<p>I just started rowing yesterday actually and my trainer (for tennis) said I was pretty good, I am 6'5" and a varsity tennis athlete for two years and my current split time (I think that's what its called) is 2:05. I know that I want to be more in the 1:40's for lightweight but I don't know if 20-30 seconds is a doable time to make up? I'm really just looking for any advice on what to do now as it seems with practice I could row in college. Thank you.</p>
<p>Remember that a 2:05 to a 1:40 is not 20 or 30 seconds-- its actually closer to a minute and a half. MOST of the time, splits refer to 500m/2000m, so a the difference between 1:40/500m and 1:41/500m is 4 seconds, not 1. How old are you? There are LOTS of prospective athletes out there, including myself, and it takes a big commitment, even in high school. It’s doable with lots of volume work and weight training. BUT, erg times are only 1 half of the puzzle. Getting regatta results are equally important. If your club isn’t well known for their national level competition, try sculling (colleges love sculling) and placing some results, or (if possible) try out a more competitive, local club over the summer.</p>
<p>What sort of school are you looking to row at? Even 1:40 is on the higher end for most lightweights these days. As a sophomore, I pull a 1:40.2/2000m (as a lightweight), but some of my friends who are rowing at ivies are low 6:30’s to high 6:20’s. Those are standard times for a lot of the ivies. But rowing needs to be balanced out with strong academics (especially for ivies). D3 crews, such as Trinity, are great if you don’t want to give up your college life to rowing. Club rowing in college is also an option.</p>
<p>I’m a junior and I am well aware of the commitment level required for High level sports but there are few to no clubs for rowing/regattas around my area. My academics are good, around a 3.6 un-weighted and around a 32-34 ACT (practice tests). I have greet EC’s and am looking at maybe an Ivy. I am currently sighed up for 5 days a week of actually rowing (indoor) but the whole “on the boat” thing I may have trouble with as, again, there are few/ no clubs. what would you suggest doing about that? thanks for the response!</p>
<p>If you are already 6’5" as a high school junior you are in a good position to attract attention for crew. Many colleges rely on walk-ons to fill their rosters, and are always looking for strong, tall athletes.</p>
<p>There are currently twin brothers in the US Olympic Rowing program (they rowed the heavyweight 8 man boat in London) who had never rowed before stepping foot on their college campus. Technique can be learned.</p>
<p>However, to be recruited for crew you will want team experience and a record of regatta wins. Try to find one of the few clubs in your area this summer. Good luck.</p>
<p>To give you an idea, Ivy coaches have told my son that they are looking for lightweights to pull faster (preferably several seconds faster) than 6:40 seconds on a 2000 piece (2k). My son rows 6 days a week and it did take him about a year to drop 20 seconds. Everyone is different though. Some may drop more, others less. Have you done a 2k piece? That is the gold standard and the information that every coach will be asking for. Your height is great for rowing, and with your athletic conditioning from tennis, you may indeed be a good candidate for walk- on Freshman year of college if you find you love the sport. Good luck to you!</p>