no experience

Question
Hi my names Katelyn and I'm 17 years old.  I've always been interested in rowing but never actually went through with it.  Is it too late for someone my age to start?  Also, if it wasn't too late, my school doesn't have a crew team, so how could I get some experience?  Where do I start?  Thank you! (Also, I live on Long Island, New York)

Answer
Hi Katelyn: Unlike gymnastics or baseball, where you need to start very young, there really is no minimum or maximum age to start rowing.  In fact, 17 is a perfect age to start rowing.  

Even though your school does not have crew, there are a couple things you can do.  The first one is to go to a YMCA or local gym and see if they have a Concept II Rowing ergometer.  It is the closest thing to rowing on the water.

The second thing is that there are several rowing clubs in your area.  A list of them is below.  Try either or both and then you will have a great head start if you attend a college with a crew team.

Good Luck/AP

A. Freedom Boat Club Inc -  (516) 377-3367  

B. Sagamore Yacht Club Inc - www.sagamoreyc.com - (516) 922-0555  

C. Knickerbocker Yacht Club - www.kyc.net - (516) 883-7655

D. Huntington Yacht Club Restaurant - www.huntingtonyachtclub.com - (631) 427-4961

E. North Shore Yacht Club - www.nsyc.net - (516) 883-9823

F. Unqua Corinthian Yacht Club - unqua.com - (631) 691-6570

G. Seawanhaka Yacht Club - www.seawanhaka.org - (516) 922-6200

H. Rockaway Point Yacht Club - www.rockawaypointyachtclub.com - (718) 474-9001

I. College Point Yacht Club Inc - www.collegepointyachtclub.com - (718) 463-9841

J. Down East Yachts - www.vicemyacht.com - (631) 418-2700