The Struggles in Recrewting

By Ariana Gastelum

Women’s Team President

Convincing people to try rowing can be so frustrating. So many people show up to one or two practices thinking they are going to learn everything that day and then decide if they want to continue. That’s not the case at all.

I would say to understand the bare minimum of the sport, you would have to attend at least two weeks of practice. The jargon will not make sense at first; the movements will feel awkward. No one ever starts out as a natural. Sure, there are fast learners, but that doesn’t mean you are never going to catch a crab or tweak your back. In fact, it could take several months until you’re considered “pretty good.”

However, the fact that it takes so long to learn can work in our advantage. The sport requires so much dedication that only motivated people can pursue it. You can’t get away with missing practices, staying up late, eating poorly or frequently drinking because everyone will know. The 2k-test doesn’t lie.

Not only are you learning how to regularly exercise and work in a group, you are learning time management, and you are pushing yourself to limits that you didn’t know were possible. Plus, you’re surrounding yourself with other motivated, committed individuals that want you to succeed because it will help the whole boat. Once you do commit, everyone needs you. It’s not just a sport; it’s a lifestyle.