How to Achieve a College Rowing Scholarship?

I'm new to rowing but really love it. How can I go about securing a scholarship for rowing in college? Are there specific fitness standards or races that I should focus on?

In order to maximize your chances of securing a rowing scholarship, it's important to consistently improve and showcase your abilities. Here are some steps you can take:

1. Commit to Training: Rowing is a demanding sport that requires both physical strength and strategic technique. Improve your rowing skills with regular practice and off-the-water workouts.

2. Produce Strong Athletic Scores: Coaches often reference 2k erg times as an indicator of potential. These times vary based on the school and division level, but for NCAA Division I women’s rowing, for example, you should aim for a sub-7:00 score.

3. Participate in Regattas: Competitive races not only hone your skills but also provide opportunities for exposure. Especially consider entering Head of the Charles or Youth Nationals, well-recognized regattas visited by coaches.

4. Make an Online Profile: Create a profile on recruitment platforms, such as BeRecruited or Appily, where you can showcase your athletic achievements, academic record, and personal information.

5. Reach Out to College Coaches: Email coaches at schools you're interested in. Send over videos showcasing your technique and mention your erg score. Touch upon why you are specifically interested in their program and how you could add value to their team.

6. Keep up Your Academics: While athletic skills are crucial to securing an athletic scholarship, your academic credentials also come into play in the admissions process. Maintain a good GPA and consider taking SAT/ACT depending on the university requirement.

7. Consider Summer Rowing Camps: Many colleges and clubs offer summer rowing camps. These can provide more experience and exposure, and introduce you to the rowing styles of different colleges. Be aware that for camps not to be a pay-to-play model, they should be selective or invite-only.

Remember, each college rowing program may have its own nuances in terms of recruitment. Regularly visiting the athletic department's website of the college you're interested in will give you specifics about the standards and requirements defined by the coach. It's a long journey that takes determination and hard work to stand out amongst the strong competition.