New to Rowing?

Rowing is a unique sport that combines endurance, strength, teamwork, and technical skill. Athletes propel a long, narrow boat, called a shell, through the water using oars while working together in perfect synchronization.

Unlike many sports, rowing is a true full-body workout. The legs generate most of the power, while the core and upper body transfer that power into the oar, making it one of the most effective forms of total-body exercise.

Rowing offers opportunities for athletes of all experience levels. Whether you're looking to compete, improve your fitness, challenge yourself, or become part of a supportive team, rowing provides an environment where everyone can grow. Success isn't determined by individual talent alone—it's built through trust, communication, discipline, and a shared commitment to moving the boat as one crew.

At TCYRC, we believe rowing develops more than great athletes. It builds confidence, resilience, leadership, and friendships that last well beyond the finish line.

There are two disciplines in rowing:

Sweep Rowing

Each athlete rows with one oar, either on the port (left) or starboard (right) side of the boat.

Sweep boats include:

• Pair (2-) – Two rowers, no coxswain

• Coxed Pair (2+) – Two rowers with a coxswain

• Four (4-) – Four rowers, no coxswain

• Coxed Four (4+) – Four rowers with a coxswain

• Eight (8+) – Eight rowers and one coxswain

The eight is the fastest and most iconic boat in rowing.

Sculling

Each athlete rows with two oars, one in each hand.

Sculling boats include:

• Single (1x) – One rower

• Double (2x) – Two rowers

• Quad (4x) – Four rowers

A coxswain (pronounced “cox-in”) is the athlete who steers the boat, directs the crew, and helps the rowers perform at their best. While coxswains are often smaller in stature, being a coxswain is about much more than size. Great coxswains are confident communicators, strong leaders, quick thinkers, and highly coachable teammates.

Coxswains play a critical role in both the safety and performance of the crew.

What does a coxswain do?

• Safety: Responsible for the safety of the crew and the boat.

• Steering & Navigation: Steers the shell and safely navigates the water and racing course.

• Communication: Gives clear commands, technical feedback, and race calls to the crew.

• Crew Coordination: Helps the rowers stay synchronized and work together to move the boat efficiently.

• Race Strategy: Monitors the race, competitors, conditions, and course while making strategic decisions during competition.

• Situational Awareness: Keeps track of other boats, obstacles, traffic, and changing conditions to help keep everyone safe.

• Leadership: Serves as the connection between the coach and crew and helps bring the team's race plan to life.

Do you have to be small to be a coxswain?

Not necessarily. While coxswains are traditionally smaller than rowers, leadership, communication, decision-making, and boat-moving ability are much more important than height or weight.

We need coxswains on our team! If you enjoy leading, communicating, competing, and being at the center of the action, coxing could be the perfect role for you.

What are some common rowing terms I should know?

If you're new to rowing, you'll quickly hear a few terms repeated at practice and regattas. Here are some of the most common:

Blade: The flat end of the oar that enters the water to propel the boat.

Bow: The front of the boat—the end that crosses the finish line first.

Catch: The moment the blade enters the water to begin each stroke.

Coxswain (Cox'n): The athlete who steers the boat, communicates with the crew, and directs race strategy.

Crab: When an oar gets caught in the water, disrupting the stroke.

Drive: The power phase of the stroke, where the legs, body, and arms work together to move the boat.

Erg (Ergometer): An indoor rowing machine used for training and fitness testing.

Feather: Rotating the blade so it is parallel to the water during the recovery.

Finish (Release): The end of the drive when the blade exits the water.

Port: The left side of the boat when facing the bow.

Recovery: The phase between strokes when the rower returns to the catch position.

Rating (SPM): Strokes Per Minute | the number of rowing strokes taken each minute.

Rigger: The metal framework that extends from the boat to hold the oarlock.

Seat: A rower's position in the boat, numbered from Bow Seat (1) to Stroke Seat.

Shell: A racing rowing boat.

Slide: The rail the rowing seat moves along during each stroke.

Square: Turning the blade so it is vertical and ready to enter the water.

Starboard: The right side of the boat when facing the bow.

Stroke Seat: The rower closest to the stern who sets the rhythm and timing for the crew.

Swing: The feeling of perfect rhythm and synchronization when the entire crew moves together efficiently.

What terms will I hear most often?

During your first few weeks, you'll probably hear coaches use commands like:

• "Ready all, row!" – Begin rowing.

• "Square early." – Rotate the blade to the vertical position before entering the water.

• "Sit up." – Maintain strong posture.

• "Legs first." – Drive with the legs before opening the body.

• "Hands away." – Move the hands away quickly after the finish.

• "Body over." – Hinge forward from the hips to prepare for the next stroke.

