically the two most important things a coach will consider when choosing rowers, so when I say you need to get you erg scores down, I really mean you need to get your erg scores down.  This will help with power when you are on the water, but like I said before you should take a learn-to-row course (most rowing clubs offer them in the summer and fall, but the fall ones are just finishing up now) for technique and experience.

Experience on the water is extremely important as well, and if you learn proper technique first you shouldn't have any problems.  Make sure you listen to any advice that your coach gives you, even if it seems ridiculous (like "feather your blade slower" or "lower your blade at the finish" or "don't hunch at the catch").  Little things are really important when it comes to technique.  And don't worry about not understanding rowing terminology.  When you row for a few hours everyday, it will come easy, so you'll catch on in no time.

By the way, you should probably get a membership at your local gym. (I know I implied it, but I thought I'd just say it in case.)  Rowing is a lot of hard work, but I'm sure you can do it! Good luck!