Would I be good at Crew

Question
I'm starting a novice crew camp, and I'm wondering if crew would be a good sport for me(help getting into college and such) Im 17, a senior now in highschool, I used to swim and run cross country(although for the past year I have been bodybuilding and havent gotten TO much cardio. although I have my whole life through 5 years of Junior Life guards. Im Approx. 5'10-5'10 1/2. I have about 8-10 percent bodyfat, and weight 160.  Should I try to lose weight, or gain to get into heavy, and is crew right for me. Thanks

Answer
Hi Brett: I'd say you are at an excellent starting point to embark on your crew career.  You have outstanding potential: you're starting at a perfect age, you have good height and weight, experience in high-endurance sports and strength from your bodybuilding program.

My recomendation to you is that you if you still like the sport after the camp, dedicate the rest of your summer building up your cardio base again.  All things considered, stamina and endurance are the key components to successful rowing (you'll find that out soon enough).  I'm not saying stop lifting, but scale back your program from bodybuilding to a more moderate strength-building routine about 3 times a week.  During the camp, you will probably get acquainted with the Concept II rowing ergometer.  You will definitely want to do that all summer.  Don't worry about your weight.  You will probably gain weight as you get older and you are pretty much a heavyweight now.

Crew is one of those sports, like golf, where you can compete from now until you are 92.  So I definitely think it is right for you.

Good Luck/AP