• "Power 10!" – Ten strong, coordinated strokes together.

• "Let it run." – Allow the boat to glide efficiently between strokes.

Don't worry if you don't know every term right away. Like any sport, rowing has its own language, and you'll learn it quickly by getting on the water and practicing with your crew.

Rowing practice is active, so athletes should wear comfortable, fitted athletic clothing that allows them to move freely without getting caught on the equipment.

For warm weather, rowers should wear:

• T-shirt or fitted moisture-wicking shirt

• Tight-fitting shorts, spandex, or rowing trou — no long or baggy basketball-style shorts

• Athletic socks

• Sneakers or training shoes

• Sunglasses

• Hat or visor

When the weather is cooler, athletes should layer with fitted, moisture-wicking clothing such as a long-sleeve shirt, tights, wool socks, cap, and other appropriate cold-weather gear. Avoid loose clothing that can get caught in the boat or equipment.

Team Practice Gear

TCYRC athletes are expected to practice in team practice gear or team colors: navy, orange, and white. Each season, athletes will have the opportunity to purchase a team practice-gear package that provides the core clothing needed for practices and helps create a consistent team identity.

The goal is simple: dress for movement, dress for the weather, and look like a team.

Yes! We have many athletes who row for part of the year and participate in another sport during the rest of the year. Athletes may take a break from TCYRC to play sports such as hockey, soccer, basketball, or other school and club sports.

Rowing is also an excellent form of cross-training. It develops full-body strength, cardiovascular endurance, power, and coordination while providing a low-impact alternative to many other sports.

We encourage athletes to be multi-sport athletes. You don't have to choose between rowing and another sport—you can use each sport to make you a better athlete.

Absolutely! Rowing is an excellent cross-training activity for athletes who participate in other sports. It develops cardiovascular endurance, full-body strength, power, and coordination while providing a low-impact alternative to activities such as running and jumping.

Why athletes from other sports benefit from rowing:

• Low impact: Build fitness and endurance without the repetitive impact of running and jumping.

• Full-body strength: Rowing trains the legs, hips, core, back, and arms, helping athletes develop balanced strength.

• Cardiovascular fitness: Rowing is an excellent aerobic workout that can build endurance and improve overall conditioning.

• Core and posterior-chain strength: Rowing develops the glutes, hamstrings, back, and core—areas that are important across nearly every sport.

• Power and coordination: Athletes learn to coordinate their entire body to produce force efficiently, an important skill that transfers to other sports.

Rowing can make you a better athlete—even if rowing isn't your primary sport. It is a great option for athletes looking to build fitness, strength, and athleticism while adding variety to their training.

At TCYRC, we're happy to work with multi-sport athletes and help them balance rowing with their other athletic commitments.

Rowing has two primary race formats: Sprint Racing in the spring and summer, and Head Racing in the fall.

Sprint Racing

Sprint races are side-by-side competitions where crews race in designated lanes from a standing start.

• Distance: Typically 2,000 meters for collegiate, international, and Olympic racing. Most youth races are 1,500 or 2,000 meters, depending on the event.

• Course: Straight course with 6–8 marked lanes.

• Start: All boats begin at the same time.

• Winner: The first boat to cross the finish line wins.

Sprint races emphasize explosive starts, sustained speed, and a strong finishing sprint. Because crews race directly against one another, these races are fast-paced and exciting for both athletes and spectators.

Head Racing

Head races are timed events typically held during the fall season.

• Distance: Usually 4,000–5,000 meters (approximately 2.5–3 miles).

• Course: Rivers or lakes with turns, bridges, and changing conditions.

• Start: Boats begin one at a time, usually 10–20 seconds apart.

• Winner: The crew with the fastest overall elapsed time wins.

Unlike sprint racing, head races are more like a time trial. Crews are racing the clock rather than lining up side-by-side, and success depends on endurance, steering, rhythm, and maintaining speed over a longer distance.

Which Format Does TCYRC Race?

TCYRC competes in both race formats.

• Fall Season: Head races that challenge endurance, boat handling, and teamwork over longer distances.

• Spring & Summer Seasons: Sprint races that focus on speed, power, and side-by-side competition.

Training throughout the year prepares athletes to succeed in both styles of racing while developing the complete skill set of a rower.

Regattas can be long days, and weather conditions can change quickly. Come prepared to spend several hours outside and be ready for both racing and waiting between events.

Rowers should bring:

• Appropriate rowing and weather gear for the forecast — layers are always a good idea

• Team racing uniform and practice gear as directed by coaches

• Sunscreen

• Sunglasses

• Water bottle

• Extra socks and a change of clothes, especially if conditions are wet or cold

• Any personal medications or items they may need throughout the day

Food and snacks: The team will provide snacks and food for athletes, so rowers generally do not need to pack their own meals. Athletes should still bring a water bottle and stay well hydrated throughout the day.

