Height

Question
i started rowing as a novice senior year in high school with a 2k time of 7:45. By the end of the season I made it in to the 1st varsity boat and was pulling a 6:59(which was done about 5-6 weeks before the season ended). I've decided to continue rowing in the fall for college, I have noticed that I'm in the shorter range ( 5'8 - 5'9) as far as rowers go and at 185 I'm a bit heavy (there is weight that can be lost). What can I do to compensate for the disadvantage that my height gives me when stacked against someone who is much taller?

Answer
Hi Justin: Your height might leave you at a bit of a disadvantage, but there are rowers who have competed at elite levels at your height and even shorter.  Typically, you can expect to be rowing in the bow seat or two seat of an eight.

One edge you will have going out for crew this fall is that you will have a year of shell-racing boat experience under your belt.  At a typical mid-level college crew program, novice walk-ons make up about 80% of the crew team that tries out in the fall.  You can count on half of them dropping out after the first few weeks when the crew workout routine impacts the study and social schedule of those that can't hack it.

I would suggest that you devote your summer to an intense running and lifting program.  If you can get to an erg, shoot for a goal of 6:45 before Labor Day.  Finally, if you have the opportunity in your area, look for a summer rowing program at a club.

I would just advise you that you need to keep a steady focus on your academics early on and not fall into a hole because the crew training is eating into your study time (which it will because you are going to need more rest than the average student and less apt to pull all-nighters due to a 6:00 AM practice).

Good Luck/AP