No. Over 90% of collegiate rowers did not have any experience prior to joining their team. In fact, at most races there are separate events for those with less than one year of experience.
Why is the Sacramento State Aquatic Center one of the best places to row in the US?
The Sacramento State Aquatic Center is one of the best rowing facilities in the country because it has the combination of multi-million dollar facilities, fantastic year round weather, and the long, protected waters of Lake Natoma.
The facilities include rowing specific training equipment, weight room, locker room and showers. Lake Natoma is really the star attraction for our facility. The entire lake is surrounded by state park property which keeps the
rest of the world from infringing on its waters. It is because of Lake Natoma that Sacramento State hosts most of the major rowing races in the Western US, and why we have hosted the NCAA national championship more than any other facility.
Where is the Sacramento State Aquatic Center?
The Sacramento State Aquatic Center is located 15 minutes from Campus on Lake Natoma at 1901 Hazel Ave., Rancho Cordova. (See Satelite Map or get Driving Directions)
When/Where is practice?
We practice M-F 6am-8:30am at the Sacramento State Aquatic Center. (See next FAQ.)
Why do you practice so early?
We practice in the early morning for several reasons. The water conditions are always the best of the entire day at that time. Many days we cause the only ripples on the entire 4 mile length of Lake Natoma. By finishing practice by 8:30 you can continue with the rest of you day without interruption having already done more work than most people do all day. Since we live in the Sacramento Area the air quality and average temperature are better in the early morning.
What should I bring/wear to practice?
You will want to come in clothes you can workout in and shoes to run in. You
usually want to wear a couple of layers of clothes. (ie a sweatshirt or long sleeve shirt and
T-shirt) so that you can stay warm/cool once we start our workout.
Is there a certain level of fitness required before joining the team?
Rowing is a highly competitive sport and your fitness level plays the largest factor
in your success on the team. That being said, if you are interested it is always better
to get to your desired fitness level while training with the team. Rowing uses more major
muscle groups than any other sporting activity. It is more important to be mental prepared to
train hard than to show up already very fit. Rowing done right is one of the hardest things
you will ever do, but also most rewarding.
What is a Coxswain?
A Coxswain is the person who directs the boat, either sitting in the stern or reclining in the bow. They act as the on-the-water coach and steer person (has no oar).
The Sacramento State Men's Rowing Team is always looking for people (Male or Female), around 120 lbs, who likes to be competitive and can think on their feet. The Coxswain seat in a boat can
be the most important during a racing situation. In fact the rules of racing specify that they Coxswain
must still be in the boat when it crosses the finish line, meaning that any of the rowers could fall out
of the boat (this happens but only rarely) but as long as the Coxswain is still in the boat the race will count.
Are there traveling commitments?
Because we have one of the best rowing venues in the western United States. We host many of the major races. We do, however, travel to local and bay area events several times a year, we usually have 2 Southern California trips a year, plus our week long houseboat/training camp on Shasta Lake each spring.
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