Parents and spectators should consider bringing:

• Lawn or folding chairs

• Sunscreen

• Sunglasses and a hat

• Layers and weather-appropriate clothing

• Snacks and drinks

• Binoculars — especially helpful for watching races from shore

Food options at regattas vary considerably by venue. Some race sites have concessions or food trucks, while others have very limited options, so spectators may want to bring their own food and drinks.

The best rule for regattas: check the weather, dress in layers, and be prepared to spend the day outside!

Absolutely! Parents, guardians, and family members are always welcome and encouraged to attend regattas. Having family and friends on the shoreline cheering for our athletes is an important part of the team experience.

For overnight regattas, TCYRC typically has at least one or two parent chaperones travel with the team. The coaching staff and designated chaperones help provide supervision and support for athletes throughout the trip.

For families traveling to regattas:

• Families are welcome to travel with the team or make their own travel arrangements.

• When possible, TCYRC will provide information about team hotel blocks that are available to athletes and their families.

• Families are welcome to stay at the team hotel or choose any other hotel that works best for them.

• Parents and family members are encouraged to attend races, cheer from the shoreline, and participate in the team atmosphere.

Regattas are one of the best ways to experience rowing—come cheer loud, wear your TCYRC colors, and be part of the team!

Travel arrangements vary depending on the distance, location, and number of athletes attending each regatta. TCYRC works to make team travel as organized and straightforward as possible for athletes and families.

Local and regional regattas

Depending on the regatta and the number of athletes attending, TCYRC may rent a bus or van to transport rowers to and from the regatta. These transportation costs are typically included in the regatta fee.

Rowers may also:

• Ride with their parents or guardians.

• Ride with another TCYRC rower’s family with parent/guardian permission.

• Make another approved transportation arrangement, provided the Head Coach is notified in advance.

Traveling to farther-away regattas

For regattas that require air travel, parents are responsible for booking their rower’s flights based on arrival and departure windows provided by the coaching staff.

To coordinate travel, coaches will provide a team travel spreadsheet where families enter:

• Flight information and arrival/departure times

• Whether a parent or other family member will be attending the regatta

• Any other relevant travel information

Coaches typically provide suggested arrival and departure windows. Families can then choose flights that fit those windows. Because many athletes are traveling at similar times, we often find that most of the team ends up on a small number of flights—for example, several athletes may be on the same Delta flight, with a few others traveling on Southwest or another airline.

What happens when we arrive?

If a parent or guardian is attending the regatta, they will generally be responsible for getting their rower from the airport to the hotel. If their arrival coincides with the team’s arrival, the rower may be able to ride with the team in the rented transportation.

If a parent is not attending, the coaches and parent chaperones coordinate airport pickups using the travel spreadsheet. Depending on arrival times, this may mean:

• A coach or chaperone takes an early group to the hotel while another adult waits for later arrivals.

• A coach or chaperone returns to the airport for athletes arriving later.

• Multiple athletes arriving at similar times are grouped together for transportation.

What if my rower is traveling without a parent?

TCYRC makes every effort to ensure athletes are accounted for throughout the travel process. With the number of athletes, parents, coaches, and chaperones typically attending our larger regattas, there are often TCYRC adults traveling on the same flights as athletes who are flying without their parents.

When that isn't the case, the coaching staff has the athlete's flight information and arrival time and will coordinate for a coach or designated parent chaperone to meet the athlete at the airport.

The key is communication. Families should enter accurate travel information in the team spreadsheet and notify the Head Coach of any changes. This allows the coaching staff and chaperones to build an organized transportation plan and make sure every athlete has a plan for getting to and from the regatta.

TCY works hard to keep rowing as affordable as possible for athletes and families. Like many youth sports, rowing has costs associated with specialized equipment, coaching, facility upkeep, and travel to competitions. We want families to understand where those costs come from, what TCY does to keep them as low as possible, and what families can expect to spend.

Different TCY Rowing Programs and Costs: Introductory/Learn-to-Row/Middle School and Competitive Team

1. Introductory, Learn-to-Row, and Middle School programs

   Introductory, learn-to-row, and middle school programs are lower commitment & cost options to learn the sport. These athletes do not race in regattas (coaches’ can make exceptions for 8th grade athletes) and don’t buy uniforms or shoes.

2. Competitive team, mostly high school students, including “novices” who are first year rowers

   The competitive team, including novices, that trains up to 6 days a week and races in regattas in spring, summer, and fall seasons requires a larger investment - outlined in more detail below.

What Drives Costs

• Equipment: Rowing requires specialized equipment that is shared across the team. A new eight-seat boat can cost between $40,000 and $50,000, individual oars cost around $500, and indoor training ergometers cost about $1,000 each.

• Operations: Registration fees help TCY cover coaching salaries, rent for indoor training facility and weight room, insurance, boat storage, equipment maintenance, and repairs, safety launches and other day-to-day operating costs.

• Travel: Regattas can involve significant expenses, including entry fees, boat transportation, buses or flights, hotels and team meals.

TCY Tries to Keep Costs as Low as Possible

• Pre-planning: TCY maps out which regattas we plan to attend well in advance, and is working to secure group airline tickets, and bus and hotel contracts as early as possible to keep costs as low as possible.

• Grants: TCY applies for local grants each year to secure matching funds for equipment purchases. For example, a local park district grant covered 50 percent of the cost of one of the team launches.

• Alumni Support: TCY continues to be fortunate to have active alumni who provide financial support to the team in the form of cash donations to support financial assistance and equipment needs.

• Year-Round Fundraising: TCY athletes participate in fundraisers throughout the year to raise money that goes directly to support rowers’ equipment and other related costs.

• Volunteers: We also rely on parent volunteers to take on various supporting roles for the team. For example, our parents drive our boats to regattas, secure group travel by bus or airline, and coordinate group hotel rates & catered meals - all to keep dollar costs down. 

• Corporate sponsorship: TCY is just kicking off its corporate sponsorship effort; if you want to help lead this or donate to it, please contact head coach Cory Conzemius.

• Financial Aid:  Need-based financial assistance is available to eligible families to help reduce financial barriers to participation. We encourage families who may need assistance to reach out to financialaid@tcyrc.org to learn more about available options and the application process.

What Are Typical TCY Competitive Team Rowing Costs?

Competitive Season Registration: $600-800

• Fees cover registration, coaching, programming 6 days a week, equipment and facility use.

Uniforms: approximately $400 (starting in 2027)*

• The full-year uniform package includes regatta and practice uniforms, winter and summer base layer shirt and shorts/pants options, and cool weather layers.

• The uniform is used for practices and competitions throughout the year, and can be used multiple years.

• Athletes who outgrow their uniform or leave the sport can resell gear (value depends on condition) back to TCY or other TCY athletes.

Rowing Shoes: approximately $165*

• Specific rowing shoes are an important piece of equipment because they are designed to work with the boats' quick-release foot-stretcher system. 

• TCY has secured a discounted price of approximately $165 per pair through a rowing-shoe provider.

• A well-maintained pair can potentially last all four years of high school.

• Athletes who outgrow their shoes or leave the sport can resell shoes (value depends condition) back to TCY or other TCY athletes.

*a requirement for competitive team athletes only; introductory and learn-to-row, and middle school athletes are not required to purchase uniforms or shoes or attend regattas

Regattas: Range From $500-$1,200 for Travel Regattas

• In addition to TCY registration fees, regattas have additional travel costs.

• Regattas requiring air travel generally cost approximately $500-$1,200 per athlete per regatta. This typically includes transportation, hotel stay, entry fees, and most meals for the athlete, as well as the costs associated with getting the team and its equipment to the competition.

• Regattas that require bus transport cost closer to $500-800 per regatta.

• TCY typically competes in 8-10 regattas per year in fall/spring/summer seasons, including 1 local regatta.

• Competitive team athletes, including novices, are highly encouraged to attend regattas - this is where all their training is seen in action.

• Competitive team athletes are not required to attend all regattas; communicate attendance plans with coaches as early as possible.

• Coaches are happy to talk with families about regatta participation and to help them understand the options and associated costs.

How Does Rowing Compare to Other Sports? 

• Equipment: Rowing is different from many sports because the most expensive equipment - boats, oars, launches, and training equipment - is owned and maintained by the team rather than purchased individually by each athlete/family.

  • Consider the equipment required for other sports: hockey players purchase skates, helmets, sticks, and protective equipment; soccer and football players need cleats and other gear; gymnasts and dancers require specialized clothing and equipment.

  • Rowers generally do not purchase their own boat or oars because of the significant cost and storage requirements. Instead, registration fees help TCY purchase, maintain and replace shared team equipment.

• Travel: Many competitive youth sports require teams to travel for tournaments and competitions, creating additional costs for transportation, lodging, meals, and registration.

• Value: TCY believes it is important to look at the cost per hour of participation. Rowers have access to practices on the water, an indoor facility for specialized erg and strength training, and other team activities up to six days a week for much of the year. When the total cost is considered against the amount of training and team experience an athlete receives, we believe rowing compares favorably with other competitive youth sports.