Rowing for fun?

Athletic Recruits
1

Hello everyone!

I’m a junior in high school who has been rowing since the 8th grade. Although I absolutely love the sport, I find it unrealistic that I would ever make it onto any competitive (division 1-3) team in college. Many of the colleges I’ve looked at do have a rowing team (Bowdoin, BU, F&M), but are very competitive. Despite the fact that I probably won’t be fast enough to be on their teams (my best 2k was a 7:46), what are the advantages of having rowing as an extracurricular, and is it a possibility that I can row in college without holding the teams back (maybe not going to competitions)? Because I really do love rowing, I’m just not that good yet.

Thanks so much!

-Dylan

2

If you are applying to a college that has a club team you may be able to walk on. As long as you are fine with being on a lower boat and are willing to dedicate the practice time I’m sure most coaches would be happy to have you. You can reach out to whichever school you apply to and ask the coaches directly.
Good luck! And keep rowing!