Well, we thought last year our son would be the rower but he HATED it. Now DD is rowing. Just finished intramural pre-season, is 14, 5’8" and clocking an 8:30 for her 2K. She tells me that is “Terrible” (is it? Have no idea!). The important thing is that she LOVES this sport! (How are siblings so different?) That said, any suggestions for rowing camps for developing rowers would be much appreciated–and any other morsels of information for a “Rowing for Dummies” family. Thanks!
8:30 isn’t terrible! I’m not much faster. I’m not good, but it’s just the beginning for her!
I was keen to get my novice rower in a college development program last summer. Then I liked the idea of sending her to a camp in Maine on Sebago Lake. Her coach advised against it saying that she would get “confused” at this early stage with a different coach outside our club. As it turned out we moved and I put her in the summer program of her new club. Great decision as she met the varsity coaches and girls. I worry about burn out as the “season” is year round, 5 days a week, and she is in 9th grade (also 14). So I would advise you to talk to coaches- both this year’s and next (if different).
This. Crew is relentless. I stenciled “Eat Sleep Row Repeat” ticker-tape style around ChoatieCadet’s room just before Thanksgiving–and just before he announced that he’s hanging up his oar next year (time constraints). He hugged me anyway and said it’s a nice reminder of his six years on the water.
All the best to TrueKid. Crew is a journey for sure and not for the faint of heart.
@ChoatieMom is absolutely correct. Crew is a lifestyle. You might want to read the below thread:
http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/prep-school-parents/1869277-what-is-a-cult-sport.html
^^ Charger’16 finally realized his crew ambitions senior year of boarding, after three years of struggle. It was terrific. Would the “lifestyle” make the transition to college?? He is now playing Quidditch, muggle style, and school’s team has qualified for Quidditch Cup X in Kissimmee, FL, this coming April. What the heck!
@Charger78 – That is hilarious! Who knew?
“Crew is a lifestyle.”
Some of us would call it a cult. 
@doschicos – Yes, as it appears. . . It is one big glass of hard-earned Kool-Aid!
Agreed. I was trying to be more delicate. 
Are you calling me indelicate, @skieurope? 
@doschicos Naw. I’m just trying to watch myself. This time of year with EA/ED, I’ve had to moderate a lot of users who are not happy with me. I did not want to give them a reason to report me. 