Rowing (W)
Rowing FAQs
WHAT DOES "NOVICE" MEAN?
The Kansas State women's rowing team is a varsity sport sponsored by the K-State Intercollegiate Athletic Department. Women's rowing is a National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) sport. The team is comprised of two groups: Novice and Varsity. The novice squad is made up of all first-year collegiate rowers including freshmen and transfer students, while the Varsity squad encompasses all returning athletes. Both groups share equal status. The novice team is NOT the jayvee (JV) team! The novice travel and compete at the same regattas as the varsity, but the race classifications differ. Novice teams race other novice boats, so that all first-year rowers compete against each other.WHEN DO YOU PRACTICE?
The rowing team trains year-round, beginning in August and concluding with the Big 12 Championship at the end of May. We divide our year into three segments, each with a different objective and training routine.
The objectives in the Fall (August-November) are to learn and solidify the fundamentals of rowing, establish team unity with incoming athletes and get a firm hold on academics. Each fall there are two or three races.
The months of December and January are winter-training months. We use this period to enhance muscular strength and endurance and improve cardiovascular fitness. The rowing team utilizes 40 Concept II indoor rowing machines, called ergs, and the 13,000-square foot Newell Strength and Conditioning Complex.
The third segment begins in February when the team resumes practices on Tuttle Creek Lake. This segment of the season is geared toward racing. We utilize our increased strength and fitness acquired in the winter months to fine-tune our rowing skills for the competition schedule beginning in March.
HOW MUCH TIME DO YOU SPEND PRACTICING EACH WEEK?
Depending on your position on our team, training takes between 10 and 15 hours per week. We practice on the water every weekday morning, and rowers have strength and conditioning training two or three afternoons per week.WHAT KIND OF ATHLETE ARE WE LOOKING FOR?
There are two positions in rowing: the coxswain (pronounced cox-sin) and the rower. Both positions require individuals who are competitive in nature and have the desire to challenge themselves and others both athletically and mentally. Rowers tend to be tall. The most successful rowers are generally over 5-foot-10. But, the key ingredient to a great rower is determination and competitiveness.
No prior rowing experience is required to participate in rowing. In fact, 95 percent of the current team did not row prior to college. Most of the athletes we recruit to row participated in basketball, volleyball, swimming, track and field or soccer in high school. Tall athletes with a strong competitive drive make great rowers.
Typically the coxswain has a light, lean body and is willing to learn a new and demanding skill set. It is uncommon to have an experienced coxswain on the novice team. Coaches are aware of this and teach you everything you need to know to become a good leader in the boat. Your responsibilities include steering, motivating your teammates, helping the rowers make technical changes and executing the race or practice plan. Coxswains can vary in height and the weight range is between 110-115 pounds.
