The first step is to fill out our interest form and attend an informational meeting. No prior rowing or athletic experience is required. Be sure to read through this website regarding eligibility and expected commitment level. If you have any questions, be sure to reach out to our recruiters, Daniel Pipersburgh and Josh Booth, at info@ucdmensrowing.org
Our club seeks athletic, tall, and willing students who are capable not just of working hard in practices but also of staying on top of coursework as well. The time commitment for novices is moderate at first, while you adapt to collegiate life and academics. That commitment grows gradually through your first year, culminating in the spring racing season. Rowing is a challenging sport and time management is important. Our rowers major in aerospace engineering, computer science, economics, material science engineering, and more. Most importantly, rowing is a team-driven sport. Our club primarily rows 8's and 4's. One man alone cannot take the boat across the finish line. Teamwork is not an empty term for us.
Coxswains are a crucial part of rowing. Coxswains steer the boat, guide and lead the rowers through races and practices, and act as a constant source of motivation. Being a coxswain is a great leadership experience for any student. Coxing is a gender-neutral position, and one must be motivated and ready to learn. They need to have the confidence to lead their boat and boost dedication and focus.
A Novice Rower is an athlete with little to no experience rowing. There is a substantial learning curve involved when picking up the technique and feel of rowing and the culture/mindset of the sport. Therefore, first-year rowers compete at their own level while experienced rowers compete at the Varsity level.
If you have previous rowing experience and want to row for UC Davis, please get in touch with our recruiters, Daniel and Josh, and fill out the interest form. Depending upon your experience, we will find the right place for you in our club.
There is no minimum height for rowing, but we do look for taller athletes or those who can make up the difference. The technique of rowing and the emphasis on leg drive favors taller athletes who can typically put down more power over a longer stroke. There is also a lightweight racing category for rowers weighing in under 160 pounds. With enough rowers in this classification, we can put out a lightweight boat for racing. Coxswains are usually smaller (like jockeys in horse racing), typically under 130 pounds.
For Novices, most initial practices are flexibly scheduled, on campus, and in the afternoons. There you will learn the basic techniques on an ergometer (or “erg”), and begin building strength and fitness. You also get the opportunity in fall to go out to our boathouse and learn how to row on the water. There you will familiarize yourself with boats and oars, learn boathouse etiquette, and learn basic on-water rowing techniques. The schedule will evolve over Winter and Spring quarters, incorporating more regular water practices, with the ultimate goal of reaching peak form for Spring racing.
Racing season is primarily in the Springtime, building up through the latter end of the Winter Quarter and then kicking off after our Spring Break training camp with San Diego Crew Classic at the beginning of April. Fall Quarter is spent primarily with training and adjusting incoming Novices to the sport and level of commitment. Winter Quarter turns up the dial with our January Mini-Camp and more frequent, more focused on-water practices.
It is expected that team members can swim and/or tread water competently. If you’re not confident in your abilities in the water, let us know, and we can help you learn how to tread water during fall quarter. We don’t wear life jackets in the boats, but with the nature of rowing 4s and 8s, there is little likelihood of athletes ending up in the water. If rowers practice on singles on the side, there is a mandatory flip test for handling a boat while in the water and to learn what to do if the unfortunate happens.