Washington State University Men's Crew

2007 Palouse Community Rowing

     Rowing is a sport that can only truly be appreciated by being in a boat with oar in hand. I figure that you wouldn't be looking at this website if there wasn't already a calling inside of you to try this sport. So let's get you down to the boathouse this summer and answer that call!

     Many of us have been deprived of ever having the opportunity to row. It can be an elusive sport; maybe one quick glimpse of a crew on TV every 10 years, and maybe you once met someone who rowed in college. One of the biggest limitations can quite simply be that if there is no water, then there is no rowing. Now is your chance to seize this opportunity. We are blessed to have such a wonderful place to row on. The Snake River is truly majestic and has been very kind to us with its countless number of calm days and endless miles of water.

     Rowers are famous for getting up at 4:45 AM in the cold, dark morning, because they will let nothing get in the way of their passion for crew. Now it's your turn. But instead of waking at the crack of dawn, we'll row in the evenings during the week. If you get off work at 5:00 PM, yes, you will have to hustle to get to practice on time, but that's only 2 times a week. Ask a friend or coworker to do it with you. What a memorable experience you will both have to talk about. You can carpool to the boathouse together as well. Try asking your boss if you can rework your schedule and get off a bit early when you have crew. And, you will meet so many cool people who are as friendly and outgoing as you. Where would you rather work out this summer, in a gym or on the water?

     Why is rowing so awesome? Part of its allure is surely that you are on the water. Also, I don't think you could design a better team sport if you tried. It requires balance, timing, technique, strength and endurance, speed and mental tenacity. It will challenge you from your first stroke until your last. It's a non-impact sport that you can do competitively well into your 80's. Just last weekend my friend raced in a masters regatta, and one of the guys was mid-80's. In my experience, a majority of the participants are always women. The ages have been very diverse, typically ranging 18-65 years of age. Time and time again, I have seen rowers richly rewarded for their team efforts with deep camaraderie and friendship. Many lifelong friendships have been forged in the boat. And it's fun!

     I will coach you the same way that I coach my college athletes. But don't worry, I won't make you run "The Grade," (the precipitous six mile hill that leads to and from the boathouse from Pullman). In rowing, you have to learn the skills properly before you can pull hard. It's a gradual process and one that anyone can develop. We'll be learning sweep rowing, which is the classic team style of crew in which each rower has one oar. We'll row in 8-person (and 4's) shells which are property of the WSU Men's Crew. Do you need to be in great shape now? No, but you should be able to lift a 35# object from floor to overheads with proper lifting technique. The 8-person shells are almost 60 feet long and need to be handled properly. And you should have basic swim skills. I have never had a boat flip over in my LTR programs, but there is always that possibility. If you aren't comfortable in water, you are welcome to wear a low profile inflatable life vest, though this is not commonly done. Your safety is our number one concern. And because this is a water sport, all participants will be required to pass a basic swim test prior to going on the water.

     There isn't much time before these programs are underway. So don't delay in getting your registration taken care of. Enrollment is on a first come basis. This program will be coached with a lot of patience and enthusiasm. If you bring the same, you will learn so much and improve so quickly you won't believe it. In addition to the coaching staff working with you from motorized safety launches, the Learn To Row and Junior programs will have members of WSU Cougar Crew as coxswains, acting as your own additional onboard coach.

     Many of you will already have some commitment(s) on your calendar that you can't get out of. Don't let that stop you. Obviously if you are only at practice half the time, you'll get behind and slow your crew down, but if you can make most or all of them, then it's simply a matter of letting me know your conflicts. I look forward to seeing you down at the water. Please feel free to contact me so we can get any questions that you may have out of the way.

Arthur Ericsson, WSU Men's Rowing Varsity Coach

Schedule and Information
CLICK TO ENLARGE!

Junior Registration Form
CLICK TO ENLARGE!

Adult Registration Form
CLICK TO ENLARGE!