beginning rowing

Question
Hi, I have hopes of my son rowing for Stanford.  We live close to a major rowing center in California.  Also, rowing is a sport offered at the high school he will attend. He is only 10 years old, but already 5 feet tall.  No one at the rowing center will train him until he is 12.  How can I find someone to help us out?  What physical and personality traits makes a person good at rowing?  Any advice is appreciated. Ok to email me directly as well!

Answer
Hi Hope: I have to agree with the coaches at your rowing center. Rowing in a racing shell at such a young age is simply unheard of. The physical and mental demands of rowing with high-school aged rowers is just too overwhelming for someone as young as your son -- no matter what his current athletic ability is.

That said, there is some things your son can do NOW to prepare for rowing.  He can go to a gym and workout on a exercise machine called a Concept II Rowing Ergometer.  This is the best way to acclimate your son on what if feels like to row.  You can even purchase one for about $1000 and have him work at home.

I'd have him workout on this until he turns 13.

Regards/AP