I’m around 5’5 and plan to start Lightweight Crew very soon as my weight fits the criteria-- I’ve fell in love with the sport, and just started working out with the rowing machines. I’ve had previous athletic experience, but I can’t say a rough erg score at the moment since I still need more time to get the hang of it. I’d love to attend a top college with a crew program, but I’m not sure if my height is good enough for it.
Thanks!
bumping it up. 
This is my last bump, I’d hope that at least one person knows!
Ok…how old are you? Take a look at your mother and father’s height or ask your physician to chart your possible growth. Are you male or female? I assume a woman. If yes 5’5" is a fine size but you will need to stay around 130lbs. If you are a male and still on the young side you may still grow. You will need to be in the 160-170 range. As far as being recruited to a D1 program only time and dedication will tell. Keep training, join a club team and see if rowing is the sport for you! It takes great dedication, and perseverance.
Good luck!
My bad…just noticed WOMAN in title of thread. Height should be fine if you think you are done growing…again your physician can chart this for you.
@tonymom Haha! I’m 14 years old (but a Freshman… I’m almost a year younger than my peers). I can hope to grow taller since my mother is about 5’6, my dad is around 5’11, almost 6 feet. Using height calculators, they approximate my height to be around 5’7-5’8, but I’m definitely okay with 5’6 to 5’7. The only way to really know is meet my physician, which I will try soon. Thanks for the advice, tonymom!
I did lightweight for two years and I was 5’7 but I couldn’t do it my last year because it wasn’t healthy for me. I did however had girls in my boat who were 5’11-6’0 and under 130 naturally. It really depends on what your weight is. Are you right at 130? Way under 130? or over? Try to see if rowing lightweight is healthy for you. I got into Wisconsin or lightweight and heavyweight and USC for heavyweight. I will say being open weight I got a lot stronger due to no weight restrictions so make sure you are not limiting yourself.
@leah32398 Hi! I’m around 123-125, but that’s cause I got some extra flab to shave off. I feel pretty healthy as of now, and will try to keep it that way. I understand what you mean though, I wouldn’t sacrifice my health for a sport. I actually really liked heavyweight but I’m definitely way under its height conditions because obviously longer limbs are favored and can make for better team members. While I’m not really short, I think I wouldn’t be able to make the cut as a heavyweight since I’m not really into coxing or anything. What I’m not sure of is how tall are the lightweight girls at colleges? I’ve seen lightweight programs have all 5’7-5’8 girls before and that’s why I was nervous about my height, haha.
It really ranges from what I’ve seen. Being 5’5 is a good height for lightweight (most of the girls in my boat were around there) however there are some taller girls who are around 5’6-6’1. But what really matters is your weight and if your under, healthy, and pulling the best numbers you can (and getting faster). Also the Bow seat of the Women’s Varsity 8 who won gold at the Olympics is 5’4 and is a heavyweight. Anything is possible