An eight-man shell is about 62 feet long and 2 feet wide. The oars used in these boats are 12 to 13 feet long. Most boats also have a coxswain who steers the boat and gives commands to the rowers. Attributes of a seasoned rower are the leg power of a speed skater, back strength of a weight lifter, endurance of a marathon runner, reflexes of a sprinter and the balance of a skateboarder . Rowing is also the ultimate team sport.
Rowers have to work together in total unison as a team to achieve victory.
Crew teaches the importance of teamwork - an invaluable lesson for life. Almost every freshman who joins Crew has never heard of rowing before. This sport is for boys and girls and our Novice coaches will teach you all you need to know. However, you must be able to pass a swim test before you can join. Generally we accept everyone who wants to join but we may have to limit the size of the team due to equipment and space limitations.