Do I need experience to join UCF Novice Women's Rowing?
No. The UCF rowing team allows students with athletic ability to try-out as novice rowers. ("Novice" means first-year rowing in college). If you like challenges and have a passion for working hard as a member of a team-sport, then rowing just might be the sport for you!
What body type is ideal for rowing?
Because rowing is a sport of leverage, most people who excel as rowers are tall and weigh between 145-190 pounds. While almost anyone can row, these physical attributes allow for certain individuals to be better suited for rowing. If you are on the smaller side, consider the coxswain position: small in size, weighing about 110 pounds, large in heart, and competitive in spirit.
Is there a certain mentality that makes a good rower and coxswain?
Yes. While everyone has potential to excel as a rower or coxswain, the mentality it takes to become an excellent oarswoman is a competitive spirit of desire and determination. You must want to do well, face challenges as opportunities, give your teammates and coaches your best in every practice, and be willing to set new limits for yourself both physically and mentally. If you can commit to working towards mastering this mentality, then you will go fast!
I played sports in high school, but I am nervous that I am too old to learn a new sport and be good at it as a Division I Varsity athlete in college.
Whether you're nervous about being good at a new sport or managing your time as a college student, let us assure you that we have the resources and know-how to help you be successful. We will teach and equip you with what you need to reach your goals, from fitness training and rowing boats to time management skills and resources. What you must provide us with in order to be a successful rower or coxswain is the desire to learn and the will to compete.
How will you decide who makes the team?
We hold team tryouts when school begins in the fall. During tryouts, you will learn how to row on ergometers (rowing machines). We will also run a variety of circuits and workouts to determine your athletic ability. We are looking for overall athletic ability, competitiveness, sportsmanship, and a positive attitude.
Are there different positions on the team?
Yes. For the rowers there are the port and starboard positions. There is also the coxswain, who sits in the stern (and sometimes the bow) of the boat. The coxswain is responsible for steering, calling commands, assisting with technique, executing the race plan, and providing motivation for the rowers during racing and practices.
Who does the rowing team compete against, and where?
As a member of the American Athletic Conference, UCF Rowing travels from coast to coast to race the nation's fastest crews in the Big Ten, Big XII, ACC, Pac-12, Ivy League and more. We also host regattas throughout the season, where several teams from around the country come to race us on our home course at Lake Pickett.
In what season does rowing compete?
We train and compete in both the fall and spring seasons. In the fall semester, we begin training in September and race in October and November. Our championship season is during the spring semester (March through May). We begin training for spring racing in January, after Winter Break.
How much will it cost to be on the rowing team?
You do no pay dues or fees as a Varsity athlete. All costs associated with team uniforms and training gear, training and racing equipment, and meals/transportation/lodging expenses for team travel are covered by us. The only expenses we cannot cover are you physical and sickle cell blood test for team tryouts, and for registration with the NCAA (a one-time expense).
