Rowing is one of the last true “walk-on” sports across the country. Anyone who wants to work hard, can work hard, or wants to learn how to, can excel at this sport. So few people have rowing experience when they come to college that the playing field is very level. You will not be the only person who at first doesn’t know what they are doing!
If you are not in shape when you join, you will be when you leave!
If you are curious enough in crew to be looking at this page, you should give it a try. You come with the interest and we’ll take care of the rest.
Here are some frequent questions we get from people interested in rowing.
I don’t want to get up early. Should I read more?
YES! The majority of our practice times are in the evening. Practices are from 6:30PM – 8:45PM, M – F, and in the later morning or early afternoon on Saturdays. Have a class at that time once or twice a week? No problem! So do we. We’ll work it out.
Who can row?
Any undergraduate student can compete.* If you want to work hard, have fun, and stay healthy in one of the oldest clubs at SU and the oldest intercollegiate sport in the US, join crew. *Certain NCAA-inflicted restrictions apply.
Where do we practice?
We row out of the Seattle Rowing Center on the Fremont Cut, just East of the Ballard Bridge. Our home water extends from the Ballard Locks to Lake Washington, with many miles of row-able water, all with incredible Pacific NW views. This area is one of the most diverse (rowing and otherwise) areas in the Northwest.
Who do we race?
Some of our local competition include Western Washington University, Washington State University, Seattle Pacific University, University of Puget Sound, Pacific Lutheran University, Portland State, University of Portland, Willamette University, Lewis and Clark, University of Oregon, Humboldt State University and Pacific University. Our list of competitors expands when we travel to California and across the country for our regional and national competitions.
Where do we race?
We have races in Washington, Oregon, California, and across the country.
What conferences are we in?
We are members of the Western Intercollegiate Rowing Association (WIRA) and the American Collegiate Rowing Association (ACRA).
When are the races?
Races are usually on Saturday mornings, with the occasional Sunday race, and we generally make it back to Seattle by Saturday afternoon for regional events. WIRAs and ACRAs are longer trips, to CA and Georgia, respectively. Our racing seasons are in the Fall and Spring, with longer races in the fall and sprint racing in the spring.
Do you have scholarships?
At the club level we do not offer scholarships, and each member is expected to do his or her part to support themselves through dues and fundraising activities. However, we provide ample opportunities to meet those financial commitments. We want you to row!
What are the membership dues?
Talk to your respective captain for current dues and other involved costs.
Do you make cuts?
No! Crew has almost no upper limit on number of participants. The hard work and degree of dedication expected from the student-athlete generally has the same effect as cuts.
Can I row in a single at SU?
Rowing at Seattle University is a team sport, so for races and most practices we will concentrate on boats of eight, four, and two.
Interested in joining? Want to learn more? Contact us!