Why Row?
Do I need rowing experience to join?
No. Most of our rowers had never held an oar before their first practice. Our coaches teach everything from the ground up, starting with how to hold an oar and moving step by step to racing.
Freshmen through seniors can start from scratch and still compete in the high school season. Our coaches will meet middle schoolers where they’re at. And adults? Our small group focus means you get a lot of attention and time on the water.
I already play another sport in high school. Can I still row?
Yes, and rowing can make you better at it. Rowing builds leg, core, and aerobic strength and is easy on the joints, so it's a great second sport for swimmers, runners, volleyball players, and softball players.
Many athletes row in their other sport's off-season or start with summer camp. And, of course, we’ve had athletes fall in love with rowing, making it their primary sport.
What if I'm not tall or I don’t have a lot of athletic experience?
Every body has a place in a boat. Rowers in the middle seats, often called the "engine room," bring raw power. The bow seats need balance and precise technique to keep the boat steady. The stroke seat sets the rhythm the whole crew follows. And the coxswain, often the smallest person on the team, steers the boat, calls the race strategy, and keeps everyone focused.
Our coaches help every athlete find the seat that suits them best.
Can rowing help me get into college?
It can. Women's rowing is an NCAA championship sport, and many Division I programs can now offer athletic aid to every rower on the roster. For girls and boys alike, rowing experience shows colleges discipline, teamwork, and commitment, and it stands out on applications.
Through our partner program at Northville High School, rowers in recent years have gone on to row at the University of Washington, the U.S. Naval Academy, Old Dominion University, and the University of Pennsylvania.
Where do we race?
High school rowers typically race right here at home. Kensington Metropark's Kent Lake hosts the Midwest and Michigan State Scholastic Championships on the Kathryn Bennett Race Course, so most spring regattas take place in our own backyard. That means less travel for families and plenty of chances for friends to come cheer.
Our high school teams try to make one head race each fall out of state - previous years have included trips to Columbus and Chicago. Top rowers have the opportunity to race at Head of the Hooch in Chattanooga, Tennessee each November - this includes adult rowers. During spring break, we train in Oak Ridge, Tennessee alongside top collegiate programs. All out-of-state trips are optional.
Do you have programs for adults?
Yes! Rowing is a lifelong sport, and it's never too late to start. Our adult program welcomes complete beginners, former rowers getting back on the water, and parents who want to see what their kids love about it. You'll get a full-body workout that's easy on the joints, coaching at your own pace, and peaceful evenings on Kent Lake with a crew of new friends.