A team of female rowers in a boat, competing in a rowing race on a body of water.

THE LONG BEACH

EXPERIENCE

Find out more below!

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Row with Beach. Build strength, discipline, and lifelong friendships.

Whether you’ve never picked up an oar or you’re a seasoned athlete, our open-door team welcomes anyone ready to challenge themselves. Rowing here means elite coaching, national-level competition, and a community that pushes you to become your best self.

FAQs

Getting Started

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  • Any full-time student at CSULB is eligible to row, regardless of major, year, or athletic background. We welcome undergraduates, graduate students, and transfer students who want to be part of a competitive, close-knit team. International students are also encouraged to join. Eligibility is subject to ACRA standards.

    Athletes of all sizes are welcome!

  • Recruiting happens at the beginning of each semester, with our largest intake in the fall. But, we welcome athletes at all times of the year. New members are introduced during Recruits Orientation, where you’ll meet the team, tour the boathouse, and try rowing for the first time. No matter the time of year, fill out the recruit form using the link above & come out to the boathouse to join for a practice.

  • Start by filling out our online interest form using the link above. Once you’ve signed up, we’ll invite you to orientation and your first practice. No equipment is needed at the start — we’ll provide what you need. If you are in need of a more immediate answer, contact the coaches directly on the coaches page.

  • We have two roles: rowers and coxswains. Rowers power the boat and work together in perfect rhythm, while coxswains steer, motivate, and lead strategy during practices and races. Both are essential to the crew’s success, and no prior experience is required.

You belong at Beach Crew

Join Now!

You belong at Beach Crew Join Now!

Commitment & Schedule

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  • The team practices most weekday mornings at the boathouse, with additional afternoon sessions for strength training. On weekends during racing season, you can expect regattas or longer practices. While it’s a consistent commitment, the routine quickly becomes second nature and creates a strong sense of discipline and teamwork.

  • Yes. Many of our athletes juggle full course loads, part-time jobs, and other campus involvement while rowing. The structure of practices helps students stay organized, and our coaching staff emphasizes academic success as much as athletic performance. Time management becomes one of the most valuable skills you’ll gain.

  • Rowing requires semester dues that cover coaching, equipment, and facility use. There may be additional expenses for team apparel and travel to regattas, but the program works to keep costs affordable. Alumni support and fundraising help reduce the financial burden for student-athletes. Additionally, opportunities for scholarships and fundraising are available for talented athletes.

  • Beach Crew is funded through a combination of member dues, alumni donations, and team fundraising. These resources help pay for equipment maintenance, regatta travel, and operating expenses — ensuring that the program remains accessible while maintaining competitive standards.

Be a part of a legacy

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Be a part of a legacy Join Now!

Competition & Progression

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  • Novice rowers typically begin racing within their first semester, often at local regattas in the fall. As you gain experience, you’ll compete in larger spring races, where both novice and varsity crews line up against programs from across the region.

  • Novice squads are made up of first-year rowers who are new to the sport. This is where you’ll learn technique, teamwork, and racing fundamentals. Varsity squads are for returning athletes and more experienced rowers, who train and compete at a higher level against established collegiate crews.

  • Beach Crew races in the Western Intercollegiate Rowing Association (WIRA) conference and regularly competes against strong programs across California and the West Coast. Crews travel for regional and national regattas, testing themselves against some of the fastest collegiate teams in the country.

  • Our program’s goals are twofold: to develop student-athletes into disciplined, resilient leaders and to compete at the highest possible level of collegiate rowing. From novices learning their first stroke to varsity boats racing for medals, every crew contributes to building a culture of excellence.