Girls' Crew

Prospective Student Questionnaire

Blair Girls' Crew FAQs

The following questions and answers are intended to share information about Blair crew; the questions presented are the ones raised most often by prospective students who are considering rowing in the spring.

When does the crew season begin and end?

Crew is mainly a spring sport beginning at the end of February on campus with the regular season ending in the middle of May. We have a smaller Fall Program designed to give our more experienced athletes a chance to practice their skills in singles, one of the most technical boats in our sport. Furthermore, we have a winter season designed to develop athletes who are trying to compete in the top boats and, but our main season begins with our spring trip to Austin, Texas. We end after the Stotesbury Regatta, although select crews may compete at the SRAA National Championships and USRowing Youth Nationals.

Is experience necessary?

Most of the students who join Blair crew have little or no experience prior to their first season. One of the best parts about the sport of rowing is the existence of a separate 'novice' category of racing, for those who have never rowed before. While some first-year athletes are skilled enough to compete for varsity seats, every first-year rower is guaranteed a race against other novice opponents. All students interested in rowing, regardless of experience, are encouraged to fill out the Prospective Student Questionnaire.

What is the general make-up of the team?

The team comprises two groups: novice girls, and varsity girls. We have roughly 30 athletes combined in a given year.

Where do you practice?

We have an indoor training room located in the main gymnasium on campus, in NJ, and we will soon move into our own rowing center on Park Street where we will have our own eight-person scull/sweep tank. We use land-based rowing machines (Concept 2 Static and Concept 2 Dynamics) to teach basic stroke technique and to increase strength and fitness. In the winter, we also have access to our school’s weight room, which we take advantage of two times per week. Our outdoor facility is located on Lake Paulinskill, which is about a 15-minute bus ride from campus.

When do we practice?

We practice after classes each day. In the fall and spring, the team meets at the buses and heads out to the river. Practice runs until dinnertime. In the winter, we practice on campus.

How long are the workouts?

The team works out five days a week for two hours each day. One day each week, we race against opponents in the Mid-Atlantic Prep League (MAPL) and throughout the Northeast. Basically, we expect the team to row six days a week.

Are there any morning workouts?

No. 

How many races occur during the season?

Generally, we have eight competitions during the spring season. If you are part of the novice team, you will race in five to six of these events; as a varsity member, you will race in as many as possible. A successful regular season will earn the opportunity to race at SRAAs and USRowing Youth Nationals.

What types of championship regattas are possible?

Blair crew attends the Mercer Sprints Regatta, SRAA Garden States Regatta, the Cooper Cup, and the Mid-Atlantic Championships. In addition, the members of the MAPL hold a championship race near the end of the spring. The Blair crew season culminates at the Stotesbury Regatta, where we race against the very best crews from all over the United States and Canada. The top finishers at these regattas have the possibility of continuing at SRAA Scholastic Nationals as well as USRowing Youth Nationals in June. 

Why row?

It’s a total experience that immerses you. Here are just a few more reasons:

Rowers are the toughest, most determined athletes you will meet!

• Rowing is for EVERYONE. Your height and size don't matter. If you are interested in us, we are interested in you.

• It does not matter if you have never played sports before or have never heard of rowing; we will teach you everything you need to know.

• Rowing works all muscle groups. It is a sport that demands endurance, strength and skill. 

• It requires consummate teamwork and mental toughness.

• Many universities offer scholarships for women’s rowing. Rowing is a growing sport on college campuses. 

• Blair crew has FUN. We feel that by rowing, you become not just a better athlete, but a better student and person as well.

• The team experience forms very close friendships and helps everyone grow dramatically as people. You learn a sense of responsibility toward your boat mates and team, and this transfers to all aspects of life.