UC Davis Crew - Recruitment

Recruitment FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I have never rowed before?
No rowing experience is necessary. The vast majority of the team consists of athletes who had not rowed before college. Many current and former Olympic rowers began their rowing careers in college as walk-ons. We will teach you what you need to know.

Will I get to compete as a walk-on?
Absolutely. Athletes in their first year of college rowing are considered novices. Novices compete in their own category, freshman/novice. Most Davis novice compete regularly at each regatta.

Where does the team race?
Many of the races are in Northern California. One of the premier race courses in the country is located at Lake Natoma in Rancho Cordova, a 30 minute drive from campus. In the fall, the team usually travels to Newport Beach, and sometimes competes in the Head of the Charles in Boston or the Head of the Lake in Seattle. In the spring, the team competes at the San Diego Crew Classic, at a championship regatta on the East Coast, and sometimes at IRA national championships, usually held in New Jersey.

How successful is the team at Davis?
The men's team at Davis is the most successful club team in the West region, and regularly competes with and beats varsity teams. At our regional championships, WIRAs, we are defending varsity 8 champions, and have won the varsity 8 four out of the last seven years, and the junior varsity 8 five out of the last seven years. We compete on a national level on a consistent basis, and have finished as high as 9th in the country on the freshman level, in 2003.

How many people make the team?
We do not make cuts. Everyone who makes the commitment to rowing will be given the opportunity to participate. Some will leave the team on their own, but the typical novice team at Davis in the spring is around 30 athletes.

What is the time commitment required for the rowing team?
In the fall, expect 11-12 hours per week for practice time, an optional 2-3 hours per week for recommended weightlifting, and intermittent requirements for team fundraisers.

When are practices?
In the fall, practices will be in the mornings at the UC Davis boathouse in West Sacramento. The team will carpool to water practices. In the late fall and winter many of the practices will be in the afternoon at the ARC. The team will resume full-time morning water practices in late February and continue through the spring racing season.

What if I can't fit any of the fall practice options into my schedule?
Everyone should be able to make morning water practices. If you have conflicts with the afternoon practices when they start, or you have an unusual situation, contact Alex Castro, the novice coach, at alex@ucdcrew.org, and explain your situation. We can usually make something work to get you sufficient practice time.

How can I get to water practices without a car?
The team carpools to practices at the boathouse. Typically you will meet in the parking lot in front of the ARC for carpools.

What is the race schedule?
You can find this year's race schedule here when it is posted.

What are the minimum requirements to participate?
For safety reasons, all athletes must affirm that they can swim/tread water. Positive attitude, competitive fire, and the ability to thrive in a team atmosphere are a must. You must be a full-time student in good academic standing in order to compete in the spring. We adhere to most of the same eligibility requirements as the ICA teams; if you're not sure whether this would affect you, contact us and we'll be able to help you figure it out. You do NOT need to be in great shape at the beginning, your fitness will develop over the year, to be in the best shape of your life.

What will it cost me to participate?
It will cost you nothing to participate on the team in October. Before the end of October, you will be given a financial obligation form that details the responsibilities for each athlete on the team. Financial responsibilities include dues paid on a quarterly basis, individual fundraisers, team fundraisers, uniform costs, and regatta travel costs. If you will have significant difficulty meeting the financial obligations, please talk to us; in almost all cases we can find a way to make your situation work.

How will being on the team impact my studies?
Participation in a collegiate sport challenges your time management skills and your study habits, but often provides a useful framework and adds discipline. Time management and discipline will be necessary for all freshmen students, athletes or not. Last year's team maintained a team GPA of over 3.0. 2006 graduate Yoel Stuart won the President's medal, the highest undergraduate academic honor, and rowed for four years. We will help provide structure for your studies in the spring, when we do the bulk of our travelling and competing.

Why do you want very tall or very small people?
Tall rowers have a leverage advantage in the boat. They are able to take a longer stroke to pry the boat ahead. Being taller does not guarantee success, but it does give you an advantage. Many shorter athletes are also successful at the collegiate level; commitment and hard work can take any athlete a long way in this sport. We also look for small, highly competitive athletes who are very light to be the coxswain and steer the boat, as well as provide strategy and motivation.

Still interested? Click here to fill out the interest